Freedom Newsletter
THANK YOU FOR SENDING RESCUE AND HOPE TO SURVIVORS OF HUMAN TRAFFICKING.
Brad served as the Director of ZOE’s Child Rescue Team in Thailand for five years.
I enjoyed pouring into the Thai staff. They were all so loving, caring, hard-working, and passionate about the kids.
A Personal Letter from ZOE’s Eastern USA Regional Director to You!
Dear Friend,
With a grateful heart, I have the privilege of sharing with you the incredible ways that God is using your prayers and support to share the love of Jesus with the unreached and rescue children trapped in human trafficking and restore their spirit, soul, and body.
Ten years ago, when God called me into the ministry, didn’t know exactly what that would look like. At the time, was working with the Lancaster County District Attorney’s Child Pornography Unit in Pennsylvania. My heart broke for these kids. That’s when I heard about ZOE International and was invited by the Founders, Michael and Carol Hart, to Thailand to visit ZOE’s property and Child Rescue Center.
One night during a prayer session with the rescued kids, ZOE staff, and missionaries, one of the children came up and laid her hands on me to pray. I just broke down in tears. God spoke to my heart right there and said, “You’ve been chasing after justice your whole life. This is what my justice looks like.” From that moment, my life changed, and I knew I wanted to use my investigative skills to rescue kids and see them healed and restored in Christ.
Since I began the ZOE East Coast office in 2019, many of you have come alongside ZOE to grow our teams and operations worldwide to serve more children and families. Thank you!
You may never have the chance to see in-person the life-transforming work that our ZOE team gets to experience in the field, but please know that you’re leaving a lasting legacy for His eternal Kingdom!
Brad Ortenzi
Your Support Provides Growth in ZOE’s Prevention and Advocacy Work in Lancaster and Berks Counties!
ZOE Team Participates in Multiple Sting Operations
During March, the ZOE East Coast team collaborated in two separate multi-sting operations where local police arrested men suspected of targeting minors for sex. Additionally, through these investigative operations, ZOE advocates had impactful conversations with several women providing trauma-informed care and resources to assist in the operation.
“It was amazing to watch our advocates praying with the girls as the police stood by in protection.”
Brad Ortenzi, ZOE USA Regional East Coast Director
Brad continued, “We count this as success, knowing that day, these girls were not alone, and our advocates were able to pray for, love, and care for them. This is why we do what we do.”
ZOE advocates assess gaps in services with each survivor and provides necessary connections to resources within their community. When possible, ZOE advocates will remain in touch with survivors to build relationships with them and provide ongoing support. ZOE also supports survivors through court cases, trials, and investigations and provides local resources for continued help and services.
Brad added, “We are grateful for our East Coast supporters and fans across the country who have come alongside our teams over the years to bring awareness to human trafficking and provide financial resources for our East Coast team to expand and serve our community.”
(L-R): Andrea McHenry, East Coast Services Coordinator; Abby Mohler, East Coast Advocate; Barb Mathews, Administrative Assistant/Donor Relations; Brad Ortenzi, ZOE Eastern USA Regional Director
Recently, ZOE’s Eastern USA Regional Director, Brad Ortenzi, was invited to speak at Pennsylvania’s Senate roundtable discussion on human trafficking. Brad advocates for the youth and continues to raise awareness about human trafficking in the community.
ZOE Supporters Use Their Passion for Cycling
To Raise Funds and Awareness to End Child Trafficking
Mark your calendars! On June 17, 2023, eight ZOE team cyclists and 12 crew members will set out on a nonstop, 3,000-mile transcontinental relay race, known as Race Across America, from the Pacific (California) to the Atlantic (Maryland), to raise awareness about human trafficking and funds to support all ZOE’s programs, globally. The team’s goal is to raise $750,000!
For 41 years, Race Across America has been challenging ultra-cyclists from over 35 countries to push their mental and physical limits to the utmost. It’s one of the world’s most respected and longest-running ultra-endurance events. It’s a pinnacle of athletic achievement in cycling circles and the sporting community.
In 2019, ZOE’s 8-man cycling team placed third and raised over $175,000 to fight human trafficking, and in 2021, the team placed first and raised over $380,000 for ZOE International! The growing problem of child trafficking globally and in the USA is an issue that is close to the team’s heart. Rescuing children and bringing them freedom is their fuel! Thank you for supporting the team!
