Investigators travel to a place of suspected trafficking, oftentimes taking several forms of local transportation, sometimes to remote locations. Then they do the painstaking work of gathering evidence of slavery to present to the police. This includes a host of activities from traditional stake-outs to entering brothels posing as a customer, armed with an undercover camera. It can also include interviewing locals, taking photos, gathering intelligence, and marking locations on maps.

After investigators gather sufficient evidence, they create a report which they then deliver to the police agents, with whom they have trusted relationships. At that point, depending on the case load and funding, the case will be pursued by the local authorities.

Recently, you funded this investigative process for investigators with The Exodus Road in a particular remote village in Southeast Asia. We empowered a team of trained undercover operatives to make three different trips to a location with suspected victims of trafficking. The team discovered 30 young girls (several of whom are under the age of 18), who were predominately from a neighboring country– a clear red flag for a trafficking scenario. The investigators were able to take covert photos of their living conditions– 7-10 girls to a room sleeping on mats on the floor, as well as gather field intel about the owners and the location itself.

With this initial evidence gathered, investigators created a report that is now in the hands of trusted local partners in the national police force. Investigators will continue to revisit the case until authorities take action to pursue it further.

Working with the local police in Southeast Asia, investigative teams received word that a 13-year-old girl in a remote village had been raped by her father. The police chief, along with members of the investigative team, conducted intelligence gathering first– traveling to the outlying village and recording testimony from both the child and the other family members. Soon after, through a collective effort, they located and arrested the guilty father.

Today he is in prison, awaiting his trial.

And perhaps the temptation is to neglect the importance of this case– this one girl, this one abusive father. But in a society where women and children are often sexually abused as a cultural norm, bringing legal justice in this situation communicates to an entire village. Children are not sexual pawns, like generations before have believed.

Due to your support, we helped send a message across the ocean that rape is not acceptable. We helped tell a teenager that she has incredible value and that her purity matters.

We fought alongside local police and investigative teams for justice. And justice came.

*****

P.S. The financial gifts from The Surge are still empowering investigations into cases of sexual slavery in SE Asia. Currently, the teams are working five cases, including gathering evidence on a popular local hotel with a brothel on the bottom floor. They are also working alongside counselors with five rescued children, gaining the children’s trust to gather testimony against their abusers. Upon obtaining sound testimony, more arrests will hopefully be made. This is slow, hard work. Please continue to pray for the teams as they push into darkness. Please also keep the 13 year old mentioned in this article in your prayers– pray for her healing and restoration.

“We declare God’s wisdom, a secret that has been hidden and that God destined for our glory before time began.” 1 Corinthians 2:7 NIV

From Intimacy

There is something about the wisdom of God being a secret, hidden from human beings, that should draw us into it. We don’t tell secrets to someone we meet at the grocery store or on the street. We share secrets with the people in life we hold closest to us. The Lord would not have spoken to both Daniel and Paul specifically describing His wisdom as a “secret” and a “mystery” if He didn’t desire an intimate relationship with His children to come from it.

God’s secret wisdom will bring you wealth and riches. It will bring you honor and make you great! His wisdom will protect you, it will keep you safe. There is one key that will open up the storehouse to this secret wisdom. It is called the fear of the Lord! Let the fear of the Lord draw you into greater intimacy with Him today!

With love,

John

A Friend of Jesus

We sing songs about being a friend of Jesus, we even preach sermons about it. But it seems to me that we never finish the condition. I must remind you, Jesus didn’t say, “You are my friends!” He said, “You are my friends if you do what I command you.” That is where we see the fear of the Lord and trembling at His Word. Jesus is telling us that not everyone in the church is His friend. What a comfort it is to know that He passionately desires everyone in the church to be His intimate friend!

Experiencing depth in a friendship with the Lord is solely determined by us. We have the choice between whether or not we will fear Him. Our reverence, our admiration, our trembling at His Word are what position us for friendship with Him.

Oh the endless rewards of fearing our Heavenly Father!

With love,

John

Originally, The Surge raid was only suppose to last for one month, but new cases keep coming to the light. In the last month, five new cases have been opened, involving several traffickers and victims.

Please continue to pray for investigators in the field. Pray for safety and wisdom in the cases they are currently conducting. We will report as soon as we hear more on this mission.

The level and complexity of coordinating the various language translations is amazing. There are literally dozens working to produce resources in multiple Indian languages. Teams of translators, editors, typesetters, printers, distributors and leaders are working together, with a single mind and purpose; funds allowing, by the end of the year to produce and distribute some 60,000+ Relentless Leader Packs across India!

