Today was our last day spent with the children at the AIM school. We had the opportunity to participate in various activities alongside them, making the most of every moment together. Members of the AIM organization also took us on a tour of the surrounding neighborhood, where we visited families facing very difficult circumstances. We learned how AIM comes alongside these families by building homes using materials that can be taken apart and relocated when necessary, meeting both immediate needs and future uncertainties with dignity and care.

I was also blessed with the opportunity to help pick up the children from their homes and bring them to Kids Club. That time was filled with laughter, joy, and simple moments that reminded me how powerful love and presence can be. It was such an absolute blast! 

We ended the day with a wonderful final dinner at Compas Mexican Restaurant, followed by one last “Night Market” shopping experience. I feel deeply blessed by everything I learned during this mission trip and by witnessing the incredible work the AIM organization is doing for these children and the surrounding communities. 

Thank you, God. 🙏

Patty Salgado 

It’s a beautiful, sunny day and another joyful opportunity to serve at AIM (Agape International Mission)..

As we’ve done each morning, we begin the day with a time of devotion before boarding the bus. The ride through the city streets is always an experience in itself—traffic moving in every direction, scooters driving on sidewalks, going the wrong way down the road, and often carrying up to four people at once. Yet, despite the congestion, there are surprisingly very few accidents.

Once we arrive at AIM, we begin preparing for the morning’s schedule. Today starts on the soccer field. The government has requested that all schools include a physical education class at least once a week. Since AIM has never had a formal PE program, Scott Musgraves offered to develop one for them.

Children from first through fifth grade rotate through the physical education classes. Every team member plays an important role in leading activities such as running, stretching, obstacle courses, and more. The exercises are challenging for the students, but they push through with lots of laughter and determination. Honestly, I think it may be harder for us, or maybe just me, than it is for them. 

Each day, the staff at AIM prepares lunch for us. Some dishes are familiar, while others are completely new to us. Regardless, we try everything and are always amazed by how delicious the food is. We feel incredibly grateful that they take the time to care for us, especially when we are the ones who should be serving them.

After lunch, it’s time for Kids Club. Today’s activity is decorating slap bracelets. The kids always enjoy the crafts, but once they begin arriving, their excitement is contagious. They run toward the team members, gather around us, and simply want to be loved. When they come to me, many of them are fascinated by my beard; some try to play with it, and a few even try to hang on to it. A couple of strands didn’t survive the day! As the afternoon comes to an end, you can clearly see the joy on the children’s faces as they leave.

This verse felt especially fitting for this mission:

Philippians 2:14

“Do all things without grumbling or disputing.”

After leaving Thailand and now in Cambodia, fatigue begins to set in. This type of mission work can be physically and mentally exhausting, especially with everything you experience in both locations.

Some people may see this as a “dark” trip, but I strongly disagree. This journey shines a light on what God is doing. In Thailand, Shear Love is doing incredible work. Who would have imagined a church thriving in the middle of a red-light district? Through God’s guidance and the help of teams like Crossroads, many women have been rescued from sex trafficking and introduced to a new life filled with hope.

In Cambodia, AIM leads an amazing program. The miracles they’ve witnessed over the years are evident, and you can see God’s light shining throughout the surrounding communities.

As this will be my last time on this mission, my hope and prayer is that future members of Crossroads will step out and participate in upcoming trips. This mission is truly life-changing. They are always looking for volunteers, and I believe you would be amazed by how deeply you are blessed when you choose to be a blessing to others.

Gene Leininger ❤️

We started the day with a buffet-style breakfast at the hotel, followed by our daily devotional in the lobby. After that, we headed to AIM for another full day of ministry. The morning was spent leading PE classes, and the afternoon was dedicated to Kids Club.

Scott designed the PE classes around exercises from the Presidential Physical Fitness Test, and we held all the activities on the new soccer field. We definitely worked up a good sweat, and the kids had an absolute blast—honestly, so did we. 😅

We enjoyed lunch at AIM with the staff before heading out to shop for snacks for the afternoon Kids Club. Let’s just say we loaded several carts 🛒 with snacks! Kids Club is always so much fun. The kids are incredibly loving and truly crave connection and attention. Michelle has done an amazing job planning games and activities for them. Today they played “Hot Potato” 🥔 and made scratch-off dinosaur 🦕charms, which they loved.

Pizza Hut was on the menu for dinner tonight, quite the treat. Looking forward to resting up and doing it all again tomorrow. 🙏🏼🙌🏼

Steven Gulserian

First Day of Ministry in Cambodia 🇰🇭!

