Odds
are, you’ve heard the statistics by now. You’ve studied the Civil War and know
the true meaning of slavery. You’ve heard of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.,
Harriet Tubman, and Sojourner Truth, but have you heard of David Bathstone or Annie
Dieselberg? Do you know the true meaning of modern day slavery? Do you know
that men, women, and children are kidnapped and sold all around the world every
second of every day? Do you know that children are being sold for sex by their
very own families, or that your very own neighbors are the ones providing the
profit for these exchanges? If you are not familiar with the reality of sex
trafficking, or modern-day slavery, then stay tuned and I will be glad to fill
you in with my next few blogs.
As
I lay here in my bed in Thailand, smashed against 48 other bunk beds, it’s hard
to believe that this reality is so close and tangible. The priceless giggles of
joy and hope surround me and I am reminded that these beautiful little girls
still possess one thing that most can only remember as a dream: their
innocence.
This
month, our squad has embraced what we call “manistry” month, in which our 11 men
join together on a team and the remaining women separate into teams to fight
against sex trafficking. My new team and I have been assigned to work with a
ministry called “Remember Nhu”. Rather than stepping into the bars and fighting
on the intervention side, “Remember Nhu” is dedicated to reaching children
before they are ever affected and fight this war through the means of
prevention.
Through
a process of interviews, the organization brings in young children who are on
the verge of being sold into sex slavery. In order to protect the children,
they are unaware of the exact reason they are brought to the home, but they
understand the good opportunity it brings for a better education, good health,
and a place to receive food, protection, shelter, and love.
The
children are not forced into agreeing with the religious beliefs of the home,
but their agreement with the Christian faith happens almost instantaneously.
Being a very Buddhist country, it is a great challenge for the children to make
a decision to convert to Christianity, but they see the Lord moving and their
passion and hunger for Christ truly moves me! The pain and heartache of sex
trafficking is devastating, but the hope and joy that radiates from the
children at “Remember Nhu” is incomparable.
“A cheerful look brings joy to
the heart, and good news brings health to the bones!”
Proverbs
15:30
