JOY International Blog

To take a line from a song in the musical Oklahoma ~
          ¯“Oh what a beautiful mornin’, Oh what a beautiful day!”¯Days don’t start any better for me when it begins with a letter from the Director of our rescue team in Thailand with the following:

6 More Girls Rescued from the brothels!

Congratulations to the undercover teams as one more operation comes to an end, resulting in the rescue of another 6 young girls, all teenagers ranging in age from only 14 years old. This brothel had a total of 12 girls and the team was able to get all of the underage girls out except one, (which they are still working on) and will hopefully get out soon. What an awesome outcome!

“Read It and Weep”!
Have you ever heard that expression? The following was written by Tony, the Director of our partner organization in Thailand:   “As we sat and talked to these children about what they have been through and what their family life was like… very quickly a common theme emerged. Without exception, these girls came from poor hill tribe families struggling to survive. Due to the fact that all parents (except one) were doing hard drugs and all their money was being used to feed their habits, there was no money to keep the girls in school and the girls were left in limbo wondering what could they possibly do to help support their families. They knew they lacked education so their job prospects were practically nonexistent. They had each tried working in the fields for a little while, like their parents did (when they weren’t totally wasted from the drugs), but knew they couldn’t do that for the rest of their lives. Then someone they knew turned up to their village and told them of a good job in the city, they were told they would be working in a restaurant serving customers.

Once they got to the bars/brothels they all discovered that there was a second meaning to “serving” the customers. They would have to serve the customers drinks and then they would be made to sit with the men and the men would do as they pleased… One of these young girls said this to us - “I hated how they made me drink, because if a customer bought you a drink you had to drink it and then they felt they could touch me anywhere…”.

Despite the shame and humiliation they felt as they endured the abuse of so many different men, they felt a sense of pride when they could help their families. One of the girls told us - “The first time I got paid I was so happy, because I could now send money home to help my family…” Many, if not most hill tribe people have a low self worth, low self esteem. One of the girls said, “Once I started working I understood it was the easiest job for people like me.”

She went on to say that many other girls from her village were doing the same thing. Children in the Sex Industry are a Growing Global Crisis. While there is poverty, while there is racism and discrimination, while the perverted are not held accountable for their actions, while good people do nothing… the number of children in the sex industry will continue to increase. But as you and I persist and refuse to be silent, as we continue to give to this worthy cause we can expect to see more and more beautiful children rescued and empowered to realize their God given destinies. We thank you again for everything you have done towards rescuing more children from a soul destroying life! As always, there are many operations that are still ongoing and we expect positive outcomes soon, with many new leads being followed. We value your support and prayers as our teams continue to put it on the line to rescue these children. Thank you! ~ Tony

Whew! Needless to say (especially to those who know me), I was overwhelmed when I read this. 

Is It Worth It?  My friends, this was a question I had during my last trip several weeks ago. I left a substantial amount of funds there to help finance rescue efforts. I also went undercover into the brothels to get just a glimpse of what the rescue teams have to do to get girls out. Look at the picture (above) of the girls who were rescued from their life of horror. Is it worth it? Is it worth all the time I put in every day to come up with ways to fund these operations? Is it worth leaving my family on trips overseas and across America to speak up against this atrocity? Is it worth the heartache I deal with daily as I read story after story of children forced into the child sex trade? Is it worth it to continually plead for money from people I care about, so we can continue this work? You tell me. Was it worth it? Before you answer that question, take another look at that picture. As I think about the girls who were rescued, you can be sure of this – I will not ask that question anymore.

My friends… Tony (along with many others working for the rescue and restoration of these desperate children) needs JOY International and JOY International needs people like Tony and you! Without you and the prayer and financial support you give there is very little we can do. These were only six girls – but there are many, many more. Those receiving this letter are friends who have given in one way or another to help me in my crusade to end the life of horror and terror for children being used in the most heinous way imaginable. Some receiving this have supported us with finances and others with prayer. Both are very necessary. The child sex trade is a horrible evil that must be fought. 24 Hours… Every day.