Today was a beautiful, fun-filled day as we stepped into our first day of ministry in Cambodia. We woke up early, enjoyed a buffet-style breakfast at our beautiful hotel, and gathered in the lobby for our daily devotional. Right on time at 9:15 a.m., our driver Bunny picked us up and we headed out to begin our first day with Agape International Mission (AIM). From the moment we arrived, we were warmly welcomed by the staff and students. The smiles we were met with were absolutely priceless, and it was only the beginning of the day 🙌🏼. The AIM staff led us through a detailed orientation, sharing the powerful history of the ministry and its mission to rescue, restore, protect, and prevent human trafficking. They walked us through important policies and cultural considerations to help us navigate the week with care and respect. We even learned a few Khmer phrases to help us connect with the students and staff. Tomorrow, you’ll definitely hear me walking around saying “suos-dei” for hello 👋.

After the orientation, we toured the campus and got a glimpse of daily life at AIM. We met several women during their work shifts, some pressing T-shirt labels, others sewing clothing, and some creating beautiful jewelry. Seeing them learn and grow in these trades was incredibly moving, especially knowing that many of these women are survivors of human trafficking who are now in the process of healing and restoration. The staff also shared about the many services AIM provides, not only for the women but for their children as well, including on-site daycare. A truly safe space for everyone 🙏🏼. I almost forgot to mention, we may have done a little shopping at the AIM shop in support of the organization! ❤️

The tour continued through the school, staff cafeteria, student garden 🪴, a new beach volleyball court, soccer field, and finally “The Lord’s Gym,” a place where young boys learn about fitness, boxing, and the importance of protecting their families. The entire campus was amazing. AIM is even expanding its recreational spaces to invite in the surrounding community, creating a place not just to gather, but to learn about Jesus.

We shared a family-style lunch with the staff, and it was absolutely delicious. Their hospitality made us feel right at home. After lunch, we headed to a local mall to purchase sports equipment to help support AIM as they establish their Physical Education (PE) program. Tomorrow is going to be a fun and active day!

We ended the afternoon with Kids Club, singing, dancing, and creating arts and crafts together. A little game of Simon Says helped us wrap up the fun. We sent the kids off with snacks, strawberry milk and cookies—which brought so many smiles. Their excitement, hugs, and joy reaffirmed exactly why the Lord brought me here: to help transform communities, even if it means impacting just one life.

As we made our way back to the hotel, I couldn’t help but reflect on the future and the opportunities being created for these children. I continue to pray over AIM, the staff, the students, and the surrounding community. Now it’s time to rest and prepare for PE class tomorrow, wish us luck 😅🏃‍♀️💪🙏🏼.

Johana Rodriguez 

Today we woke up at Baitong Hotel. This hotel is so beautiful, and I’m genuinely so happy we came back. There’s something comforting about being here again, a small sense of peace before stepping into such heavy history.

We started the day at the Killing Fields. Even though I came here last year, it felt different this time. Walking on the same ground where so many innocent lives were taken is something you can never fully prepare for. The quiet there is loud in its own way. Every step felt sacred and heartbreaking at the same time. It’s overwhelming to think about the fear people must have felt in their final moments, and how brutally and senselessly their lives were taken. It’s not just history — it feels like the pain still lingers in the air.

Later, we went to lunch at a place called Eleven. Sooooo yummy. You really can’t go wrong with veggie spring rolls — such a simple comfort after such a heavy morning.

We continued our day at S-21, the prison where thousands were held, tortured, and eventually sent to die. Walking through those rooms was chilling. Seeing the tiny cells, the rusted bed frames, the stains on the floors… it makes your chest feel tight. What hit me the most were the photographs. Row after row of faces — women, men, and children — all staring back at you, frozen in time, unaware of what was about to happen to them. They had names, families, dreams, and stories, and yet they were reduced to numbers in a system of cruelty. It made me wonder what the world was doing in the 1970s while this was happening, how something this horrific could unfold while so many lived their normal lives elsewhere.

By the time we left, my heart felt heavy.

As we made our way back to the hotel, I was honestly so ready to shower and just breathe again. Taking some much-needed rest and relaxation at Boda Spa was such a gift after such an emotional day. It helped settle my spirit a little.

Now I feel refreshed and grounded for our first day at AIM tomorrow. Today was painful, eye-opening, and unforgettable — a reminder of how important it is to remember, to honor the lives lost, and to never look away from the truth.

Michelle Ramos 💕

We’ve had a nice couple of days of R&R on an island beach. Today is a travel day as we take a boat from the island back to Pattaya. That meant plenty of loading and unloading suitcases, especially with baggage limits dropping from 50 to 44 pounds on this leg of the journey. Shopping at the night market changes everything when it comes to luggage weight!

We load up two taxi vans and head to the Bangkok airport for our flight to Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Ironically, we actually spent more time in buses today than we did on our flight.

As we said our goodbyes to Dianna, she shared how grateful the Tamar Guest House was for our team staying there. As one of the trip leaders, it was such a blessing to hear that our group represented Crossroads well during our time there.

