In the face of the unthinkable, hope exists. This vision drives the work at Willow International ("Willow"), a nonprofit dedicated to ending human trafficking in Uganda and beyond.  At Willow, survivors are empowered to heal from trauma and pursue their God-given potential.  Through restorative aftercare services focused on holistic care, many men, women, and children come to know the Lord, and are able to move past the pain they had endured.

 

Our Barnabas Group ("TBG") partners have embraced this cause, and Willow.  Today we are highlighting TBG partner, Todd Tripp, and his experience with this amazing ministry.  Todd first learned of Willow through a business event.  He met Willow's Founder & Executive Director, Kelsey Galaway, and his eyes were opened to the global epidemic.  During an interview with Todd, he explained how "Kelsey shared the issues that are surrounding human sex trafficking in Uganda, the United States, and around the world.  I had no idea that it was affecting so many millions of people, and that on average one million new victims per year were being illegally trafficked."  

 

Todd processed all that he had learned, and decided that he wanted to help!  His church already had a trip to Uganda scheduled, so he suggested that they check out Willow while in the area.  He wanted to see Willow's work firsthand.  His church agreed, and made all of the necessary arrangements. 

 

During their time with Willow, the group witnessed the level of individualized care and attention provided to each survivor, as well as the lasting results of Willow's best-in-class services.  Todd stated the following about his experience:

 

"When we arrived on site we saw the amount of work and care that went into the full restoration of these victims.  On the other side of that restoration many had returned to health, embraced education, gained job experience, and in some situations the gift of reuniting with their family and/or beginning families of their own. 

 

This organization is run by top-flight professional caregivers who think long-term, strategically, and compassionately about the victims they serve.  Many of the primarily women's leadership team have advanced degrees, and would be welcomed additions in the private sector to top-notch organizations if God were not calling them to serve at Willow."

 

The firsthand experience with Willow left a lasting impression on Todd and his fellow travelers.  His church is now a ministry partner with Willow, and Todd is looking forward to continuing to advance Willow's work and putting an end to human trafficking.