These first 2 months have flown by and recently we have been feeling like life has been a bit of a whirlwind. We continue to lean on God for strength and wisdom in all that we do.
Here’s our summary of what God has accomplished through ZOE Thailand in 2022 within ZOE’s anti-trafficking framework of Prevention, Rescue and Restoration:
PREVENTION:
- 37 human trafficking awareness outreaches
- 5,009 attendees
In 2021, because of COVID restrictions and with schools/villages slow to open their doors, we were only able to do 8 outreaches with 689 attendees. Last year we saw activity levels headed almost back to normal. For 2023, our goal is to reach 7,500 children and adults, and we are receiving invitations to many new venues so far.
RESCUE:
- 13 children rescued and received at our ZOE Child Rescue Center (CRC)
- 10 children rescued who were at-risk and not trafficked, received into our long term care
- 69 children rescued where ZOE was a part of the rescue but the children were received elsewhere
- 10 children with open cases currently residing at the CRC
At the CRC, ZOE’s short-term facility, children stay with us until their cases are closed. Now that travel restrictions have been entirely lifted, and government entities are currently running at full force, we are working on new cases that will result in the rescue of children.
RESTORATION:
- 40 children currently residing at our long term care
- 25 children exited ZOE (their cases have closed, or they have “graduated” from ZOE)
- 67 former ZOE children under the care of ZOE’s City Center transitional ministry
We were excited to see 13 of our children’s cases closed and to see them return to their families, and another 12 become of age and are out into the real world. We love ZOE’s philosophy that any child who comes through ZOE is part of the ZOE family for life. In December 2022, we participated in a Christmas celebration with over 100 people in attendance–including our former ZOE children along with their friends and family.
GOSPEL:
- 25 Gospel outreaches through our ZOE Leadership Training (ZLT)
- 1,003 who received Jesus at these outreach events
ZLT is a separate entity within ZOE, offering a 2-year training program for high school graduates, building them up to become leaders within their communities. They are the tip of the spear in ZOE’s work of proclaiming the good news of Jesus in Thailand. We believe that only through the love of God will child trafficking truly become extinguished as broken people and broken families experience His healing.
They say a picture is worth a thousand words, and these photos will give you a glimpse into some of the work mentioned above:
Simpson went on a number of outreaches with our PREVENTION team. Also, there were many partnering organizations visiting in the last couple months and we are thankful for time to connect with them and show them all that is happening at ZOE Thailand.
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We are so very grateful for your prayers and support. I wrote the story below for our Quarterly report from my personal experience and perspective.
In the first week that this toddler came to us, it just so happened that I was also helping at church in the same Sunday School class this child attended. The child sat cuddled in our ZOE parent’s lap, turned in, clinging to her and all I heard for the entirety of the class was this child’s soft whimpering. It broke my heart. It was soft and constant and I knew in the core of my being that it was birthed from fear, uncertainty and all the new sights and sounds and experiences. The child was not crying, no tears came down that sweet anxious face – just that constant whimper. All I could do was pray.
Some of our rescued children have not yet been trafficked, they were in danger of being trafficked and in high risk situations. Perhaps they have been orphaned or parents and relatives are not able to care for them and this puts them at risk. It’s been many years since we have had very young children come to us. But what we share here is a glimpse into what a loving family and safe environment can do in the span of just a few months.
Then last month at our ZOE family Christmas celebration, I watched this same child smiling, laughing and playing. I watched as this child walked in confidence and strength unafraid of anything. The walk was really more of a strut. I had to laugh and smile. It was beautiful. This child so beautifully transformed in just a few months. I have seen this kind of confidence and security in other children. Children who are secure and know that they are loved have this confidence.
I thank God for the loving moms and siblings and family this child is surrounded with. Thank you for your support of ZOE’s work. Because that is how we can love and support these precious gifts into the fullness of life God has promised them.
Please continue to pray with and for us:
- The smoky season here in Chiang Mai. The pollution in the air has been difficult on our health.
- Our continuing to grow in our relationship and protection over our marriage and that we would be unified in purpose and spirit.
- Our newly rescued youth, for their healing, restoration and recovery.
- Xtreme 4 camp for youth happening in May. Kingdom Life Church (our church here) has been praying for and planning this event for a few years. We are praying that this will be catalyst for revival in Thailand.
- For the expanding work of ZOE Thailand. We are in need of more staff in different areas.
- Pray for ZOE International’s work around the world – for continued provision, more children rescued and more people reached with the Gospel.