Check-in was a bit of an adventure; paying for extra bags for Kids Club and other supplies is a whole process in itself, requiring extra time and even a different counter. Thankfully, we were able to enjoy an early dinner near our gate before boarding. The hour-and-a-half flight was smooth, immigration went quickly, and Bunny was right on time to greet us and take us to the hotel. All in all, a long but good travel day.

Scott Musgraves

Last Day in Thailand 🇹🇭 

After such an incredible week of ministry at Shear Love, we woke up this morning on Koh Larn island and were able to sleep in, what an incredible treat. I didn’t think I needed that extra hour of rest, but I enjoyed every single minute of it. We started our morning with a walk to a local coffee shop where the team grabbed their daily coffees and teas (so good 😋).

On our way to Samae Beach, I took in the everyday life of Thailand, from the local shops and busy restaurants to the sweet “sawadee ka” greetings shared as you pass by. There’s something so simple, yet so beautiful, about Thai culture. The afternoon was spent slowing down and soaking it all in, some of us relaxed in beach chairs while others enjoyed the refreshing ocean water.

As I rested, I had time to reflect on this past week of ministry and the beautiful work Dianna is doing through Shear Love. This being my first missions trip, being in a country far away from home and family, has not been easy. But the reward has been worth every drop of sweat and every tear shed. I pray this organization continues to transform the lives of more women and men. God is here and He is so good! 🙏🏼

We continued to rest throughout the day, some finding peace on their own, while others went for walks. As for me, I sat still, fully present, taking in my surroundings and the countless blessings God continues to pour over my life. I can truly feel my life being transformed just by being here. 

As the sun set, we made our way to a local restaurant for our final dinner in Thailand. We shared a delicious family-style meal, continued to learn more about each other, shared laughs, and followed by an incredible fire 🔥 show. Our last night couldn’t have ended any better. Simple moments like these felt sacred, reminders that God is present not only in the work, but in the quiet in-between. 

I’m so ready to continue this journey. 

Up next, Cambodia 🇰🇭✈️. 

Johana Rodriguez

Our ministry time with Shear Love is beginning to wind down, and our team can feel the dreaded goodbyes approaching. Still, we are eager to head to the office and make the most of our final day of serving. We load into the van and travel through the busy streets of Pattaya.

When we arrive, we are greeted with the warmest welcome once again. We gather for a short meeting, followed by prayer and a devotional. Our team then splits up throughout the building: some lead devotional time with the students, others assist in English class, and a few jump in to help with a construction project. 

Before we know it, it’s time to say goodbye to the students and head to our final lunch with the staff. From there, we share our last goodbyes with the Shear Love team. We felt so many mixed emotions, thankful for the joy this time brought us, but heartbroken knowing our time at Shear Love was coming to an end. But to end on a happy note, Dianna and the Shear Love staff surprised our team with a touching and special gift, framed photos of our time serving.

Afterward, our team is rewarded with a boat ride to an island just offshore Pattaya. These next few days allow us time together to prepare for a mentally and physically challenging week ahead in Cambodia, while also giving us the opportunity to spend meaningful time with Dianna, our missionary host and the founder of Shear Love.

Toni Lara 

We started our day with morning devotionals, reading Exodus 17:8–13, then enjoyed a delicious breakfast at Tamar before heading over to Shear Love. As always, we were welcomed with so much warmth when we arrived. We had the joy of joining the English class, helping the students write thank you letters to their sponsors. I loved getting to help translate and hear more about their dreams and hopes. We also reviewed the names of all the books of the Bible in English to help them practice, and they did such an amazing job. 

In the afternoon, we were surprised with a spa day led by the students at Shear Love. I was able to enjoy a relaxing pedicure and an incredible massage from one of the students. It truly made my heart so happy to see them learning a new trade and growing in confidence. The men in our team received haircuts, while the women enjoyed manicures, pedicures, hair washes and blowouts. It was truly amazing to witness the beautiful work God is doing through Shear Love under Diana’s  leadership and the confidence being built in each student.

We ended the day at a beautiful beachside restaurant, watching an unforgettable sunset 🌅, great food, great company—and yes, even a few mosquitoes 🦟👀🙏🏼.

Patty Salgado 

Before we even started the day, Matthew 5:16 came to mind:

“In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.”

That verse was such a good reminder that everything we do is through God, not us.

We had no idea what the day would hold, but it was already off to a great start with an amazing breakfast prepared by the Tamar staff. They told us it was a traditional Thai breakfast, chicken and beef on a stick with sticky rice, and of course, fresh and delicious fruit.

After leaving Shear Love, it took about an hour to get to the Burmese Refugee Camp. It was our first time there, and we didn’t know what to expect. As soon as we walked in, we were greeted by the sound of children and staff singing Christian songs, loud and proud. From that moment on, it felt just as natural and welcoming as any outreach we’ve been part of.