Recently at one distribution meeting, one of the local leaders hopped onto stage, took the microphone and said, “I have read several of John’s books and they are nothing but excellent! Getting these books in your language and for free is like receiving a great gift, a wonderful feast! Don’t miss this opportunity to share these with your leaders and be blessed by these powerful teachings!”

If there is one thing that moves fast in India, it is surely word of mouth! It is evident that these resources are blessing the people of India and we are so excited to see how God continues to use these resources! Please continue to pray for all translators, editors, producers, organizers, printers and distributors who are handling this work.

Warm Regards,
Robb

P.S. Below are more pictures of the distribution in New Delhi, India. For more information on this project, view the New Delhi Distribution post. 

Knowing His Ways

We must realize that a vital aspect in fearing the Lord is developing a genuine friendship with Him. Just like the people of Israel in Exodus, many Americans only know God by the way He answers their prayers. Moses knew God. He knew what God was going to do it before He did it.

Those are the two groups of people that are most commonly seen in the church today. They are both saved and they are both righteous. The difference is that one knows God by how He answers their prayers and the other know what God will do before He does it, just like Moses did. They know the secrets of God. Moses feared God, the people of Israel didn’t. Therefore He is the friend of God and they are not.

Why is there a point in our Christian walks where God relates to us as servants, even though we’re heirs? It’s because He loves us so much He wants to protect us. Until we are very established in who God is and who we are before Him, fearing Him, He will keep us a servant even though we are heirs. We must not take Him for granted! Our fear and reverence for Him draws us into a friendship like we could never imagine!

With love,

John

Recently, a medical team from the Kona based YWAM visited the multipurpose building. They set up stations for triage, first aid, consultations, pharmacy, and prayer. Medical care was given to over 300 people. From treating illnesses and wounds to offering consultations, vitamins, and medications, the team was able to provide a variety of services for free: a welcome and unusual gift to the community of Saang. The grateful looks on mothers’ faces as they brought their children to the multipurpose building was a wonderful testimony to the blessing that this opportunity was.

Having the multipurpose building available as a place for outreaches such as the Kona YWAM is great. This is what the multipurpose building was constructed for: to serve the community.

Here are some pictures from the medical clinic.

Two years ago, God planted a vision in our hearts that has revolutionized the way we teach, reach, and rescue. Each summer since, we have welcomed a group of cherished friends to the Broadmoor Resort for our annual Messenger Cup. This year’s event begins in just over a month—and we want to see you there!

The Messenger Cup is more than a golf tournament (and it’s not just for golfers!). It’s an opportunity for rest and recreation in the company of amazing, like-hearted brothers and sisters. The Broadmoor is the longest-running five-star and five-diamond resort in the world. Whether or not you choose to golf, we’re confident that your time in Colorado Springs will be among the best experiences of your life.

But new friendships and world-class amenities aren’t the best part of participating in the Messenger Cup. Thanks to the generosity of our underwriters, every penny raised through this event will resource international leaders and support anti-human trafficking projects. This even includes your registration fee!

There are only 12 spots left for this year’s Messenger Cup, held June 5-8. The registration deadline is Tuesday, April 30, so please act quickly if you want to join us!

Registration includes:

- 3-night stay at the Broadmoor Resort for you and your spouse

- 2-day golf tournament entry fee

- Outreach banquet

- Golfers luncheon

- Awards ceremony and dessert reception

- And much more!

To learn more or to register, please contact Ashley Risher at 719-955-4414 or visit MessengerCup.com.

See you in June!

John & Lisa

P.S. Here is a glimpse into what was accomplished through last year’s event. Even more is in store for us in 2013!

Tremble at His Word 

When we have the true fear of God we will both tremble at His presence and we will tremble at His word. To tremble at His word is a manifestation of fearing Him. When we do that, we will obey Him instantly. You won’t take what He is speaking to you casually!

When we have the true fear of the Lord we will obey Him when it doesn’t make sense. The generation we’re living in is so adamantly set on having everything explained to us before we act on anything. God asks for our obedience to be done by faith, not full understanding!

Secondly, when we grab ahold of the true fear of God, we will obey Him even when we don’t see the benefit. It is too common for Christians to expect a picture of the benefit before they decide to obey God. Our reward from acting in obedience should not be our motive! We should give, pray, and get in the presence of God because we love Him and because we fear Him! When we tremble at the Word of God, we will obey Him to completion. Let’s obey Him to completion!

With love,

John