Hope in the Darkness: Vision Trip to Bolivia
Violence Against Women and Children
As we sat in traffic, I gazed out the window, taking in the faces of the Bolivian people. Their eyes told stories I could only imagine. I wondered what they had been through, if violence had touched their lives the way it once shattered mine. Was there hidden pain behind their smiles? Were there scars invisible to the world but etched into their hearts?
Bolivia is a country full of beauty and vibrant culture, but underneath the surface, many face unimaginable hardship. Statistics show that more than 1 in 3 Bolivian children experience physical or sexual violence, and the country has one of the highest rates of violence against women in South America. Human trafficking remains a critical issue, with thousands exploited every year for forced labor and sexual slavery.
For me, this trip wasn’t just about observing — it was personal. As a survivor of sexual abuse, I know firsthand the long shadow that trauma can cast. Walking alongside an organization committed to fighting trafficking and modern-day slavery awakened something deep within me: a fierce hope that cycles of abuse can be broken.
During our time in Bolivia, I met survivors — women, men, and children who had lived through horrors yet now walked in freedom. But the transformation wasn’t accidental. It was made possible by a team of people on the ground whose passion and determination were nothing short of inspiring. From IJM’s Bolivia team to the prosecutors fighting for justice, to the courageous individuals taking statements and walking alongside survivors — every person I met was doing the most with the least, giving everything they had to fight for freedom and dignity.
I saw the beauty of justice pursued, of lives restored. It was not easy; healing never is. But in each story, I witnessed something greater than the darkness: the undeniable light of Christ.
In the faces of those who had found freedom, I saw hope. I saw resilience. I saw the unmistakable imprint of a Savior who redeems even the most broken stories. Christ’s light shines in the darkest places — and it is overcoming the darkness. Bolivia reminded me that while evil is real, it will never have the final word. Redemption is real. Justice is real. And the God who sees every broken heart is faithfully bringing restoration to His people, one life at a time.
About the Writer: Mélyssa Tremblay is a certified life coach from Canada who helps women discover their God-given identity and purpose. She supports IJM's work, engages in humanitarian efforts in West Africa, and uses her skills to aid faith-based and non-profit initiatives.
