I Saw What I Saw

RE: Circle Tour | Thailand
Author: Trip Attendee

The flashing neon lights. The pepto bismol pink taxi cabs. The congested streets where the flow of traffic overtakes the law of the road. The motorcycles and tuk-tuks that squeeze forward in between traffic, seemingly creating space where there is none. The bustling street life. The incredible markets. The rich tapestry of colors. The ornate architecture. The beautiful people. There’s so much that meets the eye here on the streets of Bangkok.

But there’s a dark side too. Human trafficking. Prostitution. Red-light districts. Women (and men) trapped in cycles of hopelessness, captives to all manner of exploitation. And that’s the whole reason we were there: to light a candle in the darkness, to embody the heart of our heavenly Father and wrap arms of love around wounded women as we laughed, cried, celebrated, and worshiped together.

At the banquet we hosted for 200 rescued women, I was seated at a table of giggling, excited young women. Except for one. This one tugged at the strings of my heart because in her I recognized my younger teenage self. She sat there with a wan half smile on her face that was missing from her eyes. As the other girls joined in the gaiety and scrambled for the prized contents of a now broken open pinata, she remained in her seat, seemingly paralyzed. Instinctively, I knew she needed an advocate, someone who would “fight” on her behalf. Never mind that I was usually the shy one who held back. I took her by the hand, and together we joined the mad dash. She meekly followed as I dove in to gather what scattered “goodies” I could find. As we returned to our places at the table, gifts in hand, I’ll never forget the look on her face. A flicker of light emanated in those lovely dark eyes and spread across her features, delight that she too was included in receiving the gifts she didn’t have the courage to seek out on her own. My heart broke for this young woman because I wanted her to know she was worth fighting for. I wanted her to know she was worth receiving good gifts. I wanted her to know her portion was life, not death, and there were people who would stand in the gap for her when she couldn’t find the strength for herself. I can only hope and pray that my simple gesture was one small key to her discovering these truths for herself.

Later in the trip while visiting an orphanage for at-risk girls, I was seated beside one young girl, her arm intertwined with mine as she traced my hand with her own. Without a word, she slipped a simple ring off her finger and placed it on mine, then gently placed my hand back in my lap, nodding as if to say, “This is for you.” I was stunned by such a gift, and it is something I have kept treasured to this day. It is a reminder to me of a little girl with a heart so full of warmth and generosity that she gave me, a stranger and a foreigner, a deeply personal gift from what little she had to call her own. That ring was a gift of her heart, and it deeply touched me. It moves me still.

Recounting these experiences, I am reminded of a song by Sara Groves that has stayed with me from the first time I heard it years ago.

I saw what I saw and I can’t forget it
I heard what I heard and I can’t go back
I know what I know and I can’t deny it

Something on the road, cut me to the soul

Your pain has changed me
your dreams inspire
your face a memory
your hope a fire
your courage asks me what I’m afraid of
(what I’m made of)
and what I know of love

When you encounter the suffering of others, you can turn away and deny its existence, or you can allow it to forever change you and the course of your life. Meeting these women face to face changed me in a way I struggle to describe. Even though we could not speak the same language, we became a sisterhood. They were no longer stories that I had heard or read about. I saw their faces. We embraced each other. We cried together. We laughed together. In them I could see glimpses of myself. You cannot walk away from that unchanged. I went on this trip intending to be a blessing, and in return I was so much more abundantly blessed than I could have ever imagined. And I have never been the same since.

Across language barriers, across time zones and cultural divides, love bridges the gap. Love speaks louder than words. And it is love that has the power to change you. I hope you let the same love that changed me, change you. And you will see the ripple effect of how that love will reach out into the lives of those around you and change the world one single life at a time.

Learn about Circle Tour 2026 here!

