And the problem is sex trafficking.
This is ugly. It shouldn't exist, but it is like an oil spill in the ocean; it seems to permeate the world yet remain inextricable.
How can people be so evil to think they can sell other human beings to a life of torture, pain and hopelessness? Well, I think we all know the answer to that question.
But you know what? Justice is coming. God has heard the cries of the innocent, and He is coming, and He is here. He is already working, and He intends to use you and me.
The problem of sex trafficking has always broken my heart, but I never felt like I could do anything about it. I didn't feel strong enough to educate myself about what was really going on, and I didn't feel like I had any way to minister to rescued victims because I haven't experienced any pain remotely similar to theirs. Yet the Lord continues to burn their pain on my heart and give me visions of what I can do.
Short of signing up to work in the field to locate and raid brothels, here are five things that you and I can do to seek justice for victims of sex trafficking:
1) Quit viewing pornography. The pornography industry is a huge contributor to the demand for trafficked women and men... and children. And you may think, oh, I'm not watching that kind of stuff. But you are. It's all the same, and it all exploits people who need hope and abundant life. Just stop. Get help - counseling, accountability, Covenant Eyes, whatever you need. You're not the only person who has a problem, so don't let shame keep you from seeking freedom. And yes, women, you, too.
2) Purchase your clothes second-hand or from fair trade sources. Thousands of men and women are trafficked into near slave labor sewing the clothes we wear everyday. And I realize it's cheap and easy to buy clothes off the rack from a big brand store, but is cheap and easy most important? Take a little time to shop consignment or thrift stores. You'll save money and reduce the demand for cheap clothing. Trafficking is an intertwined system, so just because we're talking about who sews our clothes doesn't mean we're not addressing sexual slavery.
3) Get involved with an organization that fights human trafficking. Three great organizations to look into are Women at Risk (WAR), International Justice Mission (IJM) and A21. You can do everything from volunteer to donate to host a jewelry party that supports women who have been rescued from trafficking. Now that sounds like a home party I would want to attend!
4) Educate yourself. Know how this works. Be aware of the signs and who to call if you see suspicious activity. Sex trafficking isn't just out there. It's right next door. A couple of really good books are Open Your White Umbrella by Mary Frances Bowley and Sold by Patricia McCormick.
5) Pray. Why do I always put this last, when it is the most powerful thing? Yes, we should get involved hands on - God wants us to be His agents of justice - but prayer unleashes His power, and yeah, I don't think we can hold a matchstick to that. If you don't know where to start, try using one of these prayer resources.
Now you can't say you don't know what to do about it. So go do something!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Hello! I'm Faith. I'm a verbal processor who wants to love the Lord and love people with all my heart, soul, mind and strength. I write to think and think to write. I don't drink coffee. I am a dogless dog lover. I enjoy hosting large parties in my home, and I enjoy being alone. Join me in looking to Him and pursuing A Radiant Face.
Starting with prayer....
ReplyDeleteSuch great points, especially the reminder about where we buy our clothes, something seemingly simple but with a big impact.
ReplyDeleteIt is so very heartbreaking. Prayer is very important. Also becoming aware and involved in local communities is important too..
ReplyDeleteOH man, thank God that justice is coming, but this is such a heavy topic. :( Thank you for bringing it more into our awarenes!!
ReplyDeleteThank you for the tips to help. I know it is a big, troubling problem, but, like you, I wasn't sure there was anything I could do! Now I know!
ReplyDeleteEducate yourself -- I've been trying to do that. It's not a pleasant study. Totally heart-breaking and quite honestly, one that I can hardly wrap my head around.
ReplyDeleteugh yes. #1. So sad to read how much the porn industry has a presence. Yet it's not talked about nearly enough. Thanks for bringing this topic to light.
ReplyDeleteThis has been an issue since Biblical times. There certainly are ways we can end it. Human trafficking is an unbearable thing to know about and learn about -- most people don't want to ignore the issue because they don't care, but because it is -- there are no words to describe the terribleness of it all. May we look fear int he face and step up to love those who are in danger of being trafficked right in our back yards.
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