Interview by Gillian Fraser
Originally published in JOY! Magazine January issue
From a painful past to a fearless present, Christine Caine has learnt that what Jesus did for her is greater than what anyone did to her. That truth reshaped her identity, fuelled a calling to set captives free, and kept joy in the fight. “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation…” (2 Cor 5:17). In this candid conversation, Christine is powerful yet playful – talking freedom, family, A21’s frontline work, and the everyday intimacy with Jesus that keeps the fire burning.
TESTIMONY & CALLING
Q. Christine, you’ve shared openly about your adoption and the abuse you suffered as a child. Can you take us back to the moment when you first realised that God’s love for you was bigger than the rejection you had faced?
When I walked through the doors of a local church in the suburbs of Sydney, Australia on the 29th January 1989, I encountered the palpable presence and love of God during worship in a way I had never known. I think that might have been the moment I knew that God loved me despite what had happened to me, and that my history no longer needed to define my destiny. What Jesus did for me on the cross was greater than what anyone had ever done to me.
Q. What was the first step you took from being a victim of trauma to becoming a voice of hope?
It was definitely a process. The greatest practice I developed early on in my Christian journey was to memorise Scripture. It was by renewing my mind with the Word of God that I was able to learn what God said about me. It was in Scripture that I discovered my true identity in Christ – and that was a game changer. You can only help set others free to the degree you are free. I was committed to my own freedom journey so that I would be strong enough to help others become free in Christ.
Q. You’ve often said that God can use anyone. Was there a moment in your own life when you were convinced He could never use you, and how did He prove you wrong?
Very early on in my Christian journey I thought that I was too broken for God to be able to use me. Instead, I found that God specialises in taking unlikely people like me and using them as a trophy of His grace. I was an unnamed, unwanted, abused, adopted girl whom God saved, redeemed, and restored, and today I am helping to set captives free all over the world. Only God.
A21 & HUMAN TRAFFICKING
Q. Many South Africans don’t realise how close to home trafficking is. What are some of the signs we should be looking out for in our own communities?
I am so grateful that we have a local A21 office that is managed by Katie Modrau who has helped me to answer these specific questions pertaining to the nature of human trafficking in South Africa.
We often believe trafficking is someone else’s issue; it couldn’t be happening around me, could it? This mentality gives power to criminal networks to operate undetected. This is why we created our Can You See Me campaign, using common South African scenarios to help us recognise signs of trafficking around us and how to report it. You never know when your call is the difference between someone being exploited or being identified and assisted. You can access these videos on our website, a21.org/canyouseeme.
Taking it one step further than identifying trafficking after it has happened, we can learn to recognise the warning signs someone is being recruited. In 2024, “false job opportunities” was the most commonly reported recruitment method to the National Human Trafficking Hotline (operated by A21), accounting for 56,4 percent of the cases identified.
And more recently, we have seen a spike in South Africa’s “recruited for false job offers” in Southeast Asia. The takeaway message for us is to be vigilant when job hunting – do your research and vet any opportunity, especially if it involves travelling to a new town or country. Our hotline runs a job vetting service, where we can assist you in screening any opportunities you may feel unsure about.
Q. If you could speak directly to church leaders in South Africa about trafficking, what would your message be?
We know that trafficking is a crime that preys on vulnerability. Each one of our churches has vulnerable people coming week in and out. Are there ways that you, as a church, can get more hands-on and respond practically to reduce vulnerability around us? Perhaps this looks like supporting the single mom practically, so she doesn’t turn to a desperate job opportunity. Maybe it is hosting job readiness courses for the unemployed so that they can secure legitimate jobs? Perhaps it is parenting nights where we educate parents on the realities our children are facing, and equip them on how to have the hard conversations, how to equip them to protect and nurture their children in this digital age? Jesus went out of His way to speak to the lost, to invest in the broken, to provide for not just spiritual needs, but also the physical needs of the people around Him. How do we activate our churches to not just see issues, but respond to them? What does a response to the most vulnerable around you look like?
Q. In SA, prostitution may soon be legalised. From your perspective, what dangers does that create in terms of trafficking?
