OneVOICE Babble

13 May 13

Mission to Stop Child Sex Trafficking in Cambodia

As my spring 2013 college tour to “break the silence on sexual abuse and trafficking” has come to an end, my heart turns back to thoughts of Cambodia and a mission to reach and educate those vulnerable of being trafficked and to rescue and restore those who are currently in chains. I am confident that if we are going to see an end to modern day slavery then every single one of us must do what we can to be a solution to this evil.

I took this picture while meeting with girls in brothels.

This is a lock on the OUTSIDE of a room where a tiny young girl I interviewed had been beaten, tortured, drugged, raped, starved and forced to service 8-10 men/night. You can hear the story of this child sex slave, mothers who were tricked, and many others I met during the Rescue Life Mission to Cambodia on this episode of the Life Today TV Show.

I am honored by the incredible support I have received as I continue on this mission to break the chains on sexual abuse and trafficking around the world. Many have asked how they can get more involved or help support the anti-trafficking work we are doing. I wanted to take time to share with you my heart, my vision and the projects that Iʼm currently working on; I invite you to partner with me in prayerfully and financially funding some of the work ahead:

A. TRANSLATE my book HUSH into the language of KHMER.

I am so grateful to Moody Publishers for granting me special permission to privately TRANSLATE and PUBLISH my book HUSH into the Cambodian language of Khmer. Your support so far has covered the costs of employing a precious missionary couple in Cambodia to do the translation! They began at the end of March and I just received word that they have now completed it! I should receive the soft copy by the end of this week. This is the first step…Next we need money to publish and print them (keep reading)!

B. PRINT 5,000 COPIES of HUSH to distribute to villages of Cambodia.

$15,000 or approximately $3/book. We will be able to pass out over 5,000 copies of the Khmer version of HUSH while doing our anti-trafficking educational programming in villages and locations all over Cambodia. My team and I will speak to 300 Cambodians at a time and reach approximately 5,000 people. We need to cover printing costs so that we can pass out free copies of this book plus other anti-trafficking/abuse information. Please help raise money for the printing costs to make this possible — we will print as many as we are able to pay for!

C. FUND a team of OneVOICE ABOLITIONISTS to travel to Cambodia and present anti-trafficking programs.

Approximately $10,000 will help us cover the travel costs for our team to go into the countryside of Cambodia and share an anti-trafficking message PLUS present the Gospel to the people within untouched villages who are also at very high-risk of being approached by traffickers.

These traffickers disguise themselves as job agencies, promising health, happiness, education, great working conditions, opportunities and fortune to families in extremely poor Cambodian villages, in exchange for 2 years of their childrensʼ lives. Uneducated and unaware, families believe these evildoers and send their young girls away with the hope of a life they could never give to their daughters… most of them never return. The young girls who do return alive are so brain-damaged and emotionally-destroyed from the intense torture and trauma they experience that they will never be the same again. Meeting these girls and their grief-stricken mothers a couple of months ago has completely broken me. We MUST reach and educate these parents and communities before another girl is sold into slavery.

D. BUILD A SCHOOL BUILDING for CAMBODIAN CHILDREN who will become NATION-CHANGERS.

$10,000 will build a new school building in the empty field adjacent to the current school building at the LIFE Center in Cambodia and give room for 70 more children per year to attend school! The kids at the LIFE Center in Cambodia are truly becoming nation-changers. I have personally visited this beautiful facility; it is a beacon of hope and light in the midst of a dark land and they are doing a phenomenal job of educating and loving on Cambodian orphans and school kids. The LIFE Center provides one of the highest quality schools in the nation, teaching not only the necessary education, but also English and the Gospel; Life Center children also learn how to be self- sufficient, raising crops, fish farms and livestock on the school property.These kids are being equipped in every way to change the face and future of their nation. Letʼs expand their reach!

Breakdown of the building costs: $7,000 (the building) + $2,000 (the foundation) + $800 (tile the floors) + $200 (electrical/ painting) = $10,000

So, there you go.

I may be dreaming…but I believe God has broken my heart and is empowering me to partner with you, that we might see these visions and dreams come to LIFE and, thus, that we may all be used to change the world.