JOY International is fighting this evil. Prior to leaving Thailand several weeks ago, I gave one of the largest amounts of funds I ever gave, to be used in the undercover rescue operations. As I shared above, at one point I questioned whether or not I was making the right decision as the rescue operations we were funding were undercover and at times covert. Many people question the tactics being used, but when I see the end result and the smiles of the 6 precious young girls above – I know we are making a difference and the decision was the right one. I praise God that He allowed us the privilege of being a major part of this rescue. I’m more fired up now, than I have ever been! I hope you are too… because you helped rescue these girls. I can’t thank you enough.

My friend… the financial and prayer support you have given to JOY International is accomplishing great things. We are recuing children from the brothels, we are seeing their lives changed, we are seeing many come to a relationship with the Lord, we are seeing many enter back into society as productive citizens and their dignity restored. We have also laid the foundation for a new work in Cambodia (scheduled to open in 2012) with a new Headquarters in Phnom Penh. We have brought on a new couple – Joel and Chloe Bond from Australia, who have several years of proven success running 5 Safe Havens in Cambodia. As you can see, JOY International is on the move. We are succeeding and we are making a difference in many, many lives. We couldn’t do this without you. You are a very special part of my life and our ministry. I will never be able to thank you enough. I hope after reading this, you’re rejoicing with me.Yes, it IS a beautiful day!I pray God’s greatest and most abundant blessings be upon you this and every day. 

 Jeff Brodsky 
~Those who sow in tears, will reap with songs of JOY” -  Psalm 126:5

Sawasdee from Thailand…Tonight was the crowning glory of an exhausting trip (especially the past few nights of going into the brothels). God never ceases to amaze me at how (at least with me), He always saves the best for last.

When I walked into the 2nd brothel last night, I have to admit I was beginning to question the method that the rescue team was using. I understood it in theory, but I was having a difficult time with it. Until tonight. My experience tonight brought it all together for me. It gave me a greater understanding of the big picture in how rescues were being done… and why. 

I also saw a new dimension that I simply did not understand before. These girls have their dignity back. They have a new life with a new hope for the future.  

I was privileged to share in a night of praise and worship with over 200 children and rescued girls. All the children you see in the short clip are supported by our partners here. My friends, be assured that your financial support is doing more than you hoped for. I am so grateful because without you – we can do almost nothing. I was touched so deeply tonight, I was glad it was dark as I was sobbing tears of Joy as I filmed. Here’s just a small sample of what I experienced. Be blessed. Two more days and I leave for the long journey home. ~ Jeff ~ 2 John 12

A part of me died last night.  Another part came to new life.  As I rode the 90 minutes by motorbike (as it’s called here) to a city I’ll leave unnamed I had a myriad of emotions. As I rode with our team of four I knew for me, I was on a journey of discovery. The ride through the countryside of Thailand was beautiful. Traversing through small villages, rice paddies and enjoying the beauty of the flora and fauna of Thailand. It’s known by many as The Land of Smiles. My emotions ran away from me at times as I thought about what I was headed toward. Not a world of beauty… but rather, a world of evil and darkness.  A world ruled by lust and greed. A world where the vile lusts of men is the catalyst for the men who are fueled by that greed and will do anything they can to satisfy it – on both ends.

When we entered our first of 3 brothels I had fear. The questions that arose from within were, “Can I handle this?” “Will my emotions get the best of me?” “What if I see a small child – will I become incensed enraged or fall to my knees sobbing?” And finally, “What if some of these women who are trained to entice and seduce, overpower my senses and weaken my will to resist?” Although we were more than 10,000 miles apart having Gail standing with me and even encouraging me to pursue this call on my life made it easier – but as a man, what if I failed? It was without question – my greatest fear.

That fear died in the first brothel which gave me greater strength in the second and even empowered me in the third. At no point during nearly 8 hours of visiting the brothels was I ever tempted. On the contrary, the prayers of those standing with me – helped strengthen me to stand firm with a clear understanding of the mission before me. I did not see one of these girls in any other way than with the thought of “My God, please, please help me to set them free.” Free from the bondage of the hell they are living and free to come to an understanding of your perfect love. It’s all I could think about. Praise God.

