Steps along the journey

A journey marked not by fame or fortune, but by a quiet determination rooted in faith, love, and the courage to stand with those who have been overlooked and under-loved.

Walking hand in hand

Upholding every step Jeff has taken towards his calling is the steadfast love and support of his wife, Gail. Jeff often says he could never have succeeded without her at his side.

Married for more than 50 years, their union is marked not only by love and devotion but by a shared faith that has only strengthened through every mission and challenge.

Gail is a true powerhouse handling practical matters and prayers in equal measure, embracing the difficult realities of Jeff's work rescuing trafficked children. Her love is not only a foundation for their family but fuel for his relentless fight against child trafficking.

Healing through laughter

A silent, playful clown wearing bright oversized shoes and a big red nose. With juggling, magic, and a pocket circus of wordless wonder, Jeff's character of Snuggles, The Love Clown traveled to refugee camps, hospitals, and impoverished villages across the globe.

Much more than entertainment, Snuggles was a ministry of hope, embodying God’s love through laughter for those enduring hardship. From performing for spontaneous crowds in the sweltering streets of Bangladesh, India and the former Vietnamese refugee camps in Thailand, to a grueling 3600 mile cross-country bicycle ride spreading awareness about vulnerable and trafficked children, this chapter laid the foundation for Jeff’s lifelong mission to rescue and restore "the least of these".

Learn more about Snuggles, The Love Clown.

A mission of JOY

In 1981, inspired by a deep faith and a scripture from John 15:11 about complete joy in Jesus, Jeff founded JOY International—standing for Jesus first, Others second, Yourself last. What began as a ministry bringing hope to the poor grew into a focused mission to rescue and restore children trapped in the global sex trafficking trade.

From humble beginnings to a worldwide network of dedicated partners, staff, and supporters, JOY International is united by one purpose: to serve the “least of these” with relentless compassion and faith-driven action.

Learn more about Jeff's barefoot journey.

14 years living barefoot

In 2010, Jeff was moved by the sight of barefoot children living in a garbage dump near Phnom Penh, Cambodia. To stand with them and raise awareness, he committed to going barefoot for one full year—even through harsh winters at high altitude in Colorado.

When the year ended, Jeff found he couldn’t put shoes or socks back on, hearing a quiet call from God: “Keep going. Those children are still out there.” Remaining totally barefoot without shoes or socks for fourteen years, Dr, Brodsky's act of humility and obedience became a powerful symbol of solidarity with trafficked and vulnerable children worldwide.

Jeff’s barefoot journey sparked awareness for thousands of people worldwide, inspiring many to join the “Barefoot Mile”, walking together to support JOY International in the fight for freedom.

A time to every purpose

After living fourteen years barefoot, as a vivid reminder of victimized children who often have no shoes, Jeff reluctantly chose to end his barefoot journey in 2024. This difficult decision was grounded in prayer, care for his own health and respect for the harsh realities of living high in the Rocky Mountains.

Though no longer “the barefoot guy,” Jeff’s commitment remains unshaken. His spiritual journey of solidarity, humility, and raising awareness continues—walking forward in new steps, ever faithful to the children whose lives he works to protect.

Honoring Those Who Make It Possible

This is not one man’s story alone. It’s a plotline written by the hand of God, and brought to life by countless companions—the devoted team at JOY International, community partners around the world, and especially family and friends—Jeff's most steadfast supporters.

How can I get involved?

Books by
Dr. Jeff Brodsky

Dr. Jeff is a world-renowned best-selling Author and global expert in the field of anti-trafficking and sextortion against teens. Delve deeper into his heart and mission through three powerful best-selling books, each offering insight, hope, and a call to action.

Stepping Into Adulthood

As a Jewish believer, Dr. Jeff saw that modern Evangelical Christianity had no rite of passage or any type of service or recognition for when a Christian child is transitioning form adolescence to adulthood. This book actually became his Doctoral dissertation, and has also become a guide for many Christian parents, as they guide their children’s young lives.

The Least Of These

A moving and profoundly impactful book that should be a reference for anyone working in the field of human trafficking, whether they are students, advocates, law enforcement officers, prosecutors, or clinicians.

An inspiring exploration of faith in action, this work shines a light on the deepest calling to serve the vulnerable, encouraging readers to embrace their role as allies in the fight against exploitation.

Why Are You Barefoot?

Jeff's remarkable journey has wound from the slums of Bangladesh to the dumps of Cambodia to the storefront brothels of India. This man on a mission to free enslaved children arrest their captors and abolish sex trafficking from the earth has left no stone unturned. You will celebrate his victories-and be challenged to listen for God's call to you. The Least of These will change your life-so you can change the world.

Read Jeff's books or listen on Audible.

Whether you’re here to learn, support, or walk alongside us in this cause, your presence matters. Together, we can raise awareness, educate communities, and help safeguard children from trafficking and sextortion.

Explore ways to give, volunteer, or simply spread the word—each step brings us closer to a world where every child walks free.

Join the Journey

How can I join the journey?

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