YOU CAN BE A SOLUTION! You can help educate at-risk communities and families about sex trafficking, protecting more children from becoming enslaved and empowering others to raise their voice against this evil that has taken over their nation.

I pray you would join me and be a hero in this hurting world.

Click here to DONATE online.

Or email us for instructions on sending a check. (Nicole@iamonevoice.org)

THANK YOU FOR YOUR GIFT OF ANY AMOUNT!

With Love,

Nicole Bromley

photos: (c) Nicole Bromley

29 April 13

Comments | 2 notes

Preventing Sexual Abuse in Sports

I am overwhelmed and pained by the stories around us of coaches/teachers grooming players/students for sexual abuse. It is every parent’s nightmare… and terribly devastating when it happens under the leadership of someone you trusted as a coach and school professional.

90% of the time, children and teens are sexually abused by someone they know. They are most at risk to be abused by someone they have regular contact with like relatives, coaches, teachers, babysitters, etc. While there is no such thing as a fool-proof warning sign, there are things parents can do and watch out for…Parents must talk with kids/teens about coaches, teachers, pastors or other adults who show signs of sexual interest in children.

Take the time, learn to recognize signs and speak up before another child is harmed.

Teach BOUNDARIES to your KIDS:

People who sexually abuse children often manipulatively cross personal space or even just ignore it all together. Sometimes the adult will begin to hug, touch, kiss, tickle, wrestle with, hold or cuddle with a child or teenager. This is where it begins…but doesn’t end…and it is never okay.

Talk to your kids about why it’s important to tell them or a safe adult if anyone’s behavior makes them uncomfortable. For young kids you can say something like, “Some people need help if they can’t remember the ‘rules’ for how to behave around kids.” Since most of the time children and teens know, and often care about or like the person who abuses them, it is helpful to use neutral language like “the rules” rather than using terms like “predators”, “abusers”, etc.

“A teenager can stop sexual harassment before it starts,” says Todd Crosset, a sports management professor at the University of Massachusetts-Amherst and leading expert on coach-athlete relationships. “Abusive coaches will test the waters, but if you put up any sort of resistance, they’ll back off.”

Watch BOUNDARIES in their COACHES:

Coaches who are grooming children often show signs before they sexually abuse them.

They can seem more focused on relationships with kids than adults. They may turn to a child for emotional or physical comfort; they may share personal or private information or activities with a child/teen; they may even treat the child more like a peer… and then they may give excuses as to why they are “friends”.

They may seem overly interested in the players bodies or their dating relationships or talk to them about sexuality. They might allow their players to get away with inappropriate behaviors; they may show sexual images or tell dirty jokes or talk with them about sexual interactions. Oftentimes, they will spend excessive time emailing, text messaging, or calling their players or students. Ask your child to tell you or another safe adult if this happens to them or a friend. This may be a sign a child or teen is being groomed.

Parents should also keep a look out for coaches who seem to have secret interactions with players. Be aware of those who prefer certain ages or genders of student-athletes and who tend to have a “special” relationship with one player in particular.

Does your child’s coach insist on or manage to spend uninterrupted time alone with a particular player? Often we hear of coach/teacher/youth leader relationships that seem “too good to be true,” (i.e. takes teens to dinner or on special outings alone; buys them gifts for no reason; frequently babysits children for free) and end with terrible outcomes.

HERE IS A MENTAL CHECKLIST FOR PARENTS TO CONSIDER (from StopItNow!):

Experts say that if the answer to any of the following questions is “yes,” it is possible that a coach may be sexually abusing a player…

Does your child’s coach make her feel like she needs him in order to succeed?

Does your child’s coach spend time with you in an attempt to win your trust or try to be a surrogate parent?

Does your child’s coach act differently with her when in front of others?

Does your child’s coach try to control her (even off the field)?

Does your child’s coach try to separate her from her teammates or other sources of support, like you or her friends?

Does your child’s coach spend a lot more time with her than with other athletes?

Does your child’s coach try to be alone with her?

Does your child’s coach give her gifts?

Does your child’s coach tell her not to talk about personal encounters the two of them have had?