Works Cited:
Groves, Sara. “I Saw What I Saw.” Sara Groves, 2007, www.saragroves.com/song-lyrics/i-saw-what-i-saw

From the Desk of the Founder: Juneteenth

From the desk of Rebecca McDonald, founder & president of Women At Risk, International (WAR, Int’l):

WAR, Int’l and our nation observe Juneteenth to celebrate the end of legal slavery in our great nation. Brother took up weapons under Abraham Lincoln’s direction against brother. In fact, my husband’s family did just that. A northern soldier took up arms against a southern brother. Years ago, we took a Bengali man to see Gettysburg. He was stunned that brothers fought brothers for those neither was related to. In Islam and Asia, families disagree, but for a family to fight family for non-family was stunning. It was interesting to see our civil war through his eyes.

Juneteenth is a powerful reminder of how far our nation has come.

That is the good news….now the bad news. Today, we still have staggering illegal slavery. We got rid of legal slavery. We did not get rid of racism. We still have a long way to go on that. But today we have an illegal slavery, human trafficking, that is the fastest growing crime in our nation. Our children, minors, are the primary target, with the government estimating (pre-2020) that we have up to 300,000 American minors (not over 18…not foreigners in this count) at risk annually. These are your daughters and sons, my grandbabies, with constitutional rights. Yet, we rarely talk about this.

So, this Juneteenth, I personally am calling for both a Lament and a Hope.

We are called to “rejoice with those who rejoice” and “mourn with those who mourn.” Juneteenth invites us to do both. Lament is not despair. It is a form of prayer against injustice. We are called to honestly grieve the staggering evil of slavery and its lasting impact. We lament the reality that the promise of freedom was and is destroyed for so many. We bring this sorrow to mind, heart, meditation, and prayer. We acknowledge the brokenness of both the past and the present.

Lament and Hope lead to action and a path to unity.

Holding both Lament and Hope moves us to act. It is a call looking back to listen to the stories of our Black brothers and sisters, to see if we need to repent of our own biases we may not even be aware of, and to actively build bridges of understanding that reflect a heart of love. Our Hope is anchored in the character of a good God who delivered His people from Egypt, proclaiming freedom.

On Juneteenth, we celebrate the incredible faith and resilience of those who endured.

We find hope in the truth that the broken can find healing. To practice Lament and Hope, we commit to pursue justice, love mercy, and walk humbly to set captives free. WAR, Int’l openly celebrates freedom and quietly salutes the thousands of men, women, and children who find freedom through our efforts and those of our partners. Their stories of rescue are sacred and confidential. We have set free those as young as three-weeks-old, one-month-old, seventeen-years-old, and countless others set free to heal, hope, and rebuild their lives one day at a time in their own way and with a circle of protection around them.

This Juneteenth, I embrace both the grief of lament and the joy of hope.

Equip Yourself to Recognize and Respond to Human Trafficking

Be the One Who Knows: Equip Yourself to Recognize and Respond to Human Trafficking

Women At Risk, International (WAR, Int’l) invites you to attend our upcoming Civilian First Responder (CFR) Training Conference in Grand Rapids, Michigan, on Saturday, October 25, 2025. This essential, one-day training is designed to equip everyday individuals with the tools to identify, understand, and respond to human trafficking within their communities.
________________________________________
Why Attend the CFR Training Conference?

Human trafficking is a pervasive crime, often hidden in plain sight. Traffickers prey on the vulnerable, manipulating their needs and circumstances for exploitation. At WAR, Int’l, we believe that awareness is the first step to action. This conference will help participants “see the unseen,” understand the complex nature of trafficking, and learn how to be a voice of protection and restoration.

By attending, you become part of a broader movement to prevent exploitation and support survivors in meaningful, life-changing ways.
________________________________________
Conference Highlights

● Date & Time: Saturday, October 25, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM EST

● Location: WAR, Int’l Headquarters – 2790 44th St SW, Wyoming, MI 49519

● Registration Fee: $35 (includes lunch and training materials)

● Registration Deadline: October 22, 2025

● Register Here
________________________________________
What to Expect

The day is carefully structured to maximize both learning and impact. Sessions will be led by Rebecca McDonald, founder and president of WAR, Int’l, along with law enforcement professionals, survivor leaders, and other subject- matter experts.

