photo credit: ira gelb (creative commons)
In 2009 I heard the words sex trafficking for the first time. When I heard gruesome stories of women and children being sold to men for the sole purpose of giving them sexual pleasure, my stomach turned. God sparked a flame inside of me that day.
Last year I met a woman named Priscilla who changed my life. One morning Priscilla woke up in a warehouse chained to the wall. For four years she was raped everyday repeatedly while she remained locked up with many other helpless victims of this horrendous crime. Get your calculator out for this. She was raped over 1,460 times! (You can read more of Priscilla’s story here.)
Nine months ago I hung a pamphlet on my bulletin board sharing the opportunity to travel to Moldova to rescue victims of sex trafficking. I talked to God about it every now and again and wondered what his plan was regarding that trip. If nothing else, it was used as a reminder to pray for those victims.
Fast forward to present day. Last week I received a phone call from the organization in charge of that very mission trip. Coincidence? I think not. I have been invited to join the team for nine days, helping women and youth find freedom from sex trafficking and showing them the love of Jesus Christ.
It has me scared. My stomach turns. Flashbacks of my own sexual abuse pop up on the screen of my mind and God reminds me that this is the time to use what I’ve been through to offer hope to others. I’m ready to be obedient.
I can’t do it without you.
On March 8th I’ll be leaving for Moldova, the poorest country in Europe, for nine days. (See map) Mothers are selling their youngest daughters. Men sell themselves into slavery because there is no work. Despair and hopelessness force people to sell their kidneys for pennies. I know without a doubt I will not return the same.
Here is a list of some of the things we’ll be doing:
- Working with the local churches
- Reaching young people in the orphanages and schools
- Visiting the hospitals
- Sharing Jesus with people who have never heard His name before
- Distributing Bibles
Will you partner with me in two ways?
First and foremost I ask you to join me in prayer. It’s the most important aspect of this trip and without knowing the Lord is directing me, and the efforts of planning, I would rather not go.
Second, I’d be honored by your financial support. Any amount that you can contribute is a HUGE part in making this mission possible.
The total cost of the trip is $2800. In order to lock in the airline and hotel rates, I need to have $1400 of that secured by Oct. 10th. The total amount covers food, hotel, airline, travel, interpreters, etc.
There are several ways you can donate:
- You can make out your check (tax deductible) to World Missions Alliance (or WMA) and send to me at Sundi Jo Graham – PO Box 1438 – Hollister, MO – 65673.
- Pay through the WMA website here. When donating, make sure you include Sundi Jo Moldova in the notes. (tax deductible)
- Donate online via Fundrazr (click here)
- Send payments through PayPal to info@sundijo.com
I thank you again for your consideration in helping me reach this financial goal to bring Jesus to those who don’t yet know Him. I’m more grateful than you’ll ever know.
About World Missions Alliance:
World Missions Alliance spreads the Gospel in the world’s “hot spots”. You can read more about their mission work on their website: rfwma.org or contact them at 417-231-4131 for more information.
Share On Your Website
I’d be honored if you shared the badges below on your website with your readers. I’ve included a 300×300, as well as a 200×200 image, and you can use this link to send people back to. (https://www.sundijo.com/moldova/) If you need something smaller, let me know.
Sundi Jo,
I’m so proud of you. I’m also deeply disturbed by her story. I know it is one of millions. But this one is personal for you. And me. You know part of my story…I’m posting a link on my blog. I will be donating and praying as well. You are a soldier in the Lord’s army, my friend!
Thank you so much for helping Leigh. I’m so glad God delivered you from that darkness. I would love to learn more about your story, and even be happy to feature something on my blog, if you want.
Hey Sundi, trying to figure out how to add the image without the html to no avail. Would you have the code for the image? God bless
I don’t have the code, but I can get it. I just used the link from my media. Would that help you? https://www.sundijo.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/sex-trafficking-blog-badge300x300.jpg
Tried the link but it’s not working (just displays the code itself). Am not techie at all! That code would help..if it’s possible and not too much trouble
Try this:
It’s worked :). have used the link to send people back to your site/moldova (not clickable though) at the bottom of the image. God bless.
Ngina you can put the url link in the picture. Edit the picture and if you are using a WordPress site there is a place at the bottom of the edit where you can put the url to this website. Then when people click on the picture they can come directly here.
You can see the widget on my site if you want http://www.joyceglass.org
Just added your widget to my blog site! I am passionate about helping with Sex Trafficking and I am looking for ways to help!
I will be helping you as soon as I can! May God bless you and keep us updated about your trip, plans and how things are going as you prepare for this powerful trip.
Thanks so much Joyce. I really appreciate it.