ICAP Conference for Anti-Trafficking Practitioners

Last month, I had the tremendous privilege to participate in the ICAP Conference at Green Lake Conference Center in Wisconsin. This conference brought together 175 anti-trafficking practitioners and survivor-leaders from 34 countries. Despite profound adversity, these courageous, tenacious, and joy-filled anti-trafficking advocates have devoted themselves to prevention, protection, prosecution, mental health care, and restorative justice. They support and empower survivors and seek to dismantle systems of injustice that oppress and exploit vulnerable people. I am thankful to count these heroic people as friends and coworkers.

ICAP Global 2025 Conference

ICAP Global Conference Planning Committee

Present and former New Life Center Foundation staff, and Bala Foundation staff from Thailand at ICAP Global 2025

During the ICAP Conference, I facilitated contemplative art experiences for the group each day during worship. I also taught two master classes.  Presenters included Lauran Bethell, Dan Allender, Elaine Storkey, Eunice Likoko, and Benny Yu. Counseling and spiritual direction was also available to conference participants. And we enjoyed daily Taizé worship services. I am grateful to Lauran Bethell, the Worship Team, and the Conference Planning Team for a soul-restoring conference!

Artwork created by an ICAP Global conference participant

Other US Adventures

With Mylinda Baits at the Chihuly Garden and Glass Museum in Seattle, WA

Apple picking with my friend, Bethany, whom I met at Bates College.

I am now halfway through my US Assignment. Thus far, I have had 30 speaking engagements including Sunday preaching, PowerPoint presentations, and workshops. I presented an academic paper at the American Art Therapy Association annual conference. Apple picking, kayaking, and hiking in Maine were also highlights, as was the Chihuly Garden and Glass Museum in Seattle.

It was fun to co-facilitate a Saturday morning creative arts workshop and do a Sunday morning panel discussion with my IM colleagues, David and Joyce Reed at Mountview Christian Church in Columbus, OH.

Co-facilitating a creative arts workshop with Joyce & David Reed

Creative arts workshop

Creative arts workshop participant

Panel discussion at Mountview Christian Church, moderated by David Gay

This Thanksgiving, I am deeply thankful for these opportunities to reconnect with friends, thank supporting partners, participate in conferences, and share about the exciting things that God is doing in Thailand.

I also look forward to celebrating Christmas in the US this year! 🎄

Assuming God’s generous provision during this US assignment, I plan to return to Chiang Mai next March and resume ministry. Thank you for your financial partnership and prayers that enable me to share God’s love with survivors of trauma in Thailand.