“Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy.”

"Fuggedaboudit"

Jeff’s youth in Brooklyn was shaped by a vibrant blend of cultural richness, family ties, and the challenges of urban life.

Growing up in a Jewish neighborhood, Jeff was surrounded by community traditions and a strong sense of identity. Yet beneath the surface of this close-knit environment were struggles that would deeply affect him—most significantly, the devastating loss of his brother to cancer, a tragedy that left a lasting imprint on his heart.

This profound grief contributed to a period of rebellion and searching during his teenage years, as Jeff wrestled with questions of meaning and purpose. The streets of Brooklyn, with their ordinary bustle and extraordinary stories, became the backdrop for a young man navigating pain, hope, and an emerging restlessness.

It was in this complex mix of culture, loss, and longing that the early seeds of Jeff’s later mission were sown—a journey that would take him far from Brooklyn but always rooted in the lessons and memories of his youth.

Puppy Love

Jeff met Gail in Brooklyn when he was working at a pet store selling puppies—one job among many he held after leaving the Air Force.

It was at this pet store that their paths crossed, and their friendship quickly grew into love. They married on October 27, 1974, despite skepticism from both their families and friends, who doubted the longevity of their relationship. However, their marriage proved durable and became the foundation for everything that would follow in Jeff’s life.

This union of two very different people—Jeff with his restless spirit and Gail with her steady faith and kindness—set the stage for the transformative journey that lay ahead for both of them.

The Power of One

When Jeff and Gail moved to Fountain Hills, Arizona in the late 1970s, Rev. Ed Mast served not only as a local pastor but also as the president of the Kiwanis club where Jeff was involved. Their first meeting was prompted by a community issue, and though Jeff was ready for a confrontation, he was instead met with genuine love and understanding from Ed.

Jeff recalls walking into Ed's church office reluctantly but found himself overwhelmed by Ed’s kindness and wisdom. This relationship became instrumental as Jeff wrestled with deep questions about faith and God. Rev. Mast discipled Jeff during this formative time, patiently answering his questions and helping him explore the identity of Jesus as the promised Messiah. Over time, Jeff was drawn to attend church services and study the Bible, experiences that culminated in his acceptance of Jesus as his Messiah on October 17, 1976—a moment that transformed his life forever.

This period marked the beginning of Jeff’s profound transformation from a life of searching and rebellion toward a dedicated mission grounded in faith—one that he would share with the world through his mission as Snuggles, The Love Clown, along with his rescue and restoration work with JOY International.

Not Clowning Around

Jeff’s transformation into Snuggles the Love Clown was the result of intentional training and mentorship that blended performance art with ministry. Early in his journey, Jeff sought out experienced clowns and pastors who helped him develop the skills necessary to connect with children and communities through physical comedy and silent storytelling.

He trained with Floyd “Socataco” Shaffer, a professional clown and pastor who specialized in clown ministry. Under such mentorship, Jeff learned the art of the Auguste clown—a style characterized by playful clumsiness, exaggerated expressions, and physical humor without speaking. This gave him the ability to reach people across cultural and language barriers, conveying joy and the gospel message through movement and mime.

The training also involved mastering juggling, magic tricks, pratfalls, and improvisation, allowing Jeff to create his renowned “pocket circus” performance that entertained and inspired hope even in places of deep suffering. The clown persona “Snuggles” became not just entertainment but a heartfelt ministry platform—an embodiment of laughter as medicine for broken hearts and a tangible expression of God’s love for the oppressed.

Ride of a Lifetime

Dr. Brodsky’s 3,600-mile bicycle ride across America was a bold and heartfelt initiative undertaken during his ministry as Snuggles the Love Clown. Pedaling from Disneyland in California all the way to the United Nations in New York City, Jeff embarked on this journey to raise awareness and funds for orphaned and vulnerable children.

This ride was not only a physical challenge but also a symbolic act combining his clown ministry’s message of joy with tangible advocacy for children in need. Throughout the grueling journey, Jeff encountered skepticism and hardship, but remained fueled by worship music, faith and a deep commitment to bringing hope to children in peril.

The cross-country ride became a defining chapter in Jeff's early mission, exemplifying how laughter, determination, and sacrifice can ignite change. It demonstrated Jeff’s unique approach of intertwining creative ministry with practical action.

Street Corner Salvation

Jeff’s work with Food For The Hungry marked an important chapter in his early ministry career. Serving as an ambassador for the organization, Jeff traveled internationally as Snuggles the Love Clown—bringing joy, hope, and the message of God’s love to impoverished and vulnerable children in refugee camps, hospitals, and remote villages. His silent, playful performances using juggling, magic, and mime transcended language barriers, opening hearts and making a profound impact.

Jeff’s clown ministry took him to places like Thailand, Bangladesh, India, and Uganda. His work with Food For The Hungry gave him firsthand exposure to the many unmet needs of marginalized children and fueled his passion for rescuing and restoring those trapped in the world’s darkest circumstances.

