Breaking Silence by Building Futures

You should defend those who cannot help themselves.  Yes, speak up for the poor and helpless, and see that they get justice. Proverbs 31:8,9

The human trafficking epidemic has silenced and stolen the voice of many victims around the world. Human trafficking is a global problem and one of the world's most despicable crimes. This injustice is affecting the lives of millions of people around the world and robbing them of their life and dignity. This evil act has no boundaries socially, economically or geographically. Traffickers deceive women, men and children from all corners of the world and many times hold them by force and sell them into exploitative situations every day.

As you know, Kenton Pate Ministries launched the "Silent Cry" project many years ago when we traveled to remote areas around the world and were exposed to extreme poverty and human suffering. In the midst of our travels, we experienced first hand precious people of all ages who had become innocent victims of terrible abuse. We left heartbroken and asked ourselves what would we do now that our eyes and ears were opened to this injustice.

This photo is a little 13 year old girl that was rescued from being trafficked by her own family. Most of us couldn't imagine, however desperation preys upon extreme poverty.

It weighed so heavy on our hearts to think that so many were suffering due to circumstances beyond their control. We knew many others were not aware of those who were crying for help. It wasn't because no one cared...the world has become filled with so much noise that most of us just can't hear their cry. Unfortunately we have been so consumed hearing the voices of our own life, it drowns out the voices of others. However, once we heard the cry, how could we turn away and do nothing?

We vowed from that day forward that we would educate our friends, family and partners to help us bring change in the world, one person at a time. Over the years, together we have done just that! We have taken shattered lives and watched Jesus put them back together again. He is the God of restoration and we have watched that first hand over and over again.

We have been blessed to join forces with a long time ministry friend who is on the field within Belize to come along side and work together to see immediate change. We have worked on establishing sustainable programs that will help those affected. We do this by giving them the tools that they so desperately need to rebuild their lives. We are so excited to show you what we are doing together with young girls in Belize that are part of the "You Sow...She Sews" Project."

We know that God led us to Belize to hear the cry of numerous small villages where young girls were being trafficked. With a low probability of perpetrators being convicted, the trafficking industry is prolific in Belize.

We are passionate about this mission! We are determined to break the silence and give these beautiful girls the love of Jesus Christ, and help them build a future they deserve. This is how we are doing it!

The girls in the sewing program range in ages from as young as 13 to early 20's. Interesting fact that you may not be aware of but in Belize and in many third world countries, most children aren't able to attend school, but if they are fortunate enough to go they usually don't go any further than the 6th grade. Most families with several children can't afford to pay the school fees for several children and the advancement into high school for most is usually not an option.

So our first goal is to reach the girls that are not able to continue their education. We are giving them a vocation along with bible inspiration so they can turn what seems to be an obstacle into an opportunity. We are trying to get these girls before they are lured or given by family members to be trafficked for household income.

We want these girls to know that they are not forgotten! We want them to know their value and that God has rescued them because He has an amazing plan for their life. So, when they enter the program they are given a "brand new sewing machine!" They get a package with all the necessary notions (thread, pins, scissors, etc.) and fabric at no cost to them. This is their machine to learn on and when they graduate they are gifted the machine so they can sew for themself, their family and start a business sewing for others.

It is amazing to see how these girls use no pattern, but use the gifting of creativity that God has placed within them. Once these girls complete the program they in turn help other girls that are at risk and they pay it forward by encouraging one another and assisting those that are beginning their learning journey. It's so beautiful! We are so proud of these girls who have defied all odds, and have taken tremendous steps to take back their lives. They are so excited and grateful to know that we care!

So, let us introduce you to the 2020 Graduates of the "Belize Sewing Project!"

Because when you SOW....SHE SEWS!

THANK YOU PARTNERS! Together we are making a Difference by breaking silence and building lives! Check out how you can get involved.