“What is Blackbox International?”
This is a question that I’m often asked, and I never get tired of answering.
In general, Blackbox International is a faith-based, Christ-centered, not-for-profit organization that exists to holistically rehabilitate formerly sex-trafficked boys and young men. Blackbox provides the critical aftercare component for boys rescued from sex trafficking in order to help them find healing from their past, joy in the present, and purpose for their future.
That description certainly paints an accurate picture of the work being done, but the truth is that it doesn’t entirely encapsulate the magnitude of what Blackbox International is. Over the last month, my wife Sarah and I had the opportunity to immerse ourselves in the aftercare facility in the Dominican Republic. During this time, we attained an in-depth understanding of the day-to-day operation of our holistic aftercare approach and the life our boys experience while in our care.
We watched our staff labor with patience and endurance, showing up daily to meet the needs of these high-energy, emotionally charged, adolescent boys. It was truly special to see the bond that has developed between them.
We watched the boys regularly flock to the psychologist for hugs; we witnessed the social worker interact tenderly with the boys’ family members on a house visit; we saw the coach lead our boys through physical activities to expend pent-up energy; we laughed as the cook led our boys in Bible trivia contests after lunch; we saw the intentionality of the local pastor as he picked up the boys for youth group each Saturday.
There are many other moments that could be shared, but the bottom line is that there is an army of Spirit-empowered, Jesus-loving, self-giving people pouring into our boys as they navigate the hardship of living with severe trauma.
The fact is that the boys in our care have experienced horrific things; things that no person should ever experience. Now they are able to work through those layers of trauma and shame. They are recovering physically, spiritually, mentally, and emotionally from the abuse they’ve suffered.
But the work we do is rooted in a belief that our boys will be restored from the hurt and confusion that has been inflicted upon them and one day become men who will change the world.
I asked one of the boys in our care, “if you could say one thing to the people in the US who support this organization, what would you want them to know?”
He said, “I want to have my own family one day. And I also want to become an engineer. Because there are a lot of people who live in difficult situations here, there is a lot of poverty. I want to construct a huge compound where we can provide resources and housing for poor and homeless people to help them get out of those situations.”
At Blackbox International, these types of dreams are being cultivated and pursued. In Ephesians 2:10 Paul writes, “we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” We know God has Ephesians 2:10 works planned for each of our boys.
So, what is Blackbox International?
It’s a family.
It’s a home.
It’s a pioneer.
It’s a sanctuary.
It’s a pathway to healing.
It’s an opportunity to dream.
It’s the hand of God restoring brokenness.
It’s a glimpse of the redemptive work of Christ bringing heaven to earth.
Post was written by Nick Vacca, Advocacy & Transitions Program Coordinator at Blackbox International pictured above with his wife, Sarah, who also serves with Blackbox International as Director of Client Services & Disabilities Specialist.
Blackbox International
Blackbox International is a faith-based, Christ-centered, not-for-profit organization that exists to holistically rehabilitate formerly sex-trafficked boys and young men. Blackbox provides the critical aftercare component for boys rescued from sex trafficking in order to help them find healing from their past, joy in the present, and purpose for their future. Blackbox is currently providing care for boys and young men in their safe-home in the Dominican Republic, but are learning from this first initiative and developing a model that can be reproduced globally.
learn more about Blackbox International by listening to a special release two-part episode from Christ’s Church Impact Podcast.
Impact Initiative
Ministries that offer mercy to all especially those who are victims of injustice.
