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Terrify No More: Young Girls Held Captive and the Daring Undercover Operation to Win Their Freedom
In a small village outside of Phnom Pehn, little children as young as five years old were forced to live as sex slaves. Day after day their hope was slipping away. Tireless workers from International Justice Mission (IJM) infiltrated the ring of brothels and gathered evidence to free the children. Headed up by former war-crimes investigator Gary Haugen, IJM faced impossible odds-police corruption, death threats, and mission-thwarting tip-offs. But they used their expert legal finesse and high-tech investigative techniques to save
the lives of 37 young girls and secured the arrest and conviction of several perpetrators. Terrify No More focuses on this dramatic rescue story, and uses flashbacks to tell those of many other victims who were given a second chance at life by this amazing organization.
Readers of John Grisham and Ted Dekker novels will appreciate the suspense,
plot twists, and relentless pursuit of justice found in the true story of Terrify No More.
324 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 7, 2005
21 people are currently reading
660 people want to read
About the author
Gary A. Haugen
8 books59 followersGary A. Haugen is founder and CEO of International Justice Mission, a human rights organization based in Washington, DC. Prior to founding IJM he worked in the civil rights division of the US Department of Justice and was director of the United Nations genocide investigation in Rwanda. He is also the author of Good News About Injustice (IVP).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
February 6, 2014
“You may choose to look the other way but you can never say again that you did not know.” ~William Wilberforce
This is the kind of book that strips you of the ability to say you didn't know. It's a beautifully ugly book. Ugly because of the absolute depravity and horror it addresses, beautiful because of the relentless message of justice, love and hope.
Would I have stood shoulder to shoulder with Harriet Tubman in secreting slaves to freedom on the Underground Railroad, or would I have been left flatfooted with apathy, moral neutrality, or fear? ... I stopped wondering how I might have faired in the great moral struggles of history. It became abundantly clear to that such struggles are not matters for idle speculation, such struggles are now. ~Gary A. Haugen
It's had to figure out how to explain this book, even though I'm sitting here at midnight, 30 seconds after finishing the final page, rather than waiting till morning to write a review. How to describe reading about five year old girls being forced to perform sexual acts you, at nineteen, don't know about in anything but name. How to describe reading about the virginity of young teenagers being sold for $400.
It's not something we're expected to talk about. In fact, talking about it might cause raised eyebrows in some circles. Maybe you're uncomfortable reading this review. I probably would be. It's not something I was comfortable reading about. But sometimes comfort zones must be left, because God's people are called to take action. And we have to know about the problem before we consider taking action.
Despite the horrific subject matter in this book, everything was handled tastefully. You can find much more explicit content in an average Young Adult fiction, even in many Christian Romances. The crushing force of this book comes not from it's shocking detail or skilled writing, but from the terrible knowledge that it is real, and it's happening in our world as we speak.
So, are you up for the challenge?
February 7, 2018
Incredible.
Haugen delves into the long, tedious, painstaking process of planning and completing a successful raid on brothels in Svay Pak, Cambodia. I was initially surprised that the entire book was focused on just one raid, but as I kept reading, I began to appreciate all the time Haugen spent going through the details. It definitely opened my eyes to the reality of combating sex-trafficking--the actual busting of the brothel doesn't occur until after months and years of planning.
I also appreciated the short stories Haugen weaved into the book, which complemented the main Svay Pak raid that the book was based on and also provided more insight into the additional work of International Justice Mission (IJM).
Haugen does not shy away from demonstrating how his faith influences his and IJM's actions. He does so in a way that is very professional, insightful and appropriate for people of all beliefs. I admire that.
I cannot forget the ending. Haugen posits that instead of asking God why He isn't doing more to rescue His people, we should be asking why aren't God's people doing more. It has been evident that God works alongside His people. Why don't we step out more and do something? Good question to ponder...
Haugen delves into the long, tedious, painstaking process of planning and completing a successful raid on brothels in Svay Pak, Cambodia. I was initially surprised that the entire book was focused on just one raid, but as I kept reading, I began to appreciate all the time Haugen spent going through the details. It definitely opened my eyes to the reality of combating sex-trafficking--the actual busting of the brothel doesn't occur until after months and years of planning.
I also appreciated the short stories Haugen weaved into the book, which complemented the main Svay Pak raid that the book was based on and also provided more insight into the additional work of International Justice Mission (IJM).
Haugen does not shy away from demonstrating how his faith influences his and IJM's actions. He does so in a way that is very professional, insightful and appropriate for people of all beliefs. I admire that.
