Freedom Newsletter
THANK YOU FOR RESTORING HOPE AND HEALING TO VULNERABLE COMMUNITIES!
Empowering Survivors: How Your Support and Tikerea’s Leadership Transform Lives
ZOE
for Youth Clinical Manager
Tikerea Tate, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), has over eight years of experience and has been the Clinical Manager at ZOE’s Home for Youth (ZHY) in LA County for the past two years. With dedication and wisdom, she manages the day-to-day clinical operations of the home and provides direct therapeutic services to restore the lives of trafficking victims.
“What I love most about working at ZOE is being able to see the transformation in the girls at the home and witnessing the growth within our team. Seeing the progress the girls make from the first day they begin the program to the day they leave is always amazing. Also, being able to witness staff members use their gifts to support the girls and seeing the outcome of their work is something I will never get tired of watching. I do what I do because I see the impact. Working at ZOE is a different kind of job. Being surrounded by people on the same mission, with the same goal, keeps me motivated to continue the fight to end human trafficking.”
“Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a muistard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.’” Matthew 17:20
Tikerea Tate, LCSW
Home
From Floodwaters to Faith: How Your Support Reveals God’s Love
In September, devastating floods swept through Chiang Rai, Thailand, displacing families and destroying homes. Yet, your generous support enabled ZOE Thailand to aid those in need. Partnering with community leaders and pastors, we distributed 3,500 Children’s Hunger Fund (CHF) Food Paks to 750 families across northern and northeastern Thailand through the Mercy Network program.
These food paks provided more than sustenance—they created opportunities for families to save money, send children to school, and experience God’s love. During one distribution, eleven people were baptized in the floodwaters themselves! What a powerful testament to God’s light amidst disaster.
As one ZOE partner shared, “We give all glory to God for this ministry.” We’re witnessing lives transformed by faith,
resilience, and hope. Thank you for making this impact possible. Your compassion continues to bring lifechanging hope to those affected by this crisis.
A Season of Miracles: How Your Support Transforms Lives at ZOE’s Home for Youth
“And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap if we do not give up.” Galatians 6:9
At ZOE’s Home for Youth, we believe in second chances. ZOE’s Clinical Director Lawrence Franklin reminds us, “We’re here to stand in the gap and show youth a better way.” Thanks to your support, we provide safety, love, and healing for teens recovering from unimaginable trauma.
Last fall, we welcomed three new girls. One struggled deeply, lashing out in anger. But with patience and care, she found trust. “In other homes, it’s kids versus adults,” she said. “Here, it’s different. Why would someone be kind to me?”
This year, your generosity helped us celebrate miracles:
• 89% fewer medication refusals
• ZERO psychiatric hospitalizations
• Two graduates reunited with their families
Thanks to you, we’ve created a place where God’s love transforms lives daily. Scan the QR code to continue reading the full story.
ZOE USA: West
R. Lawrence Franklin, LCSW
ZOE Western USA Clinical Director
A Night on the Frontlines: Inside a Rescue Operation in Los Angeles
At ZOE International, our mission to rescue children from human trafficking is not just a statement; it’s a call to action. Recently, David Cox, ZOE’s USA National Director, shared insights from a recent sting operation in Los Angeles that highlighted the unique challenges and complexities involved in rescuing victims.
“It’s not about getting them in trouble, it’s about offering them a way out. We just want them to know that we care,” David says.
“One of the most impactful tools we use is a simple silicone bracelet provided by ZOE that acts as a silent invitation for help.” As David recounts, the last girl interviewed, who was suspected of being trafficked, specifically asked for the bracelet before leaving.
“Where’s my bracelet?” she asked a small but significant moment that hinted at her willingness to accept help.
These small acts of kindness can sometimes be the opening that leads to rescue and recovery.
David added, “We need to pray for these girls. For their safety. For their hearts to be opened. And for them to know that there is a way out.”
If you are interested in learning how to get more involved in financially supporting ZOE’s rescue operations or by volunteering, email Lonna Gibson at lonna@goZOE.org.
Thank you for your unwavering support. You are part of every rescue, every story of hope, and every life saved.
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” – Psalm 34:18
Scan the QR code to continue reading the full story:
Justice in Action: How Your Partnership Empowers ZOE and the Lancaster County Task Force’s Fight Against Trafficking
In 2024, ZOE partnered with the Lancaster County Human Trafficking Task Force in PA and Heather Adams, Lancaster’s District Attorney, to bring abundant hope and restoration to victims of trafficking. Together, we participated in six operations, leading to 49 arrests, including child predators and sex buyers. These efforts, though complex, reflect our unwavering commitment to ending exploitation.
