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A few days ago, I felt such a heavy burden on my heart for the men and women who live in war-torn countries such as Uganda and Israel. My heart cried out for the parents in China who were forced to limit their families, choosing between one child or the other. I’m so very fortunate to live in the United States where it might not be perfect, but at least I have freedom. This Thanksgiving, it’s one of the things for which I’m so very thankful. However, war and corruption aren’t the only factors limiting the rights of innocent individuals. In many parts of the world, families suffer because of the impact of human trafficking. This November, let’s work together with Family Christian to bring awareness to the cause and fight this monstrous action!
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I’ve heard of human trafficking before but never realized how rampant it is all around the world. According to recent statistics, an estimated 27 million are enslaved. Approximately 50% of those individuals are children. As a mother and a teacher, any statistic like this about a child is staggering to my heart. To bring it all down to brass tacks, a child is sold somewhere every 26 seconds. Consider that amount of time relative to how long it takes you to browse your email or send a text message. It’s awful to realize that slavery still exists, even in this world that we consider to be so progressive. Many of these human trafficking rings are involved in the sex trade. How it must pain God to know that His beloved children are hurting in such a way. It’s disturbing to note that human trafficking takes place all around the world. I’ve read that it’s also present in the area where we live, which is why I keep such a vigilant eye on my children wherever we are. Together, we can fight human trafficking and stand up for what’s right.
In the book Stolen by Dr. Katartina Rosenblatt, you can read about the true story of this sex trafficking survivor. Her experiences are described in a non-graphic way, but with enough detail that it turned my stomach. Rosenblatt helps to debunk some of the myths that surround the human trafficking issue. For example, she explained that victims aren’t always stolen at random. They’re often studied and marked in advance, groomed for the proper moment at which they are most vulnerable. In her own situation, Rosenblatt had multiple incidents of trafficking at varying degrees. The damage that she sustained went on to affect her marriage and future. Although she became the exception to the rule, she realistically sets forth her determination to stop prevent this devastating epidemic from spreading. No human should be owned or be forced to serve another. Although Rosenblatt didn’t blame her mother for what happened, I feel strongly that a child’s protection must start within the family. Only then can we start to heal broken relationships and dysfunctional families. Although organizations can help, we should also hold parents accountable when neglect is present. The book really helped me to start conversations with my children. Now that I’m aware of what a “scout” might look for, I can prepare my children and help them to protect themselves from becoming victims.
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How can you help? First of all, you can pray. Pray for the rescue and safety of those who are affected by human trafficking. Pray for the efforts of those who are actively involved in such a rescue mission. While you might not be able to physically assist in the rescue, your dollars can go a long way. By making a purchase at Family Christian from November 22-30, 2014, you can make an impact with your money!! Consider buying your Christmas gifts during this time in order to make a difference. Every time you look at that Willow Tree figurine or box of Christmas cards, you’ll know that you did something greater with those dollars.Purchase your materials for Sunday School or your church Christmas program. Family Christian also has home decor that will brighten your space in the coming days. This endeavor reaches beyond the confines of the Christian faith — if you’re not a believer, you can still help! Family Christian offers lots of non-spiritual items such as craft goods and winter-themed items like this Gingerbread soap. No matter what your beliefs or opinions, let’s all agree on this one fact. Human trafficking must be fought on behalf of humanity, especially for the children. Always, for the children!
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It’s very important to talk about Human Trafficking. It’s upsetting and its disturbing and too many just brush it under the rug. It’s real and it’s horrifying and we have to do something about it!
What an important cause. Thank you for helping to get the word out about it!
I think this is one of those things that more people need to talk about.
This is such an important cause… We must fight together to stop this!