Thailand has a bit of a reputation for sex tourism, and it's well-known that the commercial sexual exploitation of girls and women from very impoverished backgrounds is a major issue. There are many organizations working to combat this seemingly hopeless situation, and it pleased me greatly to hear that a young lady, Kelly Jacoby has stepped up to volunteer for a year of service in Thailand, working with Freedom Stones. Kelly has done volunteer work in various countries, including Zambia, Mexico, South Africa and Uganda. She has also volunteered in different parts of the United States. My family got to know her when my daughter worked with her as a co-counselor in a cabin at Camp Manatawny last year.
A recent college graduate, rather than go directly into the work force Kelly has opted to devote a year of her life to the efforts of Freedom Stones to help provide holistic training to women, not only as artisans but also in the areas of health, trafficking awareness and financial planning.
This will no doubt be a life changing and powerful experience for Kelly, and the impact she could make in the lives of a few could be eternal. All she needs is $2000 in money to start, and $1000 a month for 12 months. Freedom Stones is arranging a stipend to cover her lodging.I strongly encourage readers of this blog to consider making a one-time contribution to her starting funds, and perhaps a monthly commitment to meet the $1000 need. It's so little to raise to make a potentially deep impact for some in the larger fight against human trafficking. The challenge is great, but our God is greater.
To donate by mail, make checks out to Freedom Stones and include "Kelly Jacoby" in the memo line and send to: Freedom Stones, PO Box 306, Wadsworth, OH 44282. If you would like to make a monthly contribution via automatic debit/withdrawal, send an email to gail@freedomstones.ws You can also click here to donate securely online: http://freedomstones.ws/donate/ (look for the link with Kelly's name).
See also:
Fighting the Child Sex Trade in Southeast Asia