I cannot forget the ending. Haugen posits that instead of asking God why He isn't doing more to rescue His people, we should be asking why aren't God's people doing more. It has been evident that God works alongside His people. Why don't we step out more and do something? Good question to ponder...
January 6, 2008
This is an account of the beginning and present work of International Justice Mission. The mission's work is to rescue people who are victims of human trafficing, sex slaves or work slaves in various parts of the globe.
The theology and reasoning that motivates the workers is compelling and the stories of rescue are intriguing.
The call to action is contrasted with those who have a poverty of compassion, a poverty of passion, a poverty of hope.
The effort required for this kind of work is detailed and the 'infiltration of the world of agressive evil' is shocking. The brutality of the rape of children for profit is chronicled.
This book increases one's understanding of the helplessness of the helpless in our world.
Praise God for those called to this kind of work and for His light penetrating this world of darkness.
The theology and reasoning that motivates the workers is compelling and the stories of rescue are intriguing.
The call to action is contrasted with those who have a poverty of compassion, a poverty of passion, a poverty of hope.
The effort required for this kind of work is detailed and the 'infiltration of the world of agressive evil' is shocking. The brutality of the rape of children for profit is chronicled.
This book increases one's understanding of the helplessness of the helpless in our world.
Praise God for those called to this kind of work and for His light penetrating this world of darkness.
April 6, 2010
I am traveling to Chennai, India this summer with a team from my church. This book was a part of our required reading. I'm very glad because I was able to learn a lot about an amazing organization called International Justice Mission (IJM).
IJM is God-based and focuses on rescuing those who are oppressed and need a rescuer. Much of their mission work takes place in India. Slaves, children forced into sex trafficking, and victims of abuse are some examples of people targeted by IJM for rescue.
"Terrify No More" was written by the president of IJM and was a listing of many accounts of dark evils that were overcome. It is unthinkable how terrifying sin really can be. This book has shed "light" on the subject.
IJM is God-based and focuses on rescuing those who are oppressed and need a rescuer. Much of their mission work takes place in India. Slaves, children forced into sex trafficking, and victims of abuse are some examples of people targeted by IJM for rescue.
"Terrify No More" was written by the president of IJM and was a listing of many accounts of dark evils that were overcome. It is unthinkable how terrifying sin really can be. This book has shed "light" on the subject.
September 4, 2015
My guess is you'd only be a fan of this if you're a fan of IJM. This was a page turner, very detailed description of IJM's brothel raids in Svay Pek, Cambodia. Descriptions of obstacles of this NGO and how they biblically address them is great. (Also interesting if you're into how these organizations work).
Only thing that left me wanting: chapters on after care and the cases seemed rushed. Would have loved more follow up.
Only thing that left me wanting: chapters on after care and the cases seemed rushed. Would have loved more follow up.
February 10, 2012
Terrify no more was my introduction to sex trafficking. Following this, I joined with something called The Daughter Project out of Toledo, OH which helps girls rescued from the sex slave industry. This is an eye-opening book. It is a difficult read but everyone should read it anyway. Once you read it, you can no longer close your eyes and pretend this doesn't happen. Another life-changer.
September 18, 2012
“Man will occasionally stumble over the truth, but usually manages to pick himself up, walk over or around it, and carry on.”
― Benjamin Franklin
I Can't.
February 15, 2010
An unsettling book. The core narrative is the story of the International Justice Missions's investigation and ensuing raid on sex trafficking brothels in Svey Pak, Cambodia, one of the largest raids in the last ten years, successfully rescuing three dozen girls (over half of which under the age of ten) from their captivity and abuse and the prosecution of their abusers. This narrative is interspersed with brief interludes recounting other investigations, rescues, and intercessions on behalf of the poor, downtrodden, and oppressed, mostly girls and children. Some are child labor problems, others the driving of widows out of their houses, rape, kidnapping, and human trafficking. These are people who risk their lives to obey God and "set the captives free."
The largest flaw with the book isn't the book itself, but rather the methodology of IJM. Haugan is a shill for the UN, and they work primarily through NGOs and governmental sanctions rather than equipping local churches to be the ones helping and doing the spadework. But this is the fault of the worldwide church and not really IJMs. The Church just isn't in a place yet where it is equipped to do that sort of thing yet - though we are slowly making progress in places. In the meantime, I am grateful to organizations like IJM for what they do. Ultimately taking kids out of these places is a holding action. Communities like Svay Pak must be transformed by Christ if sex and human trafficking are to be reduced or eliminated in any sort of meaningful way.
