About Grace for Freedom

How Sound of Freedom Inspired Grace for Freedom

I am sure many of us have seen the movie Sound of Freedom. We know that its purpose was to raise awareness about the very real, horrific, and devastating reality of human trafficking.

But for me, something more happened at the end of the movie.

As the credits rolled, I sat there—just like thousands of people before and after me—with tears streaming down my face, completely shocked and saddened by what I had just witnessed. The sadness was so overwhelming that I felt almost paralyzed. I couldn't move, and honestly, I didn't want to.

In that moment, I didn't want to get up and return to the incredible life I had been blessed with, knowing this was happening in the world. To be honest, I didn't think it was fair for me to simply smile again while so many were living through such unimaginable darkness.

As I sat there, the Holy Spirit gently reminded me of the countless times I had prayed, "Father, break my heart for what breaks Yours."

Then I sensed Him whisper, "My daughter, this is what breaks My heart."

Everything changed in that moment.

I knew I was being called to do something. I just had no idea what that would look like.

Discovering Sak Saum

A few short months later, I stopped by a local church's annual tag sale and purchased a beautifully handmade journal, along with a few other items. Later, as I was showing my husband what I had bought, I noticed a patch sewn inside the journal that read, "FOR FREEDOM."

Instantly, my thoughts returned to the movie, and I couldn't help but wonder, Does this mean what I think it means?

Curious, I began researching the journal and soon discovered that some of the items I had purchased were made by an organization called Sak Saum in Cambodia. That discovery marked the beginning of a much deeper understanding of the fight against human trafficking and the powerful impact that ethical, survivor-made products can have.

Sak Saum is a Khmer verb meaning to restore to its original condition—to make new again, renewing dignity, value, and beauty.

For more than 15 years, Sak Saum has lived out this mission by serving vulnerable and exploited people throughout Cambodia. Through prevention, rescue, restoration, rehabilitation, and transformation, the ministry has helped individuals reclaim hope, healing, and the opportunity for a renewed future.

Learning About Eden

My heart broke all over again, and in that moment, I realized this might be the answer to the feeling that I needed to do more. I still wasn't sure what "more" looked like, but I knew there was something there—something I couldn't ignore.

As I continued researching organizations that combat human trafficking, I discovered Eden.

According to Eden's website, there are an estimated 19.5 million victims of sexual exploitation worldwide. The organization works to reach, rescue, and restore women who have experienced exploitation after being deceived by family members, trapped in debt bondage, or made vulnerable by poverty and limited access to education.

Eden's mission is to share a message of love and hope with these women, helping survivors rebuild their lives and empowering them to pursue their dreams. In partnership with women who have been rescued from human trafficking, Eden's staff creates handcrafted jewelry that reflects the survivors' stories and symbolizes their journey toward healing and freedom.

The Birth of Grace for Freedom Pop-Up Boutique

Both Sak Saum and Eden share a deep desire to make a difference. I, too, felt called to do whatever I could to help these women—His precious daughters—experience the restoration, hope, and freedom they deserve.

It was then that the idea of purchasing and reselling the handmade products created by these two organizations began to take shape. After meeting with my pastor and sharing my vision, Grace for Freedom Pop-Up Boutique was born.

Partnering with Life Impact International

As the ministry continued to develop, we began praying about how we could extend our impact even further. The next step was to identify a third organization that would receive all proceeds from the sales at each Grace for Freedom Pop-Up Boutique event held at our church.

My search led me to Life Impact International, where founder Lana Vasquez has spent the past 25 years working to protect exploited and at-risk children in Thailand, Burma (Myanmar), and now Brazil.

Lana and her team's mission is built on three core principles: Prevent, Rescue, and Heal.

They work to prevent the many forms of child exploitation, including human trafficking, abuse, abandonment, slavery, and prostitution. They strive to rescue as many vulnerable children as possible from these devastating circumstances. Finally, they focus on healing, providing the care, support, and restoration needed to help children recover emotionally, physically, and mentally and rebuild their lives with hope.

Why Human Trafficking Awareness Matters

These three organizations are near and dear to my heart. They are true heroes, courageously fighting against a very real darkness that many of us would rather not even talk about. But unfortunately, we need to talk about it. We need to raise awareness. We need to take action.

Recently, I had the privilege of meeting Lana in person, which made our partnership with Life Impact International even more meaningful. During her trip to the United States, she traveled to Connecticut as a thank you for our financial support. We shared dinner, talked deeply, and I was able to hear her heart beyond the incredible work she leads. That weekend, she also spoke during our church services, sharing firsthand stories about Life Impact International’s mission to prevent, rescue, and heal exploited and at‑risk children. Seeing her passion up close — and witnessing the authenticity behind her 25 years of frontline work — affirmed that Grace for Freedom is partnering with an organization of true integrity, courage, and impact.

Join the Fight Against Human Trafficking

My hope is that when someone wears a piece of jewelry or carries one of these beautifully handmade bags, a simple compliment or question about it becomes an opportunity to share a survivor's story. Even if it's only for a moment, perhaps that person's heart will be moved—just as mine was that day in the theater.

And who knows? That conversation might inspire someone to step out in faith, say "yes" to the call, and make an even greater difference than Grace for Freedom ever could. They might become the next Lana Vasquez, changing lives and bringing hope to those who need it most.

If you're interested in hosting the Grace for Freedom Pop-Up Boutique at your church, women's event, community fair, or other gathering, I'd love to hear from you. Every event is an opportunity to reach more people, share the stories of these brave women and children, and invite others to join the fight against human trafficking.

For His Glory,
Yana Amato