Our ZOE advocates were often on the frontlines, providing immediate care to 19 survivors, including Renee* (her name has been changed to protect her identity), who overcame immense challenges with ZOE’s care, transitioning from exploitation to pursuing her commercial driver’s license (CDL) and a brighter future.
The ZOE East Coast team also worked with the local community through 55 prevention training events, a county-wide bus ad campaign, and the Ride for Freedom documentary, which inspires action in the fight against trafficking. Watch the documentary at ZOEraam.com.
Your support fuels these efforts, ensuring survivors receive the care they need. Together, we are making a difference, one life at a time. Thank you for standing with us.
Light In The Darkness: Prayer Walks in Tokyo’s Red-Light District
ZOE Japan regularly leads evening prayer walks in Tokyo’s red-light district for church groups and international visitors, exposing participants to the stark reality of the spiritual darkness that seems to intensify after sunset. Despite the spiritual toll, especially for first-timers, the ZOE team is sustained by God’s power and love for the vulnerable in this area. Responses from our prayer warriors range from shocked silence, weeping, and an overwhelming sense of the spiritual warfare present. “It’s like walking through a nightmare,” said a participant. Yet, through these walks, the team witnesses the resilience of their faith found in collective prayer walks.
One young man shared, “Through the walk, I learned to find Christ’s light in the darkest places. Looking above the area where runaway children gather, I saw the shared sky and was reminded of God’s love for all.” Thank you for partnering with us to reach people with the Gospel. To participate in a prayer walk in Japan, contact Annerie Van Wyk at annerie@gozoe.org.
Together, we are reminded that “the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” John 1:15
“It’s like walking through a nightmare...”
Happy Birthday Jesus Festival: Celebrating Christ and Bringing
Hope to Vulnerable Families in Puebla & Oaxaca, Mexico
In December, ZOE Mexico flourished in its mission to champion the Gospel and protect at-risk children, culminating in an extraordinary Christmas festival that drew over 1,000 people of all ages to celebrate the birth of Jesus. Lovingly titled “Happy Birthday Jesus,” the event was a radiant beacon of hope for Puebla and Oaxaca– which are critical intersections for trafficking, serving as transits and destinations for victims. Yet, amid the darkness, light broke through.
“With the participation of churches from all denominations and hundreds of volunteers, we reached people who perhaps
never heard of Jesus or would not dare to approach a church, but would go to a public square,” shared Mariela Ambrosio, ZOE Mexico Director. Many grow up in Catholicism without a personal connection to Jesus. Yet the communities “sang, danced and celebrated Jesus and listened attentively to the gospel.” Mariela continued. The light of the gospel shone in a place often marked by darkness. Thanks to you, ZOE brings Christ’s love into the lives of families who need it most.
ZOE Mexico
Building a Safer Future: Helping Little Ones Learn Healthy
Boundaries with ZOE Australia’s Protective Education Game
As adults, it’s our responsibility to keep children safe and protected from abuse. But we also know that we can help children protect themselves by teaching them to recognize, respond to, and report unsafe behavior and situations.
ZOE Australia has been making significant strides in developing a board game designed to help children do exactly that. Exciting progress is underway as the team recently added a new in-game character and is finalizing resources to create a compelling educational tool to help children identify safe people and places while fostering protective behaviors and healthy boundaries.
This preventative tool is tailored for children identified as “at-risk” or “vulnerable”. The game empowers children to build awareness in a safe, supportive environment.
In addition to direct rescue and restoration efforts, ZOE is deeply committed to prevention and education as a means to protect children from being exploited and to help them stay safe. By equipping children, families, and communities with tools to identify and address unsafe situations, we aim to make a lasting impact in the fight against human trafficking.
Join us in SoCal or Idaho OR host walk in your city on Saturday, April 26, 2025!
Ten Mile Christian Church Meridian, Idaho
Shepherd Church Chatsworth, California
Shepherd Church Chatsworth, California
On April 26, 2025, at 9 am to 12 pm PST, we’re gathering at Shepherd Church in Southern California for the ZOE Rescue Walk—a powerful movement to raise awareness and take action against child trafficking. Register at ZOERescueWalk.com.
Ten Mile Christian Church Meridian, Idaho
ZOE International
P.O. Box 221510
Santa Clarita, CA 91322 goZOE.org
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April 26, 2025 - 9 am to 12 pm GMT Register at goZOE.org/WalkIdaho
Host a Walk in Your City!
The ZOE Rescue Walk is a global movement. Will you lead the way?
• Create a walk in your city with a handful of friends.
• Engage your church and community to walk for freedom.
• Become a Team Captain and invite your loved ones to join.
Teams are already forming across the country —with more being added! Visit goZOE.org/HostAWalk and fill out the interest form to host a walk in your city. Be part of this global movement!
Scan the QR code to register, learn more, or connect with a ZOE team member.