PARENTS, FOR THE SAKE OF PREVENTION, BE BOLD.

One of the most effective ways to reduce the risk that your child or a teammate will be a victim of sexual harassment or abuse is to set boundaries at a pre-season meeting. Boundaries provide clarity about the role of a coach, establishes predictability for everyone in what the coach-athlete relationship is to look like and promotes a safe and healthy learning environment.

It may feel awkward to bring this topic up as a parent, but honestly, it would be more awkward to face the reality of some type of risky behavior between a coach and a player and then dealing with the aftermath.

Some helpful examples (from our friends at StopItNow!):

Coaches will only be allowed to touch athletes where appropriate for teaching new skills or in spotting

Coaches will not be allowed into the locker rooms or showers when athletes are changing or showering

Some examples of social boundaries:

Coaches will attend only sport-related social events and awards banquets.

Coaches will avoid parties with athletes outside of sport-related situations.

Coaches will not accept personal gifts from, or give personal gifts to, athletes.

Coaches will not date his/her athletes.

Coaches will never purchase alcohol for his or her athletes.

Coaches will never have sexual relationships with athletes. There is no such thing as a consensual relationship between coach and athlete, no matter the age, because of the power that the coach has over the athlete, says Sabo.

Coaches will never sleep in the same room with his/her athletes in order to save money, or for any other excuse, while attending competitions.

SPEAK UP IF SOMETHING IS FISHY:

If you observe interactions or behaviors that concern you, speak up. Say, “I’m uncomfortable when you hug (name) after every race. How about high-fiving instead?”

If your child suddenly loses interest in an activity they previously enjoyed or tells you they want to quit their sport, consider the possibility that someone has caused them to feel uncomfortable or unsafe… or may be pushing them to quit for their own motives. Support your child’s decision while trying to understand what’s behind it by talking with child further and then with the coach or leader.

If a coach seems to be spending a lot of 1 on 1 time with your child, you need to say, “I’m not comfortable with you spending so much time with (name).” This doesn’t mean you are accusing them of anything, it simply means you are being clear on your boundaries.

Unfortunately, as a culture we are not very comfortable speaking up to other adults. But, we need to realize that we leave children vulnerable when we expect them to set these boundaries for themselves. Speak up for your kids! Help protect them!

IF YOU SENSE ABUSIVE BEHAVIOR:

Journal and keep track of behaviors that concern you. Talk to other parents about your concerns. Work together; take turns being at all sporting events and keeping an eye on things. Every once in a while show up early or unexpectedly and observe interactions.

Talk to your child straight-up. Talk with him about what goes on in practice (and outside of practice!). Ask questions. Get involved. Be engaged. Don’t sweet suspicion under the rug.

And if you have reasonable grounds to suspect that a child may be suffering abuse or is being groomed for such, you should report it to school officials, the local child protection agency or the police.

Remember, the most effective prevention takes place before there’s a child victim to heal or an offender to punish.

If your child tells you that he or she is being harassed, groomed or abused…

Take them somewhere where they can talk freely. Assure them you will do all you can to protect them. Listen and believe. Remind them it wasn’t their fault. Show that you are proud of them. Tell them they are courageous. Never ignore even seemingly trivial calls for help. Support your child. Discuss their options. Help them to restore a sense of control in their lives by involving them in deciding how to deal with the problem. Reassure them over and over. Walk with them on the journey ahead. Always assuring them they did the right thing by telling and that you will be with them every step of the way.

29 June 12

Comments | 2 notes

Sandusky Verdict Inspires Thousands (via RAINN)

(from our friends at RAINN)

Last week, in a case that shocked the nation and brought great awareness to the sexual abuse of children, former Penn State assistant football coach Jerry Sandusky was convicted on 45 of 48 charges of sexually abusing children. During the trial, usage of the National Sexual Assault Online Hotline rose by 33%; this followed a 50% increase when the scandal first broke last November.

RAINN’s hotline director, Jennifer Marsh, said, “We’re seeing an outpouring of people reaching out for help — women and men, boys and girls — many of whom have been encouraged to get help for the first time as a result of this tragedy.”

