Cambodia

Sometimes God works in really funny ways. I mean really funny ways! He's always, always up to something even when you have no clue! Around this time last year, I traveled to Toledo, Ohio with my friend Catherine. We went for a 3 day class to get certification in a curriculum that teaches care givers how to help those recovering from human trafficking. Catherine and I went to learn what we could for a future ministry involving women in the sex industry. I vividly remember sitting in this class asking God why He was opening my eyes to the horrors of human trafficking all over the world when there was nothing I could do to help. I left the class with a broken heart. 

Fast forward to last month. My dear friend Christy shared about a trip she was taking to Cambodia. 

As she shared the details of her trip, well to say I was intrigued would be an understatement. I took some time to pray and think about the trip for her, and the more I thought and prayed, the more I felt God's leading to go. I started investigating the possibility of my involvement in the trip. Amazingly enough, I was approved to go! I'm still blown away at this news! 

First, in case you don't know where Cambodia is, here's a map of southeast Asia: (look right below China, between Thailand and Vietnam! Can you see it now?)

I'm going with Indian Creek Christian Church, and we will be working with Rapha House, an organization that works with female survivors of human trafficking, which includes slavery and sex trafficking. They have several safe houses in Cambodia that provide physical protection for the girls, their own bed, food, educational training, vocational training, and counseling. As they recover and grow, they are transitioned to a half-way house which provides them an easier transition back to society, with skills that can help them become productive members of society. A sad fact is that nearly 85% of girls who are rescued from sex trafficking return because of a lack of any vocational skills to support themselves. Rapha House works with the girls to empower them to support themselves! You can learn more about Rapha House at their website: raphahouse.org.


Our group will be in Cambodia for 2 weeks this summer.  During our time there, we will be working with the staff at various safe houses to encourage and refresh them, working with the girls as they get vocational and educational training, and each night entertaining and educating groups of girls which vary in age from 4-18 years of age.


As you can imagine, this trip will be quite costly. I need to raise at least $3,500. I'm getting some help with my fundraising efforts from one of my best friends, this guy:

I've said before that I hit the jackpot with getting him for a brother, but boy, oh boy did I ever! My sweet brother is doing a 30 mile run to raise funds for the trip. Yes, that's 30 miles. IN ONE DAY! Seriously, how did I get so lucky with getting a brother this wonderful!?!? On May 28th, Stephen will run 30 miles on the Monon Trail! Seriously, he rocks!

If you would like to partner with me to impact the lives of these sweet young girls, please email me at afblackburn@gmail.com. I need to raise the funds by May 28th so the tickets can be purchased. I would truly appreciate the financial help to make this trip possible!

Of even great importance than the financial, I ask for your prayer support. The only way this trip will happen successfully is with the personal involvement of God. I sincerely ask for your prayers! Please pray that God can use our team to show His perfect love to these girls, and that He can use us to bring healing to their wounded hearts! Please pray for our safety and health, and that our funding can be raised! 

I'm cannot begin to express how humbled I am by His calling, and how very unequipped I feel. I know that when He calls you, he will equip you! I cannot wait to see what He is going to do! Thank you so much for taking the time to read! I will keep you updated about the preparations for the trip, Stephen's run, and of course pics from the trip! I'm super excited to take you on this trip with me, through pictures and words! 

I pray God richly blesses you and lavishes His love on you!

Much love,

~Amber