I look down the street and saw smiling faces, tuk tuks galore, and busy markets. From first glance I never would have guessed that Cambodia is a place that has endured so much suffering and brokenness because the people carry so much joy.
From 1975-1979 Cambodia endured a terrible genocide. Over 40 percent of the population was killed, many of these people being the wealthy and educated. Those who survived the genocide where many young children at the time. Now that these children have grown into adults many of them now have forever been scarred from the terrible torture and suffering they endured. Many of them also have a fear of educating their children because they fear if another genocide where to occur their children would be in greater danger. Since education is not valued many families with sell their young daughters into the sex industry.
Can you spot the 14 satellite dishes? In order to purchase these they had to sell their own daughter into the sex industry.
My team had the opportunity to visit Agape International Missions a ministry that is shining light of Jesus in a city that used to be filled with brothels. As I stood looking into the small room that use to be one of the biggest brothels in this city my heart dropped. My heart ached for the little girls who had been sold into the sex industry by their parents. I couldn’t even begin to imagine what these young innocent girls experienced. Some of the girls Agape has rescued where as young as 4 years old. I couldn’t even begin to wrap my mind around it.
The good news is although child trafficking is a a real problem in Cambodia there is hope. Agape has two rehabilitation homes for girls who have been rescued from the industry. They have also started a an employment center where families can work instead of selling their children for income. Agape has also started a ministry called The Lord Gym which is targeted towards the men in the village. They incorporate a devotional time into each workout and have seen many men grow in their walk with the Lord. Agape has also started an elementary school and employment training center for girls who have been rescued. The young girls and their families lives are being transformed daily by love and hope of Jesus Christ.
If you are interested in learning more about human trafficking and the amazing strides Agape is making for the Kingdom of God I would recommend you watch the documentary Nefarious. Please keep Agape in your prayers as they shine the love of Jesus to the community.
“You may choose to look the other way, but you can never say again that you did not know.” William Wilberforce
