AIM to Help Girls

tammyc11
Jul 8, 2014
4 min read

I was really happy and excited to be a part of a meaningful cause with the Agape International Missions (AIM) team. AIM was founded on the ground in Cambodia 1989 as a humanitarian aid and church planting organization in Cambodia. Since 2005, their ministries have focused on ending the evil of child sexual slavery. AIM takes a holistic approach of fighting trafficking, restoring victims and transforming communities in order to defeat trafficking.

They have a US headquarter in California and their mission in Cambodia has been chronicled by CNN in a documentary called "Everyday in Cambodia" which featured Hollywood star and human rights activist, Mira Sorvino.

AIM is founded by Mr. Donald Brewster, together with his wife, Bridget. If you watch the CNN documentary, you will understand how much the couple has done for the girls and how AIM has grown since it first started.

My visit to Svay Pak was interesting as I got to see the factories these girls work in and the places they live in. Svay Pak was (and note, I said was) known for its prostitution activities. I believe that AIM's presence in the area has changed its reputation. Of course, the area is still not cleansed off its dirt but it is better now. Honestly though, it is still clear that prositution is still a major problem in Cambodia, evident by the amount of girls in sexy hot outfits sitting in clubs and standing by the road side trying to seduce potential clients. It is sad because when you look at them, you can't help but think if they are actually victims of sex trafficking.

AIM has a SWAT team which is tasked with the duty of rescuing girls from human trafficking and ONE FC's female fighter, Ann Osman, together with her coach, AJ Pyro led a seminar in Cambodia to help prepare the SWAT team in their battle against human trafficking. In addition, the two awesome fighters also gave a quick course to the girls from Svay Pak.

Before the seminar, we went to the Agape Restoration Centre (ARC), where the younger girls stay. We saw kids as young as 4 years old at the centre. I was really touched when the girls danced for us. We were told that they have started preparing since 5am, putting on make-up and costumes. I gently weeped during their performances because I was so touched beyond words. Previously, when I see people get emotional about things like these, I didn't really get it but now I know. You really have to be there to feel it. I think what got me was recalling what Don told us - that to see a smile of these girls' faces is precious because it is not easy for them to be happy after the traumatising incidents that they've been through. I hope that the girls really had a great time that day with us and I hope we at least made them happy.

I have a lot of admiration for Don. He has everything planned out and a solid system to help prevent trafficking, rescue the girls, restore their lives and then reintegrate them into the community.

Here is a great video that sums up AIM's efforts in two minutes:

One of AIM's partners is 3 Strands, a brand which help organisations already engaged in the fight against human trafficking with sustainable initiatives that creates jobs. You can help by buying the bracelets and t-shirts made by these girls. I kid you not, the quality of the shirts and bracelets are top notch. I have a few of those t-shirts with cool designs and I am so impressed. You can start shopping here.

Sorry I cannot post photos because I cannot reveal the girls' faces but I can tell you, all of them are really pretty and sweet girls. The girls in Cambodia will continue to serve as my motivation to move on in life whenever I'm faced with a challenge because I know these girls have it harder and they still continue to live on. My life is so much more blessed compared to so many and I have no excuse. I have great family members and friends who support me, and not have to worry about them selling me for money. These girls will forever be in my mind and when I am down, they will be my inspiration to get back up.

I'd like to end this post by once again expressing how honoured I feel to be able to stand in the same room as Don and Bridget Brewster. When I was with them, I felt so intimidated. It's because I felt so below them in terms of nobility. But their passion and kindness really draw me to them and I am so glad I got to spend time with them to understand more about their operations and team.