This past week has been one for the books- Lesotho saw it's first human trafficking conviction! One of our sweet, courageous residents fought bravely in court and has won her freedom from a terrible man once and for all. The original recommendation from the court for his offense (which included both labor and sex trafficking of the resident in our care) was 5 years in prison or a 5,000 Rand fine (about $625); however the judge did not find this to be punishment enough, so he sentenced him to 15 years in prison with no option of a fine and deportation (the man was from China) when his sentence is complete. The judge said that the man's conduct was not acceptable for a Lesotho resident. Praise the Lord for justice!!
We have several other cases going to court in the coming weeks, so please continue to pray for convictions; that people will take notice that trafficking human beings will be punished, and that it will cease. People are not for sale.
In other news, I am living the dream over here- I love the residents and the staff, and have been hard at work training to take over as shelter coordinator. I have a great peace about being here and doing this work! It has been wonderful being able to be myself (dance parties, singing, and just being a bit silly) with my BDS family, as well as hitting the gym (it is like a club up in Africa at the gym in the mornings), and also getting to know the fabulous local volunteers- LOVE my house moms and the social work staff! Much love for everything Lesotho at the moment, and I trust that it will continue :o)
"You, LORD, hear the desire of the afflicted;
you encourage them, and you listen to their cry,
defending the fatherless and the oppressed,
so that mere earthly mortals
will never again strike terror."
~Psalm 10: 17-18
AMEN!!
♡❤♡
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