Overall, while the prose wasn't amazing, and the chapters were incredibly short (there are 60 chapters in 245 pages, each chapter averaging three pages long), it's a great narrative. The descriptions of the reactions of the children when they realize these people aren't there to do horrible things to them is just incredible. Within hours they lose the dead-eyed look of hopelessness and the light creeps back in. If you want to be disquieted, this is the book to read. It is frank at times, but not explicit or graphic.
The largest flaw with the book isn't the book itself, but rather the methodology of IJM. Haugan is a shill for the UN, and they work primarily through NGOs and governmental sanctions rather than equipping local churches to be the ones helping and doing the spadework. But this is the fault of the worldwide church and not really IJMs. The Church just isn't in a place yet where it is equipped to do that sort of thing yet - though we are slowly making progress in places. In the meantime, I am grateful to organizations like IJM for what they do. Ultimately taking kids out of these places is a holding action. Communities like Svay Pak must be transformed by Christ if sex and human trafficking are to be reduced or eliminated in any sort of meaningful way.
Overall, while the prose wasn't amazing, and the chapters were incredibly short (there are 60 chapters in 245 pages, each chapter averaging three pages long), it's a great narrative. The descriptions of the reactions of the children when they realize these people aren't there to do horrible things to them is just incredible. Within hours they lose the dead-eyed look of hopelessness and the light creeps back in. If you want to be disquieted, this is the book to read. It is frank at times, but not explicit or graphic.
September 13, 2010
I was visiting Christine Caine's site, A21 - all about human trafficking - http://www.thea21campaign.org/
God seems to really be stirring my heart regarding this.. I was thinking what can I do, and one of things this sight said to do was to get educated and read some books on the subject and this is one they recommended. I found it at the library. It has been difficult to read some of the horrendous accounts of evil and injustice upon innocent children (girls, mostly). This is the first book I've read on the subject, and though I am not quite done with this one (its taking me awhile because I keep having to put it down and come back to it) it seems to me, well-written and very compelling....focusing on this one big rescue mission Cambodia, but also breaking from that story from time to time telling about the strides being made to fight evil in many other parts of the world.
God seems to really be stirring my heart regarding this.. I was thinking what can I do, and one of things this sight said to do was to get educated and read some books on the subject and this is one they recommended. I found it at the library. It has been difficult to read some of the horrendous accounts of evil and injustice upon innocent children (girls, mostly). This is the first book I've read on the subject, and though I am not quite done with this one (its taking me awhile because I keep having to put it down and come back to it) it seems to me, well-written and very compelling....focusing on this one big rescue mission Cambodia, but also breaking from that story from time to time telling about the strides being made to fight evil in many other parts of the world.
June 15, 2007
This book is both alarming, comforting, and eye opening for those unfamiliar with child sex trade, modern-day slavery, and a host of other cases where human rights are violated.
Gary Haugen, is the founder of the International Justice Mission and his stories are told from his own (or his colleagues personal experiences "on the job."
Depending on your level of sensitivity to this subject matter, it could take some time to read through the entire book. I read through this book while I was simultaneously taking a course on Childhood and Human Rights. As a result I found that I read it in small chunks as I was already feeling quite overwhelmed by the abuse and trauma inflicted upon others around the world.
Gary Haugen, is the founder of the International Justice Mission and his stories are told from his own (or his colleagues personal experiences "on the job."
Depending on your level of sensitivity to this subject matter, it could take some time to read through the entire book. I read through this book while I was simultaneously taking a course on Childhood and Human Rights. As a result I found that I read it in small chunks as I was already feeling quite overwhelmed by the abuse and trauma inflicted upon others around the world.
March 30, 2018
Wow! What can you say about this book?? The subject matter is something that everyone needs to be educated about because the longer it stays hidden the more it will continue to happen. I am grateful there are people in the world who undertake these rescue missions to help sexually exploited children. They put themselves at great risk but they do it anyways because they have a strong belief in taking action against child exploitation.
Read and be moved by it and maybe help to change laws so that children are supported and helped to heal. Don't think this doesn't happen in your community because it does.
Read and be moved by it and maybe help to change laws so that children are supported and helped to heal. Don't think this doesn't happen in your community because it does.
