Safe at Last
November 2019
By knowing how to see and respond to the signs of abuse and trafficking,
One advocate can protect countless children in their lifetime.
Lil and Tik grew up in Myanmar with their mom and dad. Life was simple but they were happy together – until the day their mom became very ill. When she passed away, everything changed.
Their father turned to alcohol and drugs to cope with his loss and the girls were on their own to grieve. He quickly spiraled downward and beat both the girls whenever he was drunk. Lil got the worst of his rage.
In a community of bamboo huts in Myanmar, the neighbors heard, but what could they do?
When money ran out, and circumstances got worse for the family, so did their father’s rage. Instead of any kind of comfort or support, Lil and Tik were abused. Then one day, in a drunken haze, their father assaulted Lil right in front of Tik. She was only 10 years old.
This time, he knew the neighbors had heard, so he fled.
Neighbors did know but they didn’t know how to respond to a 10-year-old victim or what to say to an 8-year-old who had witnessed it all. For two years, the two sisters were passed around from one abusive situation to another. Their trauma compounded with every move.
Finally by the grace of God, the girls ended up at the home of one of our community-based advocates. We had equipped her to ask the right questions with empathy, how to identify red flags, and safe ways to report trafficking and abuse.
She called us immediately and we brought Lil and Tik into our emergency care. We had to put an end to their abuse so their healing could begin. Our staff began building relationships of trust, and the girls slowly let down their walls. Tik loves cooking alongside our staff and Lil eventually let go of the tough exterior she arrived with.
Within our program, they learned for the first time about the love of God. After some time, both Lil and Tik told their advocates they had started to pray. Jesus has become very real to Lil and for a girl who has endured so much, the message of unconditional love has been transformative. After being exposed to the simple gospel, Lil put her faith in Jesus and has asked if she can be baptized.
Both girls have become talented apprentices at Sojourn Studio where they are surrounded by a community of support while growing in character, capability, and confidence. They are enrolled in migrant school, and our search for a permanent, loving family has begun. Lil & Tik’s journey isn’t over, but thanks to you, our advocates, and Jesus, they are safe at last!