News

By Susannah Friis - Volunteer Contributing Writer

Ever thought about going on a short-term mission trip?

For most, the idea is daunting to say the least. When thinking of traveling to Thailand, places such as Bangkok, Phuket, and Ko Samui spring to mind, yet a short-term mission trip usually involves locations that are off the beaten track.

For mother and daughter, Susannah and Charlotte, the destination was Chiang Rai, the Destiny Rescue base in Thailand.

The pair first heard about Destiny Rescue after a friend came home from a schoolies mission trip. So when the opportunity came via a local church, they both jumped at the chance, although neither had traveled overseas before, nor had any special skills like plumbing, building, teaching or nursing.

“We are just ordinary people. All we had was a desire to be used however we could be, in whatever way was needed,” said Susannah. “We were a bit nervous, having had virtually no travel experience but being with the Destiny Rescue team gave us a secure way to experience everything, with no stress.”

On a short-term mission trip with Destiny Rescue, team members are guided by a staff member who has been in Thailand for a length of time and know their way around, and, importantly, are always available to answer questions about Thailand and the organization.

“As well as working on the team project, we visited the Rescue Home and Prevention Homes. The Destiny Rescue staff also ensured we enjoyed some of the regular tourist things like riding an elephant, going on a boat ride and seeing sights like the famous White Temple.

“We were also spoilt by having many meals and coffees in the recently opened Destiny Café, run by some of the girls who have been rescued.

The highlight for me, though, was meeting the children in the homes. To see them so happy, so well looked after, was just wonderful. We even got to meet our sponsor child!”

And it’s not all about the sights or even meeting the children and young people whose lives have been transformed by the work of Destiny Rescue. Susannah found she was there as more than a chaperone for her 15 year old daughter.

“I thought I was merely going along to support Charlotte and help out with the designated project of revamping a rooftop space for the girls who live and work at the cafe,” she said. “Turns out, there were some significant things that God wanted to show me.

We can feel helpless and overwhelmed when we hear about the plight of these children sold into the sex slave industry. We see a post on Facebook, even see some photos and feel that stirring of compassion. Going on a mission trip turns that compassion into action!

God showed me some very definite ways He has equipped me to help – to use what I have, where I am, and make a difference.

These children, and this organization, need advocates, need voices to speak the truth and raise awareness of the horrific circumstances that so many girls and boys find themselves in. We CAN do something from wherever we are in the world…in fact, it is vitally important that we do!

Until I went on the mission trip, I thought there wasn’t much I could do for the cause, or those involved. Now, by seeing Destiny Rescue in action, by visiting the rescue and prevention homes, I have come away knowing clearly what is needed and how I can help provide it.”

If you feel strongly about what Destiny Rescue is fighting for but are wondering how you can help, why not consider a short-term mission trip this year? You might just be surprised at the lives it changes, including yours.