About Us

How We Began

In early 2005, our brother returned from a short-term mission trip to Bangkok, Thailand. We expected to hear stories of evangelism and tsunami disaster relief, but there was a portion of the narrative we were not prepared for: while ministering on the streets of the red light district, he witnessed children, behind glass, being sold for sex.

We were shocked and devastated. His story impacted us deeply, and in 2010, the Lord strongly convicted our hearts and showed us that His call on our lives is to combat child sex trafficking. We spent the next couple years researching, educating ourselves, and praying for guidance. Over time, it became clear that we were to found our own organization, One Saved, and that our first project would be an aftercare facility in the Philippines.

In 2012, we knew it was time to begin. God miraculously opened doors for us to connect with International Justice Mission (IJM), and in August, we flew to the Philippines to meet with personnel at their field office. One of the directors there expressed the need for more gospel centered safehomes and explained that they had the ability to be doing more raids to get children out of brothels but were hindered because all of the local aftercare facilities were full. It was great confirmation that we were on the right track.

We give all the praise and honor and glory to God for the work that He does through One Saved now and in the years to come. It is His organization, not ours. And we know that we are nothing, and can do nothing good, without Him.

Our Team

The 1Saved board is comprised of missional people who have a passion for combating child sex trafficking with the redeeming power of the gospel of Jesus Christ. They strive to lead with humility, unity, and in a way that makes Jesus look beautiful.

  • Jeremy Hess

    PRESIDENT

    Jeremy holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Hope College and completed his doctorate of dental surgery at the University of Michigan. He is a family man and cosmetic dentist in West Michigan and enjoys providing dental care to the under-served both locally and around the globe. He is fervently committed to following Jesus and to fulfilling God’s call on his life to use his gifts to care for children in need.

  • Sarah Hess

    VICE PRESIDENT & TREASURER

    Sarah is a graduate of Hope College and holds a bachelor’s degree in English for secondary education. She enjoys serving in her local church body and mentoring children. She is passionate about her relationship with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and about seeing lives changed by bringing the light of the gospel to the dark world of child sex trafficking.

  • Amy Hayes

    BOARD SECRETARY

    Amy is a loving wife and mother who has a heart to follow God totally. Amy devotes time to her children’s school through the PTO and classroom involvement. She is heavily involved in her church, working in the children’s ministry and serving in many ways. Amy is committed to using the gifts she has been blessed with to combat human trafficking.

  • Lee Zuidema

    DIRECTOR

    Lee completed his undergraduate studies at Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Michigan and completed his post-graduate studies at the University of Michigan School of Dentistry. He practices as a family and cosmetic dentist in West Michigan and serves on the board of trustees of Cornerstone University. Lee has a passion for widows and fatherless children, and for fulfilling God’s call to care for them both at home and abroad. He has a true servant’s heart and is excited to use his gifts to combat sex trafficking.

  • Tim Friesen

    DIRECTOR

    Tim holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Michigan State University, a master’s in school psychology from Central Michigan University, and a doctorate in psychology from Biola University. He is a clinical psychologist and serves as president of Twelve12:Hope, working with missionaries and mission organizations around the world.

  • Steve Biondo

    DIRECTOR

    Steve received his bachelor’s degree in biology and psychology from Albion College, his master’s in education and administration from Cornerstone University, and continued his post-graduate studies in organizational psychology at San Diego State University. In addition to his role with One Saved, he is president of the Tim Tebow Foundation. He spends much of his time traveling the globe, acting as the literal hands and feet of Jesus by rescuing, delivering, and meeting the needs of vulnerable widows and orphans.