There was a moment when my emotions did get to me. Fortunately, the place was so dark and the music so loud – no one could see my tears or hear my sobs. It was when a beautiful girl no more than 13 or 14 years old came out and sat across from me. She even seemed a little drunk. She broke my heart but helped me to have a greater understanding of why I was there. Where the fear died last night a renewed fervor for the rescue of these girls came to life in me. 

God help me to set these captives free. I’m sorry my friend, I have to stop here. I’m overwhelmed to a greater degree than ever before. The need is so great, but we can rescue these girls one at a time.

I’ve said it before and will never stop. Thank you from the depths of my heart for being a part of my life and the vital, life-changing work we are called to do. Together, with you as a partner, we are making a difference in these precious girls’ lives. Not to glory of any man or ministry – but to the glory of God.

Jeff

While I write this, most of my friends in America are asleep. In a little more than an hour (at about 4:00am Wednesday in Colorado) I’ll be leaving on my rented MotorBike for the town where the brothels are that the rescue team will be bringing me to. Someone said to me today to “have fun tonight.”

Sometimes I wonder if people really know the motivation of my heart. Sometimes I wonder if people know what is happening inside of me with just the thought of what I’m about to do. Have fun? In a nightmare? I don’t think so. As a matter of fact, I’ve thought really hard about saying “never mind.” I’ve come very close to just saying I cannot do this. Have fun? This will be without question one of the most difficult things I have ever done in my life.

I will have fun… only when I see a child rescued from the brothels… brought to one of our Safe Havens… and come to an understanding of who God really is and how she can enter into a personal relatioship with Him. When I see that child safe and resting in His arms instead of the arms of the most vile human beings in our world today - then I’ll have fun. Then, I’ll know there was a wonderful purpose to all of this.

Have fun? Not tonight my friends. Tonight I’ll do whatever I can to put on a brave face and to not weep while trying to build a relationship of trust with a child who needs to know what true love is… Agape love. God’s love. Real love. 

Please… when you read this - take a moment and pray for me and our team.

Jeff 
2 John 12

Quick Update from Thailand: I’m a bit exhausted from a long, emotional day. With my team leaving early tomorrow, I’ll be on my own with our partners here. My team of Harold, Chantell and Mary Jane were incredible to have here in Thailand as well as Cambodia. I know this was a life-changing trip for each of them. We’ve grown in our relationship as co-workers and friends.

I’m going undercover into the brothels tomorrow night. I’ll be riding with our rescue team by Motor-Cycle (I haven’t done that for a while) to somewhere near the Thailand/Laos Border. I’ve been briefed and trained by the best and although I know some of what to expect - I can’t begin to express my emotions with less than 24 hours to go. I have to admit, I’m very nervous, but I know it’s something I have to do. I’ll be going undercover into the brothels from about 6:00AM MST and will be there for up to 10 hours. We’ll be doing this for 2 to 3 nights.

As I said, I’m a bit exhausted and I need to get as much rest as possible before my journey into the unknown tomorrow. After visiting with over 30 rescued girls today and seeing the joy they now have - I have but one thing on my mind… whatever I need to do to get another precious child out of the brothel and into one of our Safe Havens. It’s that thought that keeps me pressing on.“A hundred years from now it will not matter what my bank account was, the sort of house I lived in, or the kind of car I drove…but the world may be a better place because I was important in the life of a child.”

Your Prayers Mean More Than Anything To Me…

Dr. Jeff

Greetings from Thailand. Our team left Cambodia today and we are now in Chiang Rai, Thailand. We had wonderful meetings with the new Directors of JOY International Cambodia. Yes, JOY International is beginning a new work in Cambodia with… oops! I almost let the cat out of the bag (whatever that means). Sorry friends, but I’m sworn to secrecy in revealing who our new Directors are. The announcement will come soon enough. Needless to say - we are very (and I mean VERY) excited. The Headquarters for our Cambodia Operation will be in Phnom Penh. There is much more to come on this exciting new work.

Right now, the concentration is on our time here in Chiang Rai with Tony Kirwan and his team. Tony will be taking me out to the brothels to go undercover with him as I learn the methods being used to rescue children who are forced into the sex trade. I am not looking forward to this as I know there is some degree of danger. As the President of JOY International, I felt it was important for me to personally experience what goes on and what is involved with the undercover rescue operation. For those reading this who pray – please remember me, Tony and the rescue team during the next week.  

