Bob and I attended a conference Saturday morning in New Orleans that was designed to raise awareness of the human trafficking problems in the United States. My daughter is involved in this ministry in New Orleans, so I thought I understood the problems of human trafficking through our conversations. Not so! I learned alot in the conference.
- I learned that women and children (and to a smaller number young boys and men) are being pulled into slavery to drug sellers and sex pushers through intimidation and threats. Some are even sold into slavery by a parent who needs the money or by being orphaned.
- I learned that human trafficking is real and flourishing in the United States, even though it's seldom given any press.
- I learned that in almost every case, those who are in the sex industry especially should be seen as victims instead of labeled with names like prostitutes.
- I learned that most every city in the U.S. has problems with human trafficking.
- I learned that Christians, sometimes through their churches and sometimes by themselves, are making a difference by educating children, building self-esteem to offset the promises of those who would lie to them, and building relationships with those in the industries to help them know about God's grace.
The movie Amazing Grace tells the story of William Wilberforce, a conservative, evangelical Christian, who used his position in parliament to help bring about the abolition of slavery in 18th century England. I can't help but wonder if this is a time for Christians to step up in numbers to help abolish this form of slavery as well.
Please, tell me what you think. How should we as Christians respond to this treatment of those who can't respond themselves? What's being done in your community to eradicate this form of slavery? Is your church involved? Should the church be involved?
I walked away from that conference with so many questions . . . I would love to hear your thoughts!!
Margie Williamson
Community Manager
Comments
January is National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month. Today, January 11th, is National Human Trafficking Awareness Day. We need to collectively take our stand against this horrible injustice. The Bible says in Ephesians 6:12, "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places." THAT is what we need to do. We are not fighting against people, but against the powers of this dark world. Thank you soo much for your participation in ending this tragedy.
John, I looked at your blog-site; it is great! May God bless you as you continue to work with the youth of our world.
Linda, I looked at the websites you posted; they are great! May God bless you as you continue to work to end sex slavery in Georgia.
Thank you all for your prayers and encouragement!
My slavery video went well. After we watched it, we went into small groups to talk about why we haven't been doing anything about slavery and what we can do now that we know about it. People also took the fliers that we made.
Thanks again!
Thanks again for praying! I will keep you updated.
Thanks for the information, Larissa. I'll be praying specifically for those who will see your presentation. Please keep us updated about the response your presentation gets.
Margie
Larissa, thanks so much for sharing. My daughter is 24, not much older than you, and I've seen God anoint her with a strength to speak before others that she's never had before because she hurts so badly for this. I'll be praying for you as well this weekend as you make your presentation. What exact time will you be presenting? Send the time and the time zone so we can pray specifically for you during that time!!
Margie
Thanks so much for praying for the presentation, Bonnie.
Years ago, when I first learned about this issue, I asked God to break my heart with what breaks His...and He has. Although, He has also brought me incredible hope through the tears.
Oh, Larissa...it brings my heart such joy when I read about our youth who are stepping up, bringing awareness to this issue. You bring a fearlessness, too and I love seeing that. I will most definitely be praying for your presentation and God will bless it. Justice is incredibly important to Him. I've read His Words enough to know that without a doubt.
And John - we often call our youth here the "Justice Generation." From elementary to high school to college, it is amazing to watch them go. Their energy is boundless, their ideas unstoppable. I'd love to hear more about your ministry and what God will do with it.
I'm 14, and I just joined Discipleship Network because my heart is burdened to free those in slavery. I made a video presentation about modern-day slavery, and it will be shown, for the first time, to the youth at my church this weekend. Please pray that the Lord will open their hearts and minds to their part in abolishing, one and for all, this terrible injustice.
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