A21 operates in countries where prostitution is legalised and where it is not. Trafficking exists and thrives in both scenarios. The driving force is that where there is demand, there is supply. What we need to ask ourselves is, does legalising the sale of sex reduce demand or increase it? Because when there is an increase in demand, the supply must follow. We have already spoken about how vulnerable much of the population of South Africa is and if this puts people more at risk to address the inevitable increase in supply.
Q. A21 has rescued countless survivors. Without breaking confidentiality, could you share a testimony that has deeply impacted you personally?
There have been so many over the years, but what always impacts me is the resilience of the human spirit. One particular survivor identified out of sexual exploitation came into our care when she was pregnant. She engaged with all of A21’s programmes and attended our Freedom Centre. During her time with us, she participated in one of our job readiness partnerships and learnt how to sew, all of this with her baby in her arms, and then her toddler on her hip. Through this course, she discovered a real talent for sewing and crafts and grabbed it with both hands. Today, her child is five years old and following the example of a courageous, resilient mom who is a product manager at a small business. She trains ladies who have also come out of exploitation to make beautiful products and earn a living, while also growing in her voice as a survivor leader in South Africa. Her story always inspires me to take challenges head-on, one step at a time, while leaning into the support you have around you. It is the perfect reminder of why we do what we do at A21. For the ONE, and in this case, the one has had a multiplying impact on her child and all those she now invests in and champions.
FAITH & MINISTRY
Q. You have ministered in more than 30 countries. Is there one moment on the mission field where you saw God move in a way you will never forget?
I had the opportunity to minister outdoors in Qatar, which is something I could have never imagined happening in my lifetime. There were 12 000 men and women in an outdoor amphitheatre, and I was able to proclaim the Gospel unhindered. It is perhaps one of the most impactful things God has allowed me to be a part of.
Q. What do you do to stay spiritually strong when you are travelling, writing, speaking, and carrying so much responsibility?
My non-negotiable is that I must spend time in the Word and in prayer every day no matter where I am in the world. Staying tightly connected to Jesus is the only way I can do what I am called to do. Intimacy with Jesus is everything to me.
Q. You are known for bringing both passion and humour to the pulpit. Do you see joy as a tool/weapon in ministry, and how has it helped you in tough seasons?
Proverbs 17:22 says that “A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones”, and I know that in order for me to be able to do what I am called to do, I need a healthy dose of laughter and joy. So much of my ministry is on the frontlines of helping to set free those that are either spiritually or physically bound, so there is so much spiritual darkness I have to contend with. Laughter is a gift that helps to keep my spirit uplifted and enables me to keep engaging in the fight with passion.
FAMILY & PERSONAL LIFE
Q. Life and ministry can be demanding. What’s one habit that has helped you and Nick keep your marriage healthy over the years?
We make sure that we have lots of fun. We play together as much as we pray together, and that has kept the joy in both our marriage and ministry.
Q. Your daughters have grown up seeing you in ministry and activism. What is one lesson you hope they carry with them from watching your journey?
My prayer is that my girls (whom I love and adore) fulfil their own God-given purpose with passion.
Q. When you get time off with your family, what is your favourite way to rest and recharge?
The two things I most love to do when I have down time is to hike along beautiful trails and play pickleball. Both activities bring me life and joy.
Q. You will be coming to South Africa next year (hopefully). What is your favourite part about our country, and what makes you most excited to return?
I absolutely love Cape Town and believe it is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. My favourite thing to do when I land is to hike to the top of Table Mountain and, if I have time, to hike extensively through the Table Mountain National Park. The views are breathtaking.
Q. South Africans face many challenges, but are also a deeply faith-filled people. What encouragement would you give to our nation right now?
I love the South African people with all my heart. I want to encourage you to continue to love the Lord with all your hearts, minds, and strength – and to love your neighbour as yourselves. God is with you. God is for you. Keep leaning in to His love, grace, mercy, kindness, and goodness. Never stop believing God for breakthrough.
This article appears in the January 2026 issue of JOY! Magazine. Read the digital version of this magazine here: joygifts.co.za
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Date published: 01/06/2026
Feature image: Sourced from original article featured in JOY! Magazine January 2026
Article images: Sourced from original article featured in JOY! Magazine January 2026
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