The Why Behind this Race and Why It’s Important to You!
Human trafficking is slavery. It’s happening around the globe, and it’s happening in our communities across the United States. Sadly, there are 49.6 million human trafficking victims worldwide; and 1 in 4 of these trafficking victims are children. Untold numbers of children are being trafficked here in the United States – some for labor services, many for commercial sex.
Human trafficking is believed to be the world’s fastestgrowing criminal enterprise and is an estimated $150 billiona-year global industry. Many people believe that human trafficking doesn’t happen in the USA; that it happens in other countries. ZOE is committed to finding long-term solutions to end human trafficking through our prevention, rescue, and restoration programs. Awareness and education are critical first steps to preventing and combating this growing criminal enterprise. Thank you for supporting and praying for the ZOE team!
Meet
the
2023 ZOE RAAM Cycling Team
You may not be able to compete, but you can still support our ZOE RAAM team of cyclists! Each one of them has a unique story and is riding for a youth survivor of human
trafficking. Every child’s freedom is their fuel and what keeps them going in this race! Visit ZOERAAM.com to make a donation to support the team or an individual cyclist.
Support the team. Purchase your RAAM
“I’m joining the fight to end human trafficking because…I care about girls not losing their purity and innocence at such a young age.”
–John Glick
“Human trafficking is a worthwhile cause that demands our attention and time. I’m blessed to be a part of it.”
–Nate Eakin
“When I first heard about the realities of what happens in human trafficking … I thought how could people do this to kids?”
–Matt Lapp
“I’m joining the fight to end human trafficking because…I’m a father, a believer, and I’m able to do it.”
–Kevin Quinter
“Human trafficking is not something that’s going away. It’s right here and happening to our kids on social media. If we can stop that, we’re doing the prevention work.”
–Tom Jordan
“Being able to ride RAAM for ZOE is far greater than myself. Fighting against human trafficking is an amazing opportunity.”
–Craig Whiteford
“I feel incredibly privileged to be part of a great cause that can help all of us.”
–Jeff Conaway
“I believe in ZOE, and what we’re doing, and I’m grateful to have this opportunity to participate.”
–Merv Beiler
Watch all the cyclists’ videos here!
Thank You
to the
Title Sponsor of
the
ZOE RAAM Team: Country Lane Gazebos!
Country Lane has been in business for just under 30 years. Sam Stoltzfus founded Country Lane Gazebos in 1994. They have just over 100 employees, with two locations in New Holland, Pennsylvania. Thank you Country Lane Gazebos for supporting the 2023 ZOE RAAM Team! Learn more by about Country Lane Gazebos by visiting gazebo.com.
& QA
with Country Lane Gazebos
ZOE: Why did Country Lane choose to be a sponsor of Race Across America (RAAM) and ZOE?
CLG: We get excited about helping children have a better future and fully support ZOE’s mission to rescue every child! Partnering with ZOE on RAAM is one way we can help children have a better future!
ZOE: What are your company’s core values/passion?
CLG: Our passion is to create a clean and edifying work space for people to use their God-given talents by building structures for backyards so more memories are made with family and friends!
We’re offering the following activation/ opportunities for sponsors for RAAM 2023!
• Title Sponsorship Rights: $100,000 Country Lane Gazebos
• ZOE RAAM Channel Presenting Sponsorship Rights: $50,000
• ZOE Cycling Care Sponsorship: $25,000
• Media Sponsorship: $15,000
• Other General Levels: $2,500, $5,000, $10,000
All sponsors receive entry-level benefits with a minimum base-level sponsorship of $2,500. Is your company looking to partner with us to bring
Country Lane Employees - RAAM 2021
SHEDS
Light in the Darkness
Launching in April, tune in each week to listen to our brand-new Light in the Darkness podcast where we speak life and shine the light on the issue of human trafficking. Each week, listen as you expand your understanding of what human trafficking looks like, hear honest stories of hope, and learn practical advice that will inspire you to fight for freedom.
Education is the first step in fighting human trafficking. Subscribe to the Light in the Darkness Podcast on your preferred platform to learn more.
Saugus, California.