During this time, Jeff had the extraordinary privilege of being invited by Mother Teresa to share his unique gift of JOY at The Home for Children and the Home for the Destitute and Dying in Calcutta, India. Witnessing firsthand her compassionate care for the poorest deeply moved Jeff and left an enduring impression on his heart and ministry vision.

These experiences laid critical groundwork for later founding JOY International and pivoting decisively toward the rescue of trafficked children.

"that your JOY may be complete."

JOY International was founded in 1981 by Dr. Brodsky, with a vision deeply rooted in faith and the desire to share “complete joy” as described in John 15:11. The organization’s name reflects its core principle: Jesus first, Others second, Yourself last.

Jeff’s vision was clear: to create not just temporary joy, but eternal joy through the transformative power of Jesus, partnered with practical efforts to set captives free and rebuild shattered lives. What started as a small ministry dedicated to bringing hope and God's joy to children in impoverished places soon grew into a global network committed to serving “the least of these".

In its early years, JOY International focused broadly on relief and development efforts alongside partners in various countries, including India, China, Bangladesh, Russia, and Kenya. The ministry sought to bring holistic care—addressing both physical needs and spiritual restoration. As Jeff’s firsthand encounters with children trafficked and exploited intensified, JOY’s mission sharpened to specifically target the rescue, restoration, reintegration, and prevention of child sex trafficking.

Jeff’s vision was clear: to create not just temporary joy, but eternal joy through the transformative power of Jesus, partnered with practical efforts to set captives free and rebuild shattered lives.

- John 15:11

Starting a Fight

Through JOY International, Dr. Jeff played a significant role in shaping current anti-trafficking methodology by blending spiritual commitment with practical, ground-level strategies focused on rescue, restoration, reintegration, and prevention. From its early days, the organization emphasized partnerships—with local churches, law enforcement, and community leaders—to create a comprehensive approach that respects both the dignity of survivors and the complexities of trafficking.

One of JOY International’s many lasting contributions is its emphasis on training those who are positioned to recognize and intervene in trafficking situations. This includes educating police officers, airport personnel, social workers, and community members to identify signs of trafficking and sextortion, helping to stop exploitation before it escalates. The ministry’s firsthand rescue work—often involving collaboration with governmental and non-governmental organizations—has informed best practices in survivor-centered care, fostering models that prioritize safety, confidentiality, and holistic healing.

Moreover, by integrating faith-based compassion with evidence-based practices, JOY International has demonstrated how mission-driven organizations can operate effectively within multidisciplinary anti-trafficking networks. Its global presence and decades of experience continue to influence emerging methodologies that focus on sustainable freedom and the restoration of hope for survivors around the world.

That Barefoot Guy

Dr. Jeff’s inspiration to live barefoot for fourteen years began with a deeply moving encounter in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, on July 19, 2010. While feeding children living near a garbage dump—many of them barefoot and vulnerable to trafficking—the stark reality of their exposed and precarious lives left an indelible mark on Jeff’s heart. Returning to his hotel and slipping back into his shoes, he felt a profound disconnect and was moved in prayer to walk barefoot as an act of solidarity with those children and countless others at risk around the world.

This barefoot journey was both a spiritual discipline and a visible testimony—symbolizing humility, solidarity, and a relentless commitment to raise awareness about child trafficking and exploitation. Despite harsh conditions, including freezing winters at high altitude in Colorado, Jeff embraced the discomfort as a daily reminder of the suffering endured by trafficked and vulnerable children.

The initial commitment was for one year, but when that year ended, Jeff felt a quiet but clear spiritual prompting to continue living barefoot indefinitely. His barefoot journey became a powerful symbol and rallying point for the global movement against trafficking, inspiring “Barefoot Mile” events and motivating others to take tangible steps in solidarity and action to set captives free.

The Next Steps

Today, Jeff’s mission adapts to meet new challenges. With a spirit undimmed, he embraces modern platforms—social media outreach, a podcast, along with frequent speaking engagements—to amplify awareness and education. His current focus shines a spotlight on the devastating epidemic of teen sextortion online, merging decades of frontline experience with innovative strategies to protect the most vulnerable in a digital age.

This is a journey still unfolding, standing on faith, grounded in love, and driven by the unwavering conviction that every child deserves freedom, dignity, and a future filled with hope.

Continue the journey with Dr. Jeff

If you’ve been moved by this glimpse into Dr. Brodsky’s remarkable journey, you’re humbly invited to walk alongside him through the pages of his books.

In his own heartfelt words—woven with stories of hope, struggle, and triumph—Jeff reveals the raw realities and redemptive moments that have shaped his life’s mission. Whether you choose to hold a print edition or listen to the audiobook, each page offers more than a story; it’s an invitation to join a movement of compassion and courage.

Explore these powerful accounts and discover how stepping into Jeff’s journey can inspire you to take your own steps toward making a difference in the lives of trafficked children around the world.

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.