A few years back while having a Netflix binge day, I came across a documentary that exposed the devastating truth behind human trafficking. I could not believe what I was watching and the fact that it was happening all over the world, including the United States.

Trafficking victims are not limited to adults, but also include children, in fact, in 2002 the International Labour Organization estimated that 1.2 million children are trafficked each year - and I'm sure that number has only grown since then. Ever since becoming aware of this reality I've had a heart to be involved in putting an end to the corruption that is modern-day slavery.  

 

This past November I had the opportunity to travel to Thailand on a mission trip and work with Life Impact International, one of our charity partners that we empower you to give back to when shopping the Gracemade collection. 

Life impact is an extraordinary organization that is dedicated to doing God's work by:

• Providing prevention programs for at-risk children and youth, displaced peoples, refugees and orphans. 

• Rescuing children sold into prostitution or child slavery and those who are victims of abuse, abandonment or extreme poverty.

• Healing the lives of orphans, soldiers, women and men through outreaches, humanitarian aid, disaster relief, children's homes and orphanages.

Hundreds of people live as squatters on a sliver of riverside land along the Myanmar-Thai border called No  Man's Land. It is notorious for trafficking and drug deals.

 

Whilst in Thailand I had the chance to experience just how amazing this organization truly is. The individual love and care that is given to each child can only be compared to the indescribable love of Jesus. Their joy, gratitude and devotion to God ministered to me so much that it felt like the mission trip was intended to help me instead of them. God has a funny way of blessing us when we intend on blessing others.Village people accept Christ during an outreach at No Man's Land. Most are victims of corruption, exploitation and poverty.

 

If you haven't already, I encourage you to pray about stepping out on faith and volunteering on a mission trip. There is something about letting God use you on missions that stretches your faith farther than you could ever imagine, and empowers you to step into your purpose (I can attest to this as I came home thinking I was Joyce Meyer).

Have you been on a mission trip? Share about your experience in the comment section below.

Girl On A Mission is a new blog series here at Gracemade where we share stories from women like you traveling the world to volunteer their efforts while spreading the gospel.