Human trafficking is one of the most widespread and devastating injustices in the world. International human rights organizations estimate that nearly 50 million people are currently trapped in modern slavery worldwide.¹ Modern slavery is an umbrella term that includes forced labor, human trafficking, and forced marriage. These forms of exploitation strip individuals of freedom, dignity, and hope. They violate the inherent worth of every individual who is created in the image of God.

January is Human Trafficking Prevention Month in the United States. The goal is to raise awareness and encourage community involvement. Tragically, there are more people enslaved today than at any other time in history. Every day, vulnerable women, children, and men are deceived with promises of opportunity and a better life. Instead, they find themselves controlled, exploited, and harmed.

The scale of human trafficking can feel overwhelming. Yet hope is found in faithful, persistent, and intentional work on the ground. Around the world, International Ministries’ global servants are partnering with local communities to prevent exploitation, walk alongside survivors, and dismantle the systems that allow trafficking to flourish.

In Bangkok, Thailand, a major hub for human trafficking in Southeast Asia, Global Servants Annie and Jeff Dieselberg serve with NightLight International. Annie founded NightLight in 2005 and is the CEO of this global organization. Compelled by Christ’s love, NightLight reaches women from many nations impacted by sex trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation. They offer dignifying employment, trauma-informed care, repatriation, and pathways to restoration.

Over the years, Annie and Jeff have helped hundreds of women rebuild their lives with safety, purpose, and hope. Jeff serves as the spiritual director at Nightlight and also co-pastors Song Sawang Church, which translates to Shine the Light. The church was founded with women from NightLight, and it is still a place where faith, healing, and belonging grow together.

In the Philippines, Global Servants Jonathan and Thelma Nambu have faithfully served women caught in prostitution and those at high risk of exploitation. Thelma founded Samaritana Transformation Ministries in 1992. She and Jonathan have walked alongside countless women through a holistic approach that fosters resilience, dignity, and productive lives. As Executive Director, Jonathan works to expand Samaritana’s reach by building partnerships across Asia and worldwide.

International Ministries has a deep history in the work of abolishing global slavery. Global Servant Lauran Bethell has devoted nearly four decades to sharing the hope of Jesus with victims of trafficking and prostitution. She began in 1987 as the first director of the New Life Center Foundation (NLCF) in Chiang Mai, Thailand. For 14 years, Lauran provided shelter, education, and protection to survivors of exploitation and at-risk girls from ethnic minority groups.

Today, Lauran serves as an IM global consultant, equipping anti-trafficking practitioners worldwide. She travels internationally, speaking and training at conferences, and encouraging new grassroots projects. Lauran’s leadership has inspired numerous initiatives and helped prevent many from falling into exploitation.

Building on this legacy, Global Servant Kit Ripley continues the work at NLCF through Imago Art Studio. Kit offers counseling and art therapy to survivors of sexual abuse, trafficking, and domestic violence. Recognizing that prevention is vital, she also leads retreats and trains staff. In the past five years alone, NLCF has run over 50 awareness campaigns. These focus on addressing trafficking prevention, safe migration, internet safety, civil law, gender equality, and interpersonal violence.

In November, Lauran, Kit, and the Nambus took part in the ICAP Conference for Anti-Trafficking Practitioners. Lauran served as the conference coordinator and as a key presenter to over 175 attendees from 34 countries. The Nambus worked on the ICAP leadership team and led a master class. Kit facilitated daily contemplative art experiences during worship and also led two master classes.

Many other global servants are working to abolish global slavery, too! They strengthen local leadership, train in trauma-informed care, support vulnerable women and children, and handle crises with compassion and courage. These global servants include Lori and Matt Mann in Laos and Thailand, Scott and Tan Coats along the Thailand–Myanmar border, and Mylinda Baits, who serves globally.

Human trafficking thrives in silence. But together we can confront it through faithful presence, informed action, and hope-filled partnership! During Human Trafficking Prevention Month, we invite you to connect with global servants who are shining the light of Jesus in places of deep pain and darkness. You can bring freedom, healing, and new beginnings to those in need. Through prayer, advocacy, and financial support, you offer hope and restoration to those caught in this global crisis.

¹ “Global Slavery Index.” Walk Free, February 28, 2025. https://www.walkfree.org/global-slavery-index/.