Plant Hope, Harvest Justice

 
 
 

When we protect survivors of human trafficking, we plant seeds of hope. Every step we take—identifying and removing them from harm, seeking justice, and supporting their recovery—creates lasting change.

How do we measure success? It’s not a formula. Each survivor’s journey is unique, like a seed growing in its own way. Justice through prosecution offers a tangible victory, but healing takes time. Resilience comes step by step, on a path only they can walk.

This work isn’t quick or easy, but it’s worth it. When a vulnerable child can return to who they were meant to be, they can dream, hope, and build the future they deserve.


Rose's Story

Rose* is a beautiful 13-year-old girl with sadness in her eyes. Her story shows how much care is needed to help human trafficking survivors. Born to European and Thai parents, Rose’s life changed after her parents divorced. Her father, facing illness and job loss, couldn’t offer her stability.

While helping her stepmother clean a community leader’s home, Rose became a victim of sexual assault. For the other girls involved, they began to recover after the offender was sentenced to 11 years in jail, fined USD 13,900, and ordered to pay USD 8,688 in victim compensation. But for Rose, the trauma left deep scars. PTSD [1] made it hard for her to succeed in school and find peace in life. Last year, Rose faced setbacks. Her mental health struggles deepened, and she began self-harming.

The LIFT team, along with psychologists, has been providing care for Rose at a government psychiatric hospital. As her father’s health worsens, we have arranged for Rose to spend time with him while continuing her mental health care at home. Our partner, Rise Foundation, provides alternative education through a personal teacher, helping Rose prepare to return to school when she’s ready.

The Learning Support Voucher enabled us to purchase Rose's books, educational tools, and art supplies.

No one knows what the future holds for Rose, but LIFT and our partners remain committed to nurturing her resilience. You can help plant hope for Rose’s future through the Learning Support Voucher,” an option from our Freedom Gift Basket”. This gift can help her step by step for years to come, helping her purchase  books, educational tools, and art supplies. These resources will aid her studies and allow her to spend meaningful time with her father, who is a talented painter.

[1] Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is an anxiety disorder that is triggered by a terrifying event - either witnessing or experiencing it.

* Name changed to protect the survivor.


Hope Planter : A Shared Fight for Justice

LIFT International is deeply grateful for every form of support in the fight against human trafficking. Whether through partnerships, expertise, financial support, raising awareness, or praying, each effort plants hope for justice and freedom.

Recently, thanks to our close partner, Tearfund New Zealand, hosted a trip for a group of supporters to learn more about this fight. For five days last November, they immersed themselves in LIFT’s work in Thailand and were inspired by our mission. Their visit reminded us of something powerful—real change begins with open hearts and shared commitment. As one participant reflected: “Change does not happen without love.”

Their visit was a reminder that people around the world are praying for us, supporting us as we fight against exploitation of persons. They are a vital force, helping us guide survivors toward hope and justice.

Hearing case studies really brought the issue to life for me. The practical activities that LIFT organised for us to do were very eye opening as they allowed us to step into the shoes of the LIFT frontline workers, if even just for a short moment. It also helped us to identify things to pray for, like the health and security of those working on the front lines, for the resources and expertise for them to do their work, for continued positive collaborations with partners, as well as healing and restoration for the survivors and their families
— Lucy Oliver, Tearfund NZ Learning Trip Participant

Every act of support plants seeds of hope, turning injustice into a future of harvest and justice. By sowing a seed with this freedom mission, you are part of the change we need to see. Together, we can help survivors thrive. The results are clear: survivors find their voices. Their dignity is restored. Families heal. Communities become safer. Justice is served.

Will you join us in planting hope for a better tomorrow?