How ADRA Rescued a Girl From Trafficking and Reunited Her With Her Family

On World Trafficking Day, discover what ADRA is doing to protect vulnerable children.

July 30, 2025 | Silver Spring, Maryland, United States | ADRA International and Adventist Review

Every year on July 30, which is World Trafficking Day, the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) pauses to remember the millions of lives affected by human trafficking—especially children and adolescents, who are often the most vulnerable. ADRA’s mission is rooted in “justice, compassion, and love.” These values guide the agency’s efforts to protect, support, and restore the lives of those at risk of exploitation, including migrant children crossing dangerous borders alone.

One such story is that of Emily Valentina Lores Carrasquel, a 12-year-old Venezuelan girl whose life was dramatically altered by a moment of misplaced trust—but who found safety and hope again through ADRA’s care.

A Journey Fueled by Love—and Misinformation

Emily had lived in Colombia with her family for six years after fleeing economic instability in Venezuela. One day a friend persuaded her to escape to Peru, saying, “If you love me, you’ll come.” Emily went.

Once in Peru, Emily found herself isolated and unsupported. Her friend and her friend’s boyfriend worked while Emily stayed alone, wandering beaches and streets. Eventually tensions rose, and Emily was left entirely on her own.

With no resources or safe contacts, she tried to reach Ecuador. At the border she met Venezuelans who pointed her toward ADRA’s comprehensive care space in Huaquillas.

A Safe Space in the Midst of Crisis

At ADRA Emily was welcomed with open arms. ADRA staff offered her more than just food and shelter—they provided her with medical care, emotional support, and, most important, safety.

“They received me well, and today I feel fine. Iliana and Michel treat me well. They took me to the doctor when I felt bad, gave me food, and provided a safe place to sleep,” Emily shared.

Beyond meeting immediate needs, ADRA worked to reunite Emily with her mother, Sanyelis Lores Carrasquel, in Colombia. After weeks of coordination and communication, that long-awaited reunion happened.

“To see Emily again after two to three months . . . I’m just so grateful to ADRA,” Sanyelis said. “They helped me get here, they never lost contact, and they took such good care of my daughter. May God bless them.”

Preventing Trafficking Through Awareness and Protection

ADRA’s work goes far beyond emergency response. As part of its safeguarding efforts, ADRA empowers communities to recognize, prevent, and respond to trafficking risks—especially for women, children, and migrants.

“At ADRA we raise awareness in communities and among staff to make sure they know how to identify and prevent trafficking of people,” said Beryl Hartmann, director of safeguarding for ADRA International.

“This is part of our wholistic approach to ensuring the safety of everyone we work with,” Hartmann said. “Our teams are driven by justice, guided by compassion, and sustained through love. They help reunite families, protect the displaced, and offer a way forward when all seems lost.”

Emily’s story is just one example of the kind of impact this approach can have. Toda, Emily has a message for other youth who may feel pressured to run or leave home:

“Never leave your house without your mother’s permission. There are many dangers—kidnappings, rapes, and more. It’s better to travel with your family.”

You Can Help Fight Human Trafficking

On this World Trafficking Day every person can be part of this lifesaving work, ADRA leaders said. “You can pray for vulnerable children, support ADRA’s trafficking response and safeguarding initiatives, and share stories like Emily’s to raise awareness,” they said. “Because every child deserves to be safe. Every mother deserves to hold her child again. And every person deserves to live free.”