I am an avid soccer fan.  Of course I would be, I’ve played it my whole life.  The World Cup is almost here and I could not be more excited.  Unfortunately, with all the excitement and increased tourism in South Africa, human trafficking and sex slavery is also rising as thousands of women and children are being brought into South Africa during the tournament.  This is a blog from my old team mate, Elizabeth Adcock who is currently serving in Swaziland, a nation that is landlocked by South Africa and faces the impending rise in human trafficking.


 
 
“Beware of strangers.”

This is a common phrase taught to children.  When taught in America,
parents usually teach this phrase aware of what could happen. 
In Africa, parents teach this phrase aware of what is happening.
 

The 2010 FIFA World Cup will occur in South Africa between June 11 and
July 11.  This will be the first time the tournament has been hosted by
an African nation.  Because the government of South Africa recognizes
that prostitution will skyrocket during the World Cup, and the
government makes a profit off of prostitution, they have legalized
prostitution during the time it will take place.  

A higher demand for prostitution means increased human trafficking and
slavery.  Parents in Swaziland are being urged to keep a close eye on
their children, as some have already been taken and other attempts have
been foiled.  I can’t help but think of all the children I see wandering
the dirt roads – even babies – just wandering by themselves.  They are
utterly vulnerable and helpless, and if taken, some may not be missed
until days later.  

I hope this strikes a chord of righteous anger in you like it does in
me.  Pray for heavenly protection.  Pray for justice.  Ask God what you
can do to help.