In neighboring Thailand the sex industry is completely out of hand, it’s one of the most popular destinations for sex tourism. Many of the women are young, age 14 and up, and the men who visit these bars, brothels, and strip clubs are mostly westerners. However, here in Cambodia the industry is thriving as well, but in a very different way. A few days ago I was completely blind to what is going on here. Now, thanks to two amazing women of God, I have been enlightened and informed about the horrors that go on below the surface in Cambodia. A grave problem faces this country and especially the city of Phnom Penh… here the main attraction is children.
Because of it’s recent tragic history, Cambodia is still trying to get back on it’s feet, but it is proving to be a struggle. There are still many families who are waist deep in poverty, living in slums, rummaging through garbage to find food and items to recycle. Times are desperate and they see little option for a better life. Some have taken it upon themselves to get money anyway they can, this means selling their children into prostitution.
Mothers and fathers have begun viewing their children as merely an asset to sell. Their mindset has become “I’ll sell this one and then have another”. Some sell their little girls for a set price and some go to the brothels monthly to pick up the money their child has earned them. Can 
you imagine selling your six year old to a brothel?? One of the saddest parts in all this is that the children feel obligated to help their families. They feel that it is their duty to help support their families and even though the line of work they are sold into is absolutely horrible, they feel it is their only way of contributing.
The problem is growing at an alarming pace, but the word is getting out there and people are realizing that the situation here is out of hand. There are a variety of organizations that help safely remove children from brothels, however, there are only a few aftercare organizations. If a child doesn’t end up being taken care of after they are rescued chances are they will simply be sold again to someone else.
The situation is overwhelming. After hearing stories and reading up on the issue at a global level I honestly don’t know how we can stop the sex industry from continuing to grow and flourish. However, I do know that I can pray and that there is power in prayer. So please join me in praying for the children of Cambodia that are being sold daily and for the hundreds of thousands of other women and children who are forced into the sex industry across the globe.
– I recently read The Natashas by Victor Malarek, I would strongly recommend reading it and informing yourself about the issue in Eastern Europe. Also, the movie Human Trafficking paints a very vivid picture of what is going on around the world.
