Meet Sumi, a young woman in Nepal who was kidnapped & sold into slavery as a young girl. Because of our amazing partnership with ODI, Sumi was rescued and began the process of healing. Read on for Sumi’s incredible story.

Sumi, a teenager from an extremely impoverished village in Nepal, accepted a ride from a kind truck driver while walking the two hours home from her daily trek to collect water. He kidnapped her and assaulted her for endless days.

The nightmare was to continue as he smuggled her to the border to be sold, but a partner at one of the sponsor border stations was suspicious, and Sumi was rescued! She spent six months in a safe house, healing physically, emotionally, and spiritually, before returning to her village. Back at home, Sumi was determined to protect the other girls from danger, and she knew the long walks for clean water made them vulnerable.

But, Sumi realized she had a story and a voice. She shared her experiences and urged the community to dig their own local wells. The village requested help from our partner organization, and four wells were dug nearby, sustaining 1,000 families, and protecting hundreds of girls. Sumi became recognized as a local leader, and she continues to advocate for positive changes in her community today.

By traveling with JE, you help us provide a way out for girls like Sumi being trafficked over the Nepal/India border. Thank you for partnering alongside us as we seek to impact the world for Christ through travel!

Want to learn more about how your trips make a difference? Read more on our Ministry Page!