Session One | This opening session introduces the current reality of trafficking in the United States. Participants will learn why it is critical for all civilians to understand what trafficking looks like and how it functions in our communities. The session includes a survivor testimony that brings this issue into sharp, personal focus.

Session Two | This session will examine the 22 lures commonly used by predators and 21 trafficking flashpoints. Participants will also explore demographic patterns specific to Western Michigan and review Homeland Security’s guidelines for civilian responders. Stories shared in this session include interviews with law enforcement, Homeland Security, and survivor accounts, including a case in which a single phone call led to a woman’s rescue.

Lunch Break | A catered lunch is included with registration.

Breakout Sessions | Attendees will choose from various focused breakout sessions led by professionals who work directly in anti-trafficking efforts.

Session Three | This session focuses on practical application—what to do when trafficking is suspected, how to have safe and appropriate conversations with children, and how to serve as a trustworthy advocate for the vulnerable. It concludes with participant-submitted questions collected throughout the day.

Q&A Panel | The conference concludes with a live Q&A session featuring a panel of speakers, survivors, and subject- matter experts. Questions gathered throughout the day will be addressed, allowing for deeper insight and direct engagement with the presenters.

TAKE ACTION

Attending the CFR Training Conference is more than an educational opportunity—it is a tangible step toward protecting the vulnerable and preventing exploitation. You will leave not only informed but also empowered to respond with confidence, compassion, and clarity.

If you cannot attend in person, consider exploring our Digital Civilian First Responder Program to access training on your own schedule.

Together, we can stand as a circle of protection around those at risk. Join us as we bring awareness, prevention, and hope to our communities.

Register today: CFR Training Conference – October 2025

Our S.T.A.N.D. Classes

Liz Midkiff had a simple yet profound vision: fight human trafficking through educating young women. The first program started in August 2013 in Ohio and then progressed to New York in 2018. In 2019, Liz started branching out to other states. After an excruciating past as a young woman, as an adult she desired to do something more than just raise awareness for the cause (as important as that is). So, she began teaching the girls in her youth group to be watchful in their daily lives, empowering them to develop holistic tools to notice when the signs of trafficking are going on around them and to help others who might be at risk. She spent time with the teenagers and did research about human trafficking, all the while knowing the brutal fact of the matter: this issue wasn’t a rare phenomenon in some distant country. People were being trafficked every day, right under people’s noses. And yes, this was occurring even in the “Land of the Free.”

Eleven years later, amidst her ongoing initiatives for teenagers, her five-year-old son asked, “Mom, why don’t other kids know about the work you are doing?” So, out of a desire to educate the next generation on the issues of human trafficking, Liz and Rebecca McDonald, resident and founder of Women At Risk, International (WAR, Int’l) founded S.T.A.N.D. classes, which stands (no pun intended) for Safety Awareness, Trafficking signs, Age Appropriate, No (Okay to say no), and Determination.

Through the S.T.A.N.D. classes, Liz desires that parents see the importance of educating their children on topics such as the inherent dignity of every human and the need for physical safety for overall well-being. In other words, while the theme of the sessions is undoubtedly tied to the topic of human trafficking, Liz makes it a point to cover much more than trafficking itself. Additionally, while S.T.A.N.D. classes are just that—classes—they encompass much more than what someone might picture with a teacher speaking to students at desks. Instead, Liz employs games, interactive activities, and question-and-answer methods to teach and uses age-appropriate terminology to do so; for instance, she won’t use the word “rape” with a five-year-old.

