Learn more about Rapha International’s important work that’s taking place around the world with updates from their latest e-newsletter. Find out more below.
Preschool Graduation/Prevention Program
Rapha’s Prevention Program in Battambang, Cambodia recently celebrated a Preschool graduation. Rapha’s team is excited for them to enter a new chapter in their little lives, and they hope that what these kiddos have learned will help guide them in finding their way in primary school as they learn more about life, meet new friends, and grow as individuals.
Where Are You? | Waan’s Story
Waan was a typical 13-year-old who loved to chat with her friends before, after, and during her school day. She lived with her parents and two older brothers. When she turned 13, Waan got a phone of her own. She used her phone to chat with her friends even after she returned home in the evening. One day a teen boy named Kiet added her on a social media platform.Kiet looked like he was about Waan’s age and he seemed to be interested in a lot of the same things. He complimented Waan and told her she was beautiful. He told her that his family had a lot of money and he could buy her expensive gifts. At the time, Waan’s family was struggling financially, and she dreamed of a future where she might be with Kiet and never worry about money.
Waan’s friends noticed that she was often on her phone messaging with Kiet and teased her for having an online boyfriend. Kiet himself asked if he could be Waan’s boyfriend, and she was over the moon. Naturally, she wanted to meet Kiet in person. He told her that his school schedule was so demanding that she would have to come meet him at night. He sent her $50 and an address and he told her to get a taxi to come see him.
When Waan arrived at the location, she was at the front door of a nightclub. A man met her and took her to a back room where she was forced to perform sex acts on several men. She thought there was a misunderstanding and begged to see Kiet, but they just laughed at her. They gave her a little bit of cash and sent her home.A man told her to return the next night or he would tell her parents what had happened.
Terrified of getting into trouble with her family and ashamed of what she had been forced to do, Waan returned to the club the next night and many others. She didn’t know what to do but to continue to comply with their demands.
Waan was rescued during a police raid. She was referred to Rapha for treatment and shelter while her traffickers were prosecuted for their crimes.
Social workers at Rapha worked with Waan and with her family. Waan received mental health counseling, education support, legal advocacy, and many more services. At first she was very shy, but Waan soon began building friendships with other girls at Rapha. She resumed her spirited social life among her new friends, but still missed her friends from the school near her home. During visits with Waan’s family, a Rapha social worker helped them to understand what had happened to Waan and how they can best support her.
When it is safe, she will return to her family and friends to pick up where she left off before she was exploited–and to do so with education and support that will keep her safe and help her find sustainable freedom.
Jenni Snyder Joins the U.S. Headquarters Team
After 15 years of service in Cambodia, Jenni Snyder has joined the Rapha team in the US as the Staff Care Director. Jenni said, “I am passionate about making sure that our staff at all levels know they are seen and valued as precious humans and that we care about their well-being so that they can thrive as they do the hard work of serving the children and families in our care.”
Pray for and with Rapha
Please pray for the governments of all the countries where Rapha serves — Cambodia, Thailand, and Haiti. Each day, they are making decisions that impact the safety and well-being of children and families.
Pray for the therapists at Rapha’s Hope & Healing Center in Joplin to have the strength, wisdom, and love to share with each of their clients in their healing journey.
Pray for opportunities for Rapha’s staff and team to connect through conferences, fundraising events, and other trips to be an encouragement and blessing to others.
If you would like to join Rapha in prayer to combat human trafficking, please click here.
Rapha’s Annual 2023 Report
Every year Rapha creates an Annual Report to share updates on their work in all four countries of service. This year, they are excited to report on 2023 — the celebration of 20 years of service in Cambodia and as an organization. Please check out this beautiful report! Don’t miss the last section, where staff members share their most memorable moments of service at Rapha.
Read the annual report here.
Advocacy Handbook
Do you want to take the next step in fighting human trafficking? Then Rapha’s Advocacy Handbook is for you.
Read more and download the handbook here.
Digital Newsletter Download
Download a digital PDF of this newsletter and read all the Rapha updates here.
About Rapha International:
The mission of Rapha International is to end the trafficking, exploitation, and abuse of children, one child at a time, through aftercare for survivors, prevention for the vulnerable, and engagement for everyone.
Reference:
Rapha International
417.621.0373
www.rapha.org
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