In this inspiring episode, David Cross, CEO of ZOE Australia, shares his powerful journey from a successful business career to the frontline of fighting child trafficking and exploitation.

What started as disbelief after a church sermon led David and his wife, Andrea, to leave everything behind and move to Thailand — dedicating over a decade to caring for rescued children and training local leaders through ZOE International. Their experience in restorative care revealed the deep healing possible when love, safety, and faith come together.

Now back in Australia, David and his team at ZOE are addressing the hidden reality of child exploitation in one of the world’s most developed nations. He exposes how trafficking often operates through psychological manipulation, not visible chains — and why education, prevention, and community awareness are key to protecting children.

Key Takeaways:

- Child trafficking exists everywhere — even in wealthy nations like Australia.

- Awareness, education, and early prevention save lives.

- Restorative care and trauma-informed support are essential for survivors.

- Every person can play a role: trust your instincts, report concerns, and be a safe, caring adult for the children around you.

David also highlights ZOE Australia’s initiatives — including free school curricula for teens and a child safety board game called Treehouse — designed to equip communities to recognize and prevent exploitation.

Though the fight is challenging, stories of transformation show that healing and restoration are possible. “ZOE means life,” David reminds us — and every rescued child deserves the chance to live it abundantly.

Get Involved:

Pray, learn, and take action to protect children in your community.

Learn more at goZOE.jp | goZOE.org.au

Other resources from ZOE Australia:

Treehouse game: https://www.gozoe.org.au/treehouse-game/

Curriculum Year 9 & 10: https://www.gozoe.org.au/curriculum-download/

#ChildTrafficking #ZOEJapanPodcast #ZOEAustralia #EndChildExploitation #HumanTraffickingAwareness #FaithInAction #RestorativeCare #ChildProtection

Host Clubs in Japan are often hotbeds for trafficking of young women and even children.

Are these hosts traffickers, buyers, innocent and charming young men or victims themselves?

Join the ZOE team as we explore these questions together and expose the dark underbelly of this glitzy and glamorous industry.

We also encourage you to read our Blog post on this topic:

Tokyo Hosts: a world of glamor and despair

To learn more about human trafficking in Japan, please go to our website: goZOE.jp

Together, we can reach every person and rescue every child.

Join us as we tune in to part 2 of an interview with Mariko Yamaoka from Not For Sale Japan about the exploitation of students that are studying and working in Japan under a student visa.

To report labor trafficking in your community, please go to:

• Are your working conditions fair? See page 14 for hotline support for foreign workers in multiple languages established by the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare.
• Solidarity Network with Migrants in Japan