I’m an early riser. I am usually out of bed anywhere from 3:00 to 4:00 every morning. It’s really not by choice, because once my eyes are open – that’s it for me. The moment my eyes open, my thoughts awaken too. My first thought is usually the same – a greeting to my Lord with thanks for giving me another day. I then ask for a blessing for my wife, family, friends and co-workers in this fight. My thoughts then turn to what can I do today to be more effective in this battle? The rescue of child sex slaves.
One thing I can say without hesitation – this was not what I dreamed of doing with my life. It was not the profession I thought I would be in. Many times I’ve wondered when it will end. This morning, I pondered, “When can I stop doing this work?”
Then I began thinking of the many children who have already been rescued. I began looking at the numerous pictures I have of those who now have a life of hope… and joy. When I looked at the picture of Somana (the one with me in the picture), the answer came to me. “I’ll stop doing this work when the last child is rescued or when God takes me home?”
I know without question there are more children like Somana being held captive in brothels around the world and forced to do things that are unspeakable. How can I stop when I know this to be true? JOY? These children have no idea what true JOY is.
If you want to hear her story – in her own words – click on this link: Somana’s Story
When you are bombarded on a daily basis (literally 7 days a week) with dozens of news reports from all over the world of child sex slaves, child prostitution, child trafficking and the worst stories imaginable of child abuse – it’s sometimes overwhelming. In October 2010 I wrote a story about How I Stay Focused when there’s so much pain. If you never read it – please click on the link.
The easiest way to stay focused is to meet someone like Somana and hear her story and see the new life she has as a result of being set free from slavery. Then I hear a story of rescue like the one I received yesterday from a group we’ve supported and worked with in Thailand and the successful rescue of 8 more girls – and it gives me hope. It helps me to know that rescues happen. Not nearly enough because there are simply not enough people doing actual rescue. There are many organizations that claim to do rescue, when in reality – they do restoration – care after rescue. Both are necessary, but there are simply not enough people or organizations willing to take the risks associated with actual rescue. It’s risky, it’s dangerous, it’s costly and you are entering into the most evil, atrocious, heinous world imaginable. JOY International is willing to do whatever it takes if it means a child sex slave is set free from her life of pain and horror.
We are planning an undercover rescue operation in late May. I cannot share where or any details here. If you would like detailed information, feel free to write. Please know we will verify who you are before sending any additional information.
We welcome your support as the rescue operations are costly. You can donate by simply clicking here http://www.joy.org/getinvolved/donate/
Other than my own personal relationship with God and being with my family, there is no greater JOY in my life than knowing we had something to do with setting a child free. When you give to our work – you’ll know what I mean, because we cannot do these rescues – without you and your help.
Be blessed and be a blessing,
Jeff Brodsky
“A hundred years from now it will not matter what my bank account was, the sort of house I lived in, or the kind of car I drove…but the world may be a better place because I was important in the life of a child.”
Feel free to ask questions or leave a comment below.