Leading up to and during the trial, RAINN’s staff worked closely with national media to educate them about child sexual abuse and ensure that media coverage accurately portrayed the nature of the crime and its effect on victims.

Praising the jury’s verdict and the courage of the survivors who came forward to report Sandusky’s crimes, RAINN’s president and founder Scott Berkowitz told Reuters: “Today is a landmark day for survivors of sexual violence across the nation. This verdict shows the country that when allegations of such abuse are brought to light, they will be taken seriously and that a just outcome is possible. If something positive can come out of this, it is that the strength of the survivors who testified has already encouraged thousands of survivors nationwide to take the first steps towards recovery through the National Sexual Assault Hotline (800.656.HOPE & online.rainn.org), creating record demand for the hotline’s services. We are hopeful that this case will continue to motivate other survivors to come forward and will encourage more prosecutors to vigorously pursue cases of sexual violence.”

1 March 11

Comments

Sex Addiction, The Church & Being Relevant

“There is no way for revival to come to the church until the church deals with [sexual addiction].” -Ted Roberts, Pure Desire Ministries

Sexual addiction has been characterized as sexual behavior that a person is unable to control, one that produces shame and one that a person continues to engage in even when they are confronted with negative consequences.

A study in Psychology Today revealed that two out of three men between the ages of 18 and 34 look at pornography at least once a month, with 12 to 17 year olds being the largest population consuming pornography in the U.S.

Not just a man’s issue! About 40 percent of women on the internet are involved in cyber-sex behavior as well. In an assessment conducted by Rick Warren’s Saddleback Church, 60 female leaders from various churches were interviewed and, according to these results, women’s relationships scored much higher than men’s. Women’s relationships were more profoundly affected by their sexual addictions than were men’s.

Sexual addiction affects all of us—men, women, children, leaders, families—everyone.

And this sexually broken culture we live in has clearly affected the way you and I view sex; it has left us abused, addicted, humiliated, heartbroken, questioning, craving, frightened and frigid.

My purpose in writing today is a call to the church to wake up and BE A VOICE. If our desire as the body of Christ is to love like Jesus, to meet people where they are at, and to walk with them in their day-to-day struggle, then we have to talk about the issue that is truly eating us alive.

If we will ever find freedom and wholeness in this area of our lives, we will only do that by gaining God’s perspective: exposing the lies & discovering God’s truth about sex. It’s also important to gain God’s perspective on ourselves through things like self-examination and getting honest about our own personal weak points.

Sexual struggles and sex addiction often flow out of an unhealthy view or wrong understanding of SEX.

If the church desires relevancy, it’s vital for us to confidently and openly speak about God’s true design for sexuality. Leaders must acknowledge that there are many sexual struggles facing those in the church (including themselves); and they must also be intentional in helping switch the cultural lie that “sex is dirty and bad” to the truth that “sex is a gift” created by God for us.

“Pastors who are battling with sexual addiction need to start by realizing that it won’t get better on its own – it’ll get worse.” -Ted Roberts

I genuinely believe that healing for any shame-based addiction can be found through Jesus and that a healing journey is only further beefed-up by the surrounding support and accountability of a community of believers. So let’s not only talk about hard things, but let’s provide opportunities for broken people to gather and journey together.

I pray more and more churches will begin small group ministries and recovery groups, aimed specifically to helping those struggling with addiction and issues related to sexuality. Let your congregation and your city know that your church cares about real people with real struggles. And not only that you care, but that you will walk with people through their struggle—loving them, supporting them and pointing them to the One who comforts, heals, redeems and restores.

Let your church be a safe place for people to come with their struggle…and let them work out their struggles with the love of Jesus. This doesnt make your church unhealthy, it makes your church a place where the Doctor is free to do His work!

“It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick… For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” - Jesus (in Matthew 9: 12-13)

Relevant ministries are lead by real people with real stories and real struggles, who are willing to humble themselves honestly before the Lord and before others, who are willing to be transformed by His hand, used as He desires, poured out as His broken vessel, all for His glory and the hope of tomorrow.

~NB

Themed by Hunson. Originally by Josh