Human Trafficking

MNU Student Accepts Internship to Thailand To Help Save Women From Being Exploited

Thailand is known as the “Land of Smiles.” This is hard to imagine after hearing Sophie Sawatzky discuss her internship at the faith-based organization known as SHE Thailand, which stands for Self-Help and Empowerment. Thailand, along with its many beautiful beaches and flavorful foods, has a most disturbing social problem that sadly, only continues to grow – human trafficking.

Sophie Sawatzky is a current MNU senior. As a double major in psychology and sociology, Sophie has focused her internship experiences towards the problem of human trafficking and exploitation.  First with SHE Thailand, affiliated with Global Infusion, and currently with Kansas City based Exodus Cry; Sophie is passionate about ending human trafficking and modern day slavery. When asked about her experiences Sophie replied, “In both internships, I was able to not only hear about the commercial sex industry but also to have personal interactions with individuals who work in that industry. This has been very meaningful, as I learn to see them for who they are and not just what they do.”

 Human trafficking is real, and so are the girls that are being enticed and tricked into it every day.  Patong Bay, a Red Light District in Thailand, is where Sophie completed 5 weeks of her internship which included night operations. The mission was to build relationships, make connections with these girls, and hand out flyers in Thai and English regarding SHE-Thailand. SHE-Thailand provides shelter, safety, and offers training to the girl who seeks a new way of life. Girls learn housekeeping and waitressing skills so they can achieve employment outside of the bar scene.  Parts of Thailand are infested with Beer Bars, Discos, Go-Go Bars, Dance Clubs, and Music Pubs, where the majority of these girls started their prostitution in order to help support their families back home.  Typically, each bar has 6-10 girls who are “bar hostesses.” While they are said to be employed by the bar, they are not paid for working there. The bar provides them with a free apartment in exchange for them serving drinks half the night. Because these girls are not just selling drinks, they are allowed to leave the bar with any paying customer, but first that customer must pay a bar fee. This fee covers the bar’s ‘loss’ for having one of its employees not there to work. Sophie stated that, “It’s being sold as the tourist thing to do and because it’s happening in a bar setting, that makes it seem more legit.”  

Human trafficking isn’t just happening in Thailand. As Sophie knows first-hand through her current internship with Kansas City based Exodus Cry, a faith based organization whose mission is to end human trafficking and slavery.  In her work with local street outreach teams, Sophie is making a difference locally.  Before beginning a street outreach, the team from Exodus Cry spends at least one hour in prayer. Each outreach mission seeks God's guidance and providence by praying for the women and men involved in prostitution and for their own safety and protection. Sophie has participated in night operatives on Independence and Troost Avenues in Kansas City. No matter where they go, the goal remains the same - have open conversation with women and men who are sadly caught up in human trafficking, offering prayer and the chance to build meaningful relationships.  Sophie reports her internships at She-Thailand and Exodus Cry have provided her excellent opportunities to apply what she’s been studying for the past four years at MNU.  The knowledge of human psychological needs and social structures has prepared her well to make a difference for God’s Kingdom.  Along with participating in street outreaches and prayer, Sophie shadows employees and conducts research on trauma related to prostitution and being held captive.

Exodus Cry began as a prayer meeting on February 5^th, 2007 and has evolved into a powerful, faith-based local and global outreach organization. Located at 801 Main Street, Suite 101, Grandview, Missouri, Exodus Cry provides therapy services, counseling, and assistance to people who want to “get out”.  Tours of their Awareness Center are available daily and are described as powerful and moving. More information on Exodus Cry can be found at www.exoduscry.com.

Sophie hopes to continue her education and is applying to MNU’s Masters of Counseling program. “I’d like to become a counselor for complex trauma victims,” says Sophie. Regarding what she’s learned during her internships Sophie had this to say, “I’ve learned about the pervasiveness of trafficking in persons around the world, about the importance of prayer in the combating of it and also how to actively participate in the rescue and restoration.” It takes a courageous person to handle the gruesome realities and effects of human trafficking. Sophie Sawatzky is not only a courageous person; she is immersed in her faith and love of the Lord.

 Sophie Sawatzky