We jumped right in, dancing and singing with the kids. Everyone was having a blast, kids, staff, and even us. Some of us may have looked a little out of place (definitely me), but it was all part of the fun.

After the worship time, our team led a puppet show reminding the kids that God is always with them. The day continued with crafts, laughter, and lots of smiles.

It truly was a beautiful and blessed day, and such a privilege to be welcomed into the Burmese Refugee Camp.

I also want to take a moment to recognize someone very special who has sacrificed so much for others and is dearly loved by Crossroads Church. Today is a special day for Diana Bautista. Diana answered God’s calling and followed it wholeheartedly, creating Shear Love International. Through her obedience and vision, hundreds have come to know God, and countless women have been rescued from trafficking.

On behalf of our entire team, we want to wish Diana a very happy birthday. May God continue to bless you with many more years of joy and happiness. All of us at Crossroads Church are incredibly grateful for everything she has done. 💛

Gene Leininger 

We started the day with a wonderful buffet-style breakfast prepared by the Tamar team, then headed to Shear Love to begin our ministry. I sat with the men and listened to devotionals that shared a powerful message about the words we speak and their impact—both positive and negative. We then helped the students learn English using flashcards of common hair salon items. It was amazing to see how quickly they learned, confidently matching the pictures to the English words. After a full and meaningful morning, we transitioned to enjoy a delicious lunch prepared by the Shear Love team.

During the second half of the day, half of the team went out on outreach while the other half stayed behind to assemble condom packages to distribute to women in the red-light district. Each package contained a biblical message and a phone number for any woman seeking a way out of sex trafficking.

Later, we gathered at a church in the red-light district to pray for the women and men on the streets. As part of the outreach, time was paid for several women so they could step away from the streets and attend the service. After worship, a few women shared their powerful testimonies and led a prayer for anyone who wished to give their life to Jesus. Many came forward to receive prayer. In an area filled with so much darkness, this small church truly felt like a beacon of light and hope. The service concluded with a delightful meal prepared by the staff.

The women on our team then distributed the condom packages along Beach Row, while the men collected data to be used later in efforts to help close brothels. If even one woman is led to contact Shear Love and escape her situation, then every bit of the work was worth it.

It was a long but deeply encouraging day. I’m left with a strong sense of hope and can’t wait to see how God moves tomorrow. 🙏

Steven Gulserian 

First official day of ministry! 

We began our day with a wonderful breakfast at Tamar before heading to Shear Love, where we gathered for church with the students and staff. We worshiped together in a beautiful amalgamation of English and Thai, where we all came together to worship the same God. We then heard a powerful message from Scott based on Jeremiah 17:8, reflecting on the tree planted by the water with deep roots. He connected this image to our walk with God, reminding us of the importance of being deeply rooted in Him so that when the heat and trials come, we have no fear, because the living water of God flows through us. Afterward, we had the opportunity to receive prayer requests and pray over the students.

After lunch, we visited Soy 6, also known as Section 6, one of the worst streets in the red light district. There, we spent time at Tamar’s building located in the heart of Soy 6, where we got the opportunity to pray over the whole area and sing worship in the midst of so much darkness. We also went up to the rooftop, overlooking the street, and covered it in prayer. 

While it was an emotional day for everyone, there was so much light and goodness happening that it outshined all of the darkness that was covering these areas. It filled us with so much hope being able to see the joy radiating out of Shear Love’s ministry! 

Mykie Ramirez

Oh Thailand… I’m back. 🫰🏼🇹🇭

Coming back to this beautiful country feels like such a gift from God. Traveling is never easy—the long flights, the exhaustion, the waiting—but the moment we landed, it felt like I had never left. It’s crazy how time can pass so quickly, yet the memories stay so close to your heart.

Today we had the opportunity to tour Shear Love, and I’m honestly in awe. Seeing how God is moving through Diana Bautista and her ministry here in Thailand is so humbling. Her team is growing, her vision is unfolding right before her eyes, and through it all she continues to point everything back to the Lord. It’s beautiful to witness obedience turn into impact, and faith turn into something that changes lives.

Driving through the streets of Pattaya brought back so many memories from last year. I remember how heavy my heart felt then—how dark that season was for me. Being back in those same streets, but with a different spirit, a different hope, and a different strength… it’s emotional in a way I can’t fully explain. God really does redeem seasons.

This time, I’m coming with expectation. I’m praying with intention. I’m asking God to lead every step, soften my heart, and speak clearly to me over these next two weeks. My posture is simple: open hands, open heart, willing and ready.

I’m excited. I’m a little nervous. I’m hopeful. And more than anything, I’m grateful.

God is so, so good. 🤍🙏🏼

🤎 Michelle Ramos