Most of us are safe and we like to stay that way within the confines of what’s familiar, controllable, and easy. When the issue of sex trafficking was exposed, it became a “hot topic” for discussion, but most, now informed believers, stopped at the information stage. When I first faced the issue head-on, I was paralyzed to move into making tangible strides against this travesty. But as Solomon reminds us in Proverbs, once we become aware of a need, we can’t turn our back. So, many of us ask, “What in the world can I do?” Actually, there are so many ways we can impact the issue of trafficking.
But as Solomon reminds us in Proverbs, once we become aware of a need, we can’t turn our back.
Awareness and advocacy can change the trajectory of this issue. Take time to become educated on the reality of the issue and what is happening around us. Take time to review community/state response to trafficking. Shared Hope International has evaluated each state. Access this report here: https://sharedhope.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/JuST-Response-Mapping-Report-Final-web.pdf This report outlines what each state should in the fight against domestic minor sex trafficking. Steps and talking points are given. If we band together, state-by-state, we will create a safer culture for our children.
Reducing the number of people who buy and sell children is vital to end trafficking. If our communities become intolerant of anyone who would purchase sex from a minor, demand could be reduced. Domestically, we can learn much by visiting the National Institute of Justice: https://www.nij.gov/topics/crime/human-trafficking/pages/reducing-demand.aspx
Those who have survived trafficking need comprehensive support toward recovery. The first step in moving into caring for survivors is to believe God is able to heal even the most broken and recognize the resiliency and sharpness of survivors. These two principle beliefs will guide your passion to make a difference. Research organizations serving survivors in the community. Reach out and offer to teach life skills or become a mentor or a support to the victim’s family. The chains of slavery are broken through prayer. Pray for those who have survived and pray for those who serve them. Scriptures that address justice and freedom are an excellent source for prayer.
The first step in moving into caring for survivors is to believe God is able to heal even the most broken and recognize the resiliency and sharpness of survivors.
The recovery process is long and arduous and takes extensive resources. Support those who assist survivors all along the continuum of care. As God leads, invest in those who create paths of recovery for children.
As much as we seek to serve those who have survived trafficking, we need to prevent trafficking from ever occurring. One of the greatest actions we can take is to believe in the potential of every child and speak TRUTH into the lives of children around us. One of the most effective tricks the trafficker uses to ensnare a child is to tell him/her something positive that the child hasn’t heard from a caring adult. What if we hosted a party celebrating and affirming children in our community? Every adult is asked to bring a child or children in their family or one they mentor. If we take the time to create a special way each child is celebrated, we can be used by God to prevent vulnerabilities in children.
One of the greatest actions we can take is to believe in the potential of every child and speak TRUTH into the lives of children around us.
Sometimes we aren’t even aware of the daily pain people may be experiencing one street over. Whether it means becoming a mentor through an existing organization, fostering a child or creating a community of support for a child or family, the act of caring will impress the recipient of his/her worth and has the potential to change that life.
The thought of changing the world for someone can be daunting. We have our commitments—family, work, practice and so much more. We shouldn’t feel as if the weight of the whole world rests only on our shoulders. There is so much power in the commitment of one. Our simple, single act combined with hundreds of other simple acts can create true change for a community, gaining momentum to create a movement to safeguard every child.
Published November 25, 2015