Please know this… none of this would be happening without our faithful partners. To those of you who have chosen to partner with us – I will never be able to thank you enough for your love, care, concern, prayers and financial support of the work we do in the rescue, restoration, reintegration and prevention of children who are sexually abused and forced into the child sex trade. The task is difficult and at times very challenging – but when you see the end result of one of these girls living a life with renewed hope and joy… it makes all our efforts and hard work well worth it.  

Until my next report… Dr. Jeff

I remember several years ago when I was going through a difficult time in my personal life, as well as struggles with JOY International. Many friends said; “Jeff, why don’t you quit what you’re trying to do with JOY International and go into…” ~ There were a myriad of suggestions from Business Ventures to Sales and various other things.The more I thought about it… the more emotionally upset I became. I got to the point of realizing, “they don’t get it.” Quit? Quit what? Quit trying to raise funds for children who are being sexually abused with some being forced into the child sex trade? Quit trying to bring awareness of this atrocity wherever I went? Quit trying to get children out of brothels? Children forced to service from 10-15 vile men a day? Quit asking people to help me… to do something? Anything that can touch the life of one of these precious children.Thank God I closed my ears to those who spent more time telling me what I shouldn’t be doing, instead of helping me accomplish what had to be done. As a result… through the years miracles happened in the lives of many, many children.Today I went to The Killing Fields in Phnom Penh. As a Jew, I could relate in a sad way what the Cambodian people went through during the Pol Pot/Khmer Rouge Regime. The torture, murders, rapes and genocide of a beautiful people. Thank God there were those who saw the atrocity, and refused to quit trying to stop it. As a result, there’s now a wonderful, thriving country with a beautiful people whose past is filled with horrors, but whose present and future have hope.It’s not the same for all the citizens of Cambodia. There are still hundreds of thousands of children who are raped, sexually abused, with many forced into the terror-filled world of the child sex trade. Who hears their cries? Who will speak out for them when their voices are silenced? Who will be their advocate? Who will come to their rescue? One thing I know for certain – that person will NOT be a Quitter.

I’m here in Phnom Penh with my awesome (make that incredibly awesome) team of Harold, Chantell and Mary Jane. It’s about 6:00am on Saturday. Yesterday was such a wonderful day. Drove to Kampong Cham where we met Joel & Chloe (THEmost incredible couple doing phenomenal work - especially in the area of Restoration) for girls who have been sexually abused. On the way back to Phnom Penh, we stopped at the home (thatched hut on stilts) of Dany. She is a beautiful young Cambodian girl who was in the Safe House after being sexually abused and completed the Restoration process. She is now in the Reintegration Phase and has a small thriving business as an in-demand  seam-stress/dressmaker. After meeting with her and her wonderful family - it helped me to see that this is what it was all about. I can’t thank you all enough for your love, concern and prayers ~ Jeff Brodsky ~ Sharing The JOY   

Greetings and welcome. I have been trying and thinking about doing a BLOG for a long time now. There is no JOY in talking about the child sex trade on a regular basis. The joy comes when you see success in the rescue, restoration and reintegration process with the girls. Girls who have gone through horrific experiences at the hands of the most vile, evil men on earth. Men with no conscience, no heart and no concern for the lives of these precious children. The sexual abuse of children and the child sex trade is something that just should not be happening in our world today… but it is… in alarming numbers… and it’s growing… rapidly. It’s now a 32 billion (yes, Billion) dollar industry. There are more than a million children forced int the sex trade in India alone.

As I write this, I’m sitting in my room in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. I tried to write an update on my Facebook Page but could not put more than 420 characters (when did that happen)? It’s probably a good things as it helped me make the decision to finally start blogging. People need to know what’s happening. There are others fighting this fight, but not nearly enough. I’ll try to be brief with my comments or this “blog” will become a book.
So here we go my friends. Feel free to comment (I think you can do that on a blog)… bt more than anything else, read and react. You have the power and ability to change things in the lives of these precious children. Yes, you. All you need to do is share what you learn with others. One voice can speak to a few - many voices can speak to multitudes. Be a voice. I need you to share some of the heartache - but I also hope you’ll Share The JOY.