I recently returned from the Philippines, where we trained 20 Filipino men and women to lead human trafficking prevention training sessions across the country. One of the driving factors behind that trip stemmed from an interaction that occurred when Darren, the HOPE61 global director, traveled there in January.
As Darren and his teammate Mark shared about HOPE61 and their passion for equipping the church to prevent human trafficking, Pastor Willy became emotional. With tears in his eyes, he said, “I wish you had come sooner.”
Pastor Willy went on to tell them story after story about people he knew who had left the Philippines for jobs abroad, only to be tricked, exploited, and trafficked for labor. Some never came home. Others returned with deep wounds and heartbreaking stories. Hearing his words and seeing the pain behind them lit a fire in the HOPE61 team.
So, when Darren and I returned to the Philippines with a small team in May, one of our goals was to equip leaders like Pastor Willy to address this huge problem. We trained 20 Filipino trainers, including Pastor Willy and his wife, to lead our one-day human trafficking prevention training, ENGAGE, across the country.
Just weeks after I returned home, I received an encouraging update. Pastor Willy is already in action. Not only is he planning to lead ENGAGE trainings, but he has also set aside 30 minutes after every Sunday service to share what he learned with his congregation.
I’m overwhelmed by the dedication, urgency, and sacrifice of the people we trained—and of the leaders of the organizations they represent. They see the connection between human trafficking prevention and reaching their communities with the hope and saving knowledge of Jesus. It’s inspiring to watch God raise up people willing to step into this fight and be part of the solution.