November 28, 2007
Terrify No More is a terribly written book. BUT, everyone should know about what is happening to women and slaves around the world and what IJM is doing about it. This book has inspired me to try to find a way to support IJM--even with thoughts of serving in one of their field offices. As long as you're not distracted by the presentation too much, the stories are very compelling and, sadly, heartbreaking. The hope is in the number of people who are acting against evil, and perhaps this book will help increase that number, maybe even with you...
April 5, 2010
This covers examples of what International Justice Mission goes through while they try to defend God through fighting oppression and putting those who hold them in bondage to justice. There were a few various stories to show what they go through to plan helping these people, but for the most part it was about helping slave girls from even the ages of 5 years old out of forced prostitution. You get to see the courage they must have to help, and the love and dedication they have to their work. I recommend reading more of Gary Haugen's books too
May 1, 2007
I didn't dig the style of writing the author used, but the content was good for those wishing to get an introduction to what's happening to forgotten children and adults around the world. Slavery still exists and the people at International Justice Mission are trying to bring awareness and action to the problem. I feel like I finally got a better understanding of IJM and the people who work for them.
September 27, 2009
A snapshot of one mission with the International Justice Mission. This book is focused on the sex trade dealing with minors from Asia. Following an undercover mission from start to finish, the book is tense and touching. What goes into this mission is incredible and the fact that this exists is revolting. A good book to open your eyes to what is going on currently and right in front of us, slavery, both sexual and physical, is not dead and needs to be known and dealt with.
October 8, 2007
Read this book all at once because you don't want to drag it out. There is a lot of tough material here about rescuing people from forced prostitution and slave labor by helping countries like Cambodia and Kenya enforce their own laws forbidding such human rights abuses. It is a well constructed narrative and the best way to get an idea of what the International Justice Mission does.
June 21, 2009
one of the toughest reads i have read. based on true oppression stories around the world. great encouragement came, though, learning about the faith and skill of international justice mission and good work they are doing to build up justice in leadership and communities and rescuing those who are being abused and oppressed. i wish everyone knew about this organization now!
January 7, 2010
An eye-opening read about the depths of depravity some people stoop to as they exploit helpless and innocent children and teens. It was difficult to read, yet a book that I couldn't put down. IJM is truly an organization putting their faith in action as they attempt to give the gift of freedom to enslaved victims.
February 22, 2012
A difficult read in that it describes horrendous accounts of disgusting evil and injustice upon innocent children. Also, it read like a news article and was full of International Justice Mission propoganda. A good book though, and I would recommend it for any person interested in the issues surrounding sex trafficking, or even in Cambodia/Southeast Asia.
September 26, 2012
I’m glad I took the time to read this tale about modern-day sex slavery (an issue I’ve heard of over the last few years, but knew nothing about). I came away amazed by the work of International Justice Mission in liberating and caring for oppressed, enslaved young girls in Asia. The book also touches on IJM’s other work around the world—-very inspiring.
August 2, 2016
Written by the CEO of International Justice Mission, this book includes amazing and heartbreaking stories of girls rescued from sex slavery. The men and women of IJM work relentlessly to bring justice to the oppressed, with the gospel at the heart of their mission. I loved this book because I learned more about IJM, but I also loved reading about the stories of rescue. God is amazing!
June 12, 2016
Very compelling and eye opening. Haugen writes in such a way that you feel you are on each mission with his team. Terrify No More sheds light on human trafficking and injustice in today's world. Every story told causes immediate heartbreak and a sense of urgency to help end human trafficking. There's no way the reader can read chapter after chapter without being moved to tears or action.
February 8, 2012
Eyeopening and shocking accounts of the injustice in the world. It propels you to want to take action and get involved. I think that this book will serve as a catalyst for change if we who read it share the truth of what we've learned and boldly pray for opportunities to make a difference.
March 17, 2012
Wow. Talk about heavy and hard to read. This was a tough one to get through but I'm very glad I did. Pick it up. Read it. Be informed. And that act on what you know!! I'm taking a three week trip to India this summer to minister to girls who have been either sold or given away by their families...
August 27, 2014
Extremely good! Challenging and provoking. As a Christian, I feel we have an obligation to be aware of these injustices and do all in our power to right them. I will be reading Gary Haugen's other books!
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May 29, 2007Intense! Gary Haugen and the staff at IJM are modern day heroes.
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September 19, 2007i hate that this book had to be written. i don't really know how to rate a book like this because its real life. at times i had to put it down only to find myself in tears. this is not a casual read.
April 26, 2009
Disturbing read because you see how evil people can be ... good to read to see a bit of a reality that exists even in our country!
July 6, 2009
Really opens your eyes as to what is going on
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews