Twelve years ago today, the United Nations established World Day Against Trafficking in Persons on July 30 to raise awareness for people trapped in modern-day slavery around the world.
Trafficking happens in every country, but Thailand and India have especially large commercial sex industries. Right now, countless girls and women in Thailand and India are being pushed into sex work as a result. Without help, they may never find their way out.
We recently connected with two World Help supporters — Sarah Hefner and Nicole Van Duyn — who are passionate about helping these girls experience freedom. Every year, they partner with World Help to host Night of Freedom, an event that aims to raise support for girls trapped in the sex industry and vulnerable children at risk of being forced into similar work.
Here’s what they had to say about their work and the importance of this project:
Q: What inspired you to get involved with World Help and Freedom?
Sarah first was inspired to get involved with freedom after her first trip to Thailand in 2017
Sarah: My family and I first got involved with World Help in 1999. After getting to know World Help’s founder, Vernon Brewer, and other members of the World Help team, we quickly fell in love with the heart and mission of the organization. We knew we wanted to be part of something that was actively bringing help and hope to people around the world.
For me personally, my involvement with the Freedom initiative began after my first trip to Thailand in 2017. Walking the streets of Bangkok and Pattaya, I was overwhelmed by the devastation and darkness of the sex industry.
My heart broke for the young girls I encountered — many of them trapped in circumstances no one should ever have to face. I couldn’t stop thinking about my own daughter back home and how different her life was simply because she was born in the U.S. — because she had freedom.
That moment changed everything for me. I knew I had to do something to help bring that same freedom to others.
After seeing the reality of sexual slavery in Thailand, Nicole was inspired to help women experience freedom
Nicole: I was introduced to World Help through my parents, who loved the World Help family and everything they did and stood for. Slowly, my husband and I started getting involved by sponsoring a child and donating to Bible distribution.
Then in 2011, my dad took me on a trip to Haiti, and I was able to see firsthand how World Help works and all the good that was being done through them for God’s glory. From that point on, we knew that World Help was an organization that we wanted to support.
Years later, some of my best friends took a trip to Thailand and were broken by seeing so many young girls and boys being forced into bars and clubs as sex workers to help provide for their families.
When they told me about their trip, they would cry for these children, and they couldn’t help but think of their own sons and daughters. They all felt compelled by the Holy Spirit to do something, and I wanted to join in and help them also.
Q: How have you seen God work through Night of Freedom?
Night of Freedom helps provide freedom for girls in Thailand and raises awareness of the dangers of sexual slavery
Sarah: God has used Night of Freedom in powerful ways — not just to raise funds, but to stir hearts and build a bridge between women here and the women and girls in Thailand who desperately need hope and healing.
This event has allowed us to bring the needs of the women and girls of Thailand home to our own community. It’s been incredible to watch how God moves when people are given the opportunity to engage with a cause that matters deeply to His heart.
We’ve been blessed to host Night of Freedom seven times and, by God’s grace, have raised over $440,000 and sponsored more than 50 kids. That money has helped support our partners in Bangkok and Pattaya in a number of impactful ways.
But even more important than the financial support is the awareness we’ve been able to raise. God has used this event to open the eyes of women here — mothers, daughters, friends — to the reality of what’s happening around the world and to show them that they can be a part of making a difference.
Watching our local community rise up in compassion, prayer, and action has been one of the most powerful testimonies of how God is working through Night of Freedom.
God has used Night of Freedom to do His work in Thailand!
Nicole: I have seen God work through Night of Freedom in the way that He always provides!
The Lord has been so consistent in pulling things together for this event that we work in confidence, knowing that the Lord will use this event for His glory and that it will all come together.
He brings the right women, softens their hearts, and brings a combination of joy and conviction to the night that only He can provide. I’ve also seen the Lord bring a love for this event to my daughter, who wanted to drive home from college with two of her friends to help work the event.
The friends of my daughter had never been exposed to anything like this, and it was moving to see them instantly fall in love with the fight for freedom and child sponsorship.
I love how God has been so active and has moved from my friends convicting me, to years later convicting my daughter, and then the Holy Spirit moving even further by having my daughter’s friends fall in love with the cause as well.
Q: Why are you so passionate about fighting for freedom?
There is hope for girls trapped in the sex industry
Sarah: Because I’ve seen firsthand what a lack of freedom — what we call cultural slavery — can do to a girl’s soul. It’s heartbreaking to witness how the darkness of exploitation can destroy who she was meant to be.
But I’ve also seen the other side. I’ve walked the streets, and then I’ve walked into the safe houses our partners provide — and the contrast is undeniable.
In those safe places, there is light. There is healing. There is hope. Girls who once had no voice are now singing, learning, laughing, and dreaming again.
That’s why I fight for freedom. Because while we may not be able to solve the problem on a global scale, by God’s grace, we can change the trajectory of lives — one woman, one girl at a time.
And that kind of impact doesn’t end with her. It can change families, communities, and even generations. That’s the power of freedom, and that’s why I won’t stop fighting for it.
Nicole: I’m passionate about fighting for freedom simply because the Lord has softened my heart for this cause and has called me to help with Night of Freedom.
Q: What would you say to someone thinking about getting involved?
You can provide freedom and transform lives in Thailand or India
Sarah: Just do it. Don’t overthink it — just take the first step. Show up. Sponsor a child. Take a trip. Write a check. Whatever it looks like for you, do something. No amount is too small, and no act of generosity or compassion is wasted.
There are so many creative ways to raise funds and awareness — you don’t have to have it all figured out to make an impact. God can use whatever you bring, no matter how big or small, to change lives.
The important thing is to say yes. Because when you step out, you become part of something so much bigger than yourself — and that’s where the real transformation begins.
Nicole: I would say that if you are thinking about getting involved, pray about it. If the Lord is calling you to act, step out in faith, knowing He will help you do it!
Q: How has your work impacted you and your faith over the years? Are there any memories that stand out?
Night of Freedom raises awareness and helps people get involved in the fight for freedom
Sarah: This work has deeply impacted both my faith and my perspective on what it means to serve.
One of the most encouraging things I’ve seen is how God can take a group of people — many of us with no fundraising experience — and use our willing hearts to pull off something incredible. Time and time again, I’ve watched Him show up in the details and make a way where we felt unsure or unqualified.
Our team has grown so much over the years, and what’s been especially meaningful is watching our daughters now begin to step in and get involved. It’s incredibly sweet to see their hearts breaking for the same things that break ours — and more importantly, the things that break the heart of our Heavenly Father. It gives me so much hope for the future.
One memory that always stands out is the way our team comes together every year to host Night of Freedom. I always say that’s my favorite part — the unity, the shared purpose, and the way everyone brings their unique gifts to the table.
It’s such a beautiful picture of what 1 Corinthians 12 talks about: the body of Christ working together, where no part is more important than another. I love watching the talents, creativity, and passion of my friends come together to create something truly meaningful — a heartfelt event that’s making a real impact in the lives of women and girls on the other side of the world.
Sarah and Nicole hope that Night of Freedom will continue to make an eternal impact for many years to come!
Nicole: Working on Night of Freedom has impacted me in so many wonderful ways. First, I am reminded of how much fun it can be to serve. The term “serve” doesn’t always have a pleasurable sound to it, but serving alongside our team of women is always fun!
Secondly, the Lord is generous and always provides. I am often the one gathering the silent auction items, and I am always amazed at how many generous people and businesses we have that are eager to donate to our silent auction.
Lastly, I am reminded of how our differences are our strength. Our team of women who help put on this evening are all gifted in many different ways. Some are talented with the ability to make the evening look beautiful, some are talented with technology, and some know how to make delicious food.
If the Lord made us all the same, we couldn’t do this evening nearly as well as we do. To God be the glory for it all!
My favorite memories from Night of Freedom are always the end of the event night, and once everyone has left. Our team of women sits in amazement at the evening, and someone always says something along the lines of, “Well … God did it again!”
Our hearts are full of gratitude that we serve such a generous God who allows and gifts us the ability to be His hands and feet.
Are you ready to join Sarah and Nicole in the fight for freedom? You can make a lifelong impact in a girl’s life right now.
All it takes is $50 to help one girl experience freedom from the sex industry. You will provide critical needs like a safe place to live, counseling, education, medical care, and more. Best of all, your gift will introduce her to the love of Jesus.
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