The boys and girls (yes, the classes are offered to both) learn concepts such as how to answer the questions, What is safe? Who is safe? What do I do if my babysitter tells me to take my clothes off? Which of the following can we buy with money: food, clothes, and/or people? In short, these classes address the fundamental aspects of what it means to be human. Through this educational framework, the instructor is able to help children think through these questions before the problem actually happens. One of the evils of human trafficking is the unpredictability of who is trafficked, and when and how it happens. Therefore, it’s never too early to learn and grow, and be aware of basic safety techniques. Parents are welcomed and encouraged to sit in on the session and continue the dialogue with their children afterwards.

Though these tools of protection, techniques of safety, and levels of awareness have been crucial for all human history, due to our digital age there is a sense in which the truths and skills taught in the S.T.A.N.D. classes are more important than ever. With the interconnectedness of the web, the widespread usage of social media, and the false feeling of closeness with which people on the internet have, it is in many ways easier than ever to traffic innocent men and women, boys and girls. Thus, S.T.A.N.D. skills are crucial to navigating the cultural moment with safety and putting up appropriate barriers where necessary.

Will these classes prevent all forms of human trafficking? Of course not. Will they provide children of all ages the fundamental tools they need to react should various situations arise in future years? Absolutely.

Liz’s goal is for the kids to leave the class with basic knowledge of what a victim and survivor is, a holistic perspective of safety, and practical ways to prevent trafficking and help others in this enterprise. Of course, these classes aim for no less than human trafficking prevention, but the ambition is much broader—all-around safety. The vision for S.T.A.N.D. is simple in nature yet exceedingly profound in impact, just like Liz’s original objective eleven years ago.

Taught by Liz, the classes can be held locally at WAR headquarters in Wyoming, MI, or hosted by any sort of school, nonprofit, church, or similar entity. To host a session or register for a class, email WAR, Int’l at emidkiff@warinternational.org. Also, please see the Frequently Asked Questions below if you have additional inquiries.

Meet Liz Midkiff | Liz’s passion is two-fold. She seeks to speak truth to the upcoming generations as they navigate growing up in today’s social media culture as well as to give voice to the once voiceless by highlighting the incredible work of their hands.

She is married, a mom of 2 young boys, the creator of the S.T.A.N.D. Classes, an Ambassador for Women At Risk, International (WAR, Int’l), a survivor of human trafficking, and an advocate for survivor artisans.

FAQs

Why are these classes important for children?
They provide children with fundamental safety awareness information and techniques without delving into unnecessary graphic details. Age-appropriate terminology is exercised as the instructor gives practical wisdom for children of all ages.

Are these classes only for girls?
No, both boys and girls are welcome (and encouraged) to attend.

Are boys and girls in the same room?
The hosts can choose whether they want a co-ed session or desire to have the two genders in separate rooms.

What type of venue is the typical host site?
Any school, church, nonprofit, company, organization, or group of people, whether formal or informal, is encouraged to reach out about holding these classes. WAR, Int’l headquarters in Wyoming, Michigan, is a great option for locals from the Grand Rapids area.

How much do they cost?
Cost depends on location, attendance, and other logistical factors. The more people you gather to attend, the cheaper it will be!

Can parents sit in on the classes?
Of course! Parents can choose to attend the classes with their child, or they may deliberately allow their child to attend by themselves and then be intentional regarding later conversation. Additionally, there’s an opportunity to conduct the classes and then have a parent-only question-and-answer session afterward. Through the classes, Liz is seeking to be a bridge between the parent and child, and parents often find that this program either reinforces principles they’ve been teaching their kids or begins a conversation about important topics.

I have a question which has yet to be answered.
Sorry your question wasn’t answered. Please email emidkiff@warinternational.org.

Stories of Rescue, Healing, Hope,…

Presidential Message: Rebecca McDonald

“Our commitment is for the House of WAR to be a sanctuary. We ofter see a spike in the number of 911 scenarios at various times that bring its own dangers to those hiding under a bridge or running for their lives barefoot—or wishing they could. Some stories are messy and still ongoing, and one haunts both my waking and sleeping moments as we continue trying to bring about a resolution. Every life is precious to the WAR family, and we are determined to fight for her.”

