For those who may not yet know, I am embarking on a new adventure with the World Race in 2011: The World Race Human Trafficking edition! From January to May, I’ll be traveling to India, Thailand, Cambodia, and then back the United States (yes, you heard that right – it happens here!). I will be working alongside local partners in villages and bars to share about the dangers and reality of this issue with those who are at-risk, and will share love and healing with those who have come directly out of the sex industry.
Just a few facts and statistics to digest:
- Modern day slavery can happen not only abroad but also in the US: just 3 months ago a man in Maryland was arrested for trafficking a 12 year old he had kidnapped and this past month in Sanford, NC a woman was charged with the trafficking and prostitution of her 5-year-old daughter! This can happen to anyone, anywhere!
- Right now the current slave trade involves more people than the African slave trade did…
- Over 27 million people in the world are slaves and 80% are women and children…
- Human trafficking and slave-holding is one of the fastest growing criminal industries – over 30 billion dollars per year…
- 1 million children are forced into prostitution each year, victims can be as young as 6 months old…
- Over 800,000 people are trafficked a year…
- Many victims are sold by someone they know…
- The average virgin sold into sex trafficking can fetch upwards of $750 for a night, and the next week or even the next day begin to be sold for as little as $2.50 per session sometimes up to 12 times per day
God has a divine purpose and plan for these individuals and we get to be a message of truth and hope to them. Please pray for them, and pray for me as I prepare to go out into the world!
