Asia 2026
This December, our family is traveling to Thailand and Pakistan. It's the first step in a long-term commitment to stand with survivors of human trafficking and with the faithful people already fighting for their freedom.
Why Thailand and Pakistan?
Because the need is real, and it's enormous.
Richard and Tanya have a long-time relationship with a ministry family that has been in these countries for decades. We are stepping into an already established network of relationships.
In Thailand, an estimated 401,000 people are living in modern slavery, according to the Global Slavery Index. Yet the U.S. State Department reports that only 644 trafficking victims were officially identified in 2024. Most people being exploited never enter the system, and they never reach a safe place to heal. One of the fastest-growing threats is the scam compound: people lured across borders with fake job offers and then forced to work in online scam operations.
In Pakistan, experts estimate 4.5 million workers are trapped in bonded labor, where a single debt can entrap entire families for generations, and more than 70% of bonded laborers are estimated to be children. The government identified more than 37,000 trafficking victims in 2024, but the State Department also reports that shelter and protection services remain limited. Religious minorities, including Christians, are disproportionately affected and are deliberately targeted for forced labor.
These aren't just numbers. Every one is a person is a name, a story, and a future worth fighting for.
What We'll Be Doing
We're not going to fix anything in two weeks. We're going to listen, learn, and build relationships that last. In December, we will:
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Meet with ministry leaders and organizations already doing faithful anti-trafficking and survivor-care work on the ground. We want to partner with them, not compete or duplicate.
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Conduct a needs assessment for Redemption Place's residential and recovery ministry: what survivors need, what support already exists, and where the gaps are.
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Encourage and minister to believers who have suffered for their faith, including families who have fled religious persecution.
This is Just the Beginning
December lays the foundation. We're already planning to return to both countries in Summer 2027, and everything we learn and every relationship we build this winter will shape that next step.
How You Can Join Us
Pray
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For safe travel, smooth visa approvals, and good health for our family
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For divine appointments and open doors in every meeting
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For protection, healing, and provision for survivors and the believers we'll serve
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For wisdom and clear vision as we assess needs for residential and recovery care
Give
Our trip budget is approximately $25,250, covering airfare, visas, lodging, travel insurance, and required vaccines. Our hosts in Pakistan are generously providing lodging and meals while we're there. Our family is personally covering any holiday activities, so every gift goes toward the mission. If you would like to receive a detailed cost breakdown, please reach out to us.
Learn More
Want to understand the issue more deeply? Request a downloadable brochure outlining the statistics and efforts of each country.