Stories of Rescue, Healing, Hope,…

Angel’s Story

The day COVID-19 hit the U.S. in 2020, Rebecca McDonald, founder and president of WAR, Int’l, hid a young woman in her car.

Freedom is costly.

When you help a woman escape exploitation, you see firsthand the devastating loss that comes from fleeing slavery. In leaving behind abuse, women often leave behind everything they’ve ever known. Starting over is exhausting, and is only made worse by navigating the rough waves of trauma and healing. Freedom is not free–it is painfully expensive in a thousand different ways.

Angel had been running barefoot from her traffickers for hours before she secured WAR, Int’l’s number from a national hotline. After she courageously reached out to us, we ran to her aid. Angel was tucked safely away in Becky’s car while we arranged safe housing.

Today, Angel is flourishing. Not only have pro bono lawyers cleared her name of all crimes claimed against her, but she is excelling as a legal secretary, spreading the seeds of justice that were planted in her own life. She has been reunited with her kids. Through your generosity, she has also been provided with a car. Once stereotyped due to riding a bicycle to and from work, Angel now possesses the resources to reflect her inner potential.

Margaret’s Story

Far too often, traffickers aren’t strangers. This was Margaret’s story. Her boyfriend betrayed her, forcing her to sleep with other men in exchange for the drugs that fueled his addiction.

Margaret waited in anguish for an opportunity to escape. Seeing her only chance, she fled while clutching the arm of her teenage daughter. Like so many others, they left with nothing but the clothes on their backs. As the two of them fearfully hid in a hotel, Margaret reached out in faith to WAR, Int’l.

Due to generous contributions to our 911 Rescue Fund, WAR, Int’l was able to respond immediately in Margaret’s hour of need, providing food, clothing, and other basic essentials. We also arranged the transportation that reunited Margaret and her daughter with their family in another city, restoring them to a circle of belonging and protection.

Ramona’s Story

Responding to a call from a federal agency, WAR, Int’l took Ramona shopping for an outfit she could wear to court. Despite unimaginable circumstances and lingering hurt, Ramona had resolved to testify against her traffickers.

We often emphasize how important it is to shed light on the realities of human trafficking and bring perpetrators to justice but forget that it requires real human cost. WAR, Int’l leapt into overdrive to surround Ramona and prepare this courageous survivor to be the key witness against a trafficking ring. Ignoring the attention we attracted by shopping under armed guard, we watched Ramona’s countenance transform from fear to confidence!

Touched by our compassion for her, Ramona whispered, “Why do you care for me when you don’t even know me?”

We at WAR, Int’l love that question! The 911 Rescue Fund allows us to respond, inform, and reach into lives with action. It permits us to be the hands and feet of Jesus. We were honored to be a part of Ramona’s story and are so inspired by her resilience.

The Next Story

Because of your generosity, WAR, Int’l is a sanctuary. Together, we partner in the Lord’s work to bestow beauty instead of ashes.

Our 911 Rescue Fund seeks to be the hands and feet of Christ, showing up for survivors in their hour of need. Empowered by your gifts, there is no need to which WAR, Int’l turns a blind eye.

We hide the hunted, clothe the exposed, and nourish the hungry. To those on the run, we provide rest and respite. The hurting are set on a path to healing and the homeless are embraced. Each woman, man, and child is welcomed and grafted into the WAR family.

Behind each of these initiatives is a story of a survivor who was earnestly pursued and wrapped in compassion.

Your generosity will write the next story. Your Giving Tuesday gift will embolden us to continue to intervene, bringing precious survivors out of darkness and into marvelous light.

Contribute to rescue, donate today to our 911 Rescue Fund.

Give online here.

Send a check to:
Women At Risk, International
2790 44th St. SW
Wyoming, MI 49519.

If you write a check, please be sure to note on the memo line that it is for our 911 Rescue Fund.