This past weekend, myself along with 16 other individuals had the opportunity to go to Houston and serve those in the fight against Human Trafficking. Let me be the first to say, that this experience was both informative and emotionally difficult (at least for me). We worked alongside two other organizations: The Landing, and United against Human trafficking. During our orientation, we were given so much information, and many statistics, that my heart just broke for all who are involved.
Human trafficking can be defined as the exploitation of individuals through force, fraud, and or coercion, as a means for those selling or using the individuals to receive a payment in exchange for some sort of services, whether that be labor, or sexual services. Some of the statistics we were given goes as follows: In the United States, 85% of those being sex Trafficked are US Citizens, which throws out the belief that this occurs overseas and that it is mainly with foreigners. 67% of those who are being trafficked for Labor are foreigners. There were others statistics given to us, but to tell you all of that would be an entire blog post in and of itself. Part of our training which was educational, consisted of watching two different Documentaries. The first being Nefarious ( I would highly recommend watching this), and the other called A path appears. It was devastating watching all of what happens in this industry, and the way that one individual can exert power and harm to another individual who is already vulnerable.
We had the opportunity to go to different businesses, and hotels to pass out information on this subject and educate the owners and or managers. Part of why we did this is because, it is believed that trafficking will increase in the area we were at due to the Superbowl that is coming up soon. Myself and five others had the opportunity to walk the street where girls and sometimes guys are being trafficked sexually. This part was probably the most difficult for me, though I am glad I had the experience. Right in front of my eyes, were girls barely dressed walking to and from looking for “a good time”. Not only that, but, their Pimps, were in walking distance behind them, making it a little harder for us to talk with the girls. Another girl and I had the chance to go up to what appeared to be a normal couple, and talk with them, They guy basically told us he did not want to speak with us and would not let the girl talk at all. The girl on the other hand would look down and smile and twirl her hair, but never once speak, and we had to let them continue on our way. On the inside I was crying and was hurting for her.
“Why can’t they leave?” “Why are the cops not doing anything?” these were just some of the questions addressed during this experience. The answers are both shocking and heartbreaking. The girls do not leave, because they are either forced, or threatened with not just their lives, but their families lives as well. On top of that, these girls are told that there is nothing else out there for them, they are beaten and lied to. They girls also go through what is called Stockholm Syndrome which is were a victim, is bonded or has some attachment to their Trafficker, that they depend on them for survival, or other things.
Again, there were lots of information given and so much exposure, that I am still processing all of this. I can say, that God spoke so much to me this weekend about many different things. One, He spoke to me about love and mercy, especially with everything my eyes seen. He also spoke to me about sin, and that his commands are not there to chain us down, but to protect us from harm and keep us holy and blameless.As well as how patient and loving and ever present he is with us. He also showed me more about grace, in relation to those trafficking individuals, in the sense that they are just as broken, and need love shown to them as well. Throughout the whole weekend, I was just reminded of Situations and people that Jesus encountered such as the woman at the well, and the adulteress woman who was thrown to the ground before Jesus. I was also reminded of this passage of Scripture: “For, as I tell you again, even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their destiny is destruction, their god is in their shame.” Philippians 3:18-19. These women, men and children do not know of the hope and light that awaits them and calls them. They live in shame of what has happened to them and what they do. Even those trafficking others have that same shame and need love and truth as well. It is so important that as followers of Christ we focus not on ourselves, but others around us. It is important to share the gospel in all we do, and to let others see the hope that is extended to them. It is also important to let others know how much they are worth and that they are priceless.
There are things we can do, though we may not be called to serve in this way. The type of music we listen to, The movies and shows we watch, can impact in ways we cannot understand. Most of all, the way we love one another and sow others how much worth they have, is what we are commanded to do.
With that being said, you who read this, know that you are priceless, worth more than money and gold, and are sought out by the one who created you. Thank you for joining me in this journey and for allowing me to share my life with you.
