Your support fuels the journey from deepest trauma to restored hope.
This is the story of that journey — made possible through the partnership of Hagar International and our LIFT team in Thailand.
For two years, a horrific secret remained hidden in plain sight.
A trusted family friend was not a friend at all.
Rita’s* mother, a single parent, worked tirelessly out of town to provide for her seven-year-old daughter. She never imagined she was leaving her child in the hands of a predator.
Then, a devastating call from law enforcement shattered her world. They had discovered online material of Rita being abused.
The man she trusted — her daughter’s trafficker — was arrested.
Rita was immediately brought to safety. From that first moment, LIFT’s social workers were by her side, beginning the critical work of healing.
We walked with Rita and her heartbroken mother on the long path to justice.
“I never imagined I was the one who sent my daughter to him,” Rita’s mother told us.
“I want him to get the highest punishment.”
We promised to fight for exactly that.
At the request of law enforcement, our digital forensics team analyzed the trafficker’s devices. What they found was staggering — a vast collection of child abuse material captured on hidden cameras and shared within secret online networks.
The scale of the evidence was devastating, but it strengthened our resolve.
Guided by Thailand’s human trafficking laws, our legal team built an undeniable case. The clarity of the evidence allowed the anti-trafficking task force to establish a clear pattern of human trafficking.
This breakthrough enabled them to petition the court for 18.6 million baht (approximately $570,000 USD) in compensation for the profound trauma Rita endured.
While the court case continues, Rita’s life is already being rebuilt. Her laughter is returning.
Together with our shelter partner, we celebrated her birthday — a small but powerful symbol of renewal. Her mother was there, the guest of honor.
After blowing out her candles, Rita prayed with a wisdom beyond her years:
“I pray that everyone in this room is cared for by God, just as He has always cared for me.”
By standing with LIFT and Hagar, you are a partner in this fight.
You are the reason a little girl’s laughter is returning.
You are planting a seed of hope in the life of a child like Rita.
Thank you for standing for justice.
