Adventures WorldRace SethBarnes Sponsorship Giving

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If you and I have had a serious conversation recently, it’s likely that the issue of human trafficking came up. It’s a big part of the burden that God has placed on me, and why I’m doing the World Race.

Earlier today, I was about to do a very sentimental post about some friends who have helped me immensely to prepare for this journey… and that post will probably come at some point. But first, there’s something I want you to know about.
Today, eight spas were shut down after being investigated by local police. These spas were shut down because they were promoting and practicing prostitution. Seven girls were arrested: young Chinese refugees. That’s a huge red flag. Read the signs! This was not simple prostitution, it was human trafficking. I would bet my remaining possessions that these girls were, in some manner, forced into this situation.
In my recent research, I’ve sadly come across scores of similar news reports. But I’m telling you about this specific instance because it didn’t happen in a Thailand bar district. It didn’t happen in an impoverished Russian city. It wasn’t in any sort of slum at all.
IT WAS IN MY BACKYARD. 
In Wichita, Kansas.

Here is the news report from KAKE 10. A more detailed story is here, from MSNBC. The map below shows my parents’ house (A) and the location of the first spa on the news report’s list (B).



I can literally see the roof of the building from my bedroom window. Just behind the nail salon where they know my mom by her first name, young refugees were being trafficked.

This is not an issue for developing nations. This is everywhere. It was only stopped here because someone in my neighborhood noticed suspicious activity.

Further thoughts after reading the public response on the site’s comment section: the very first public comment said that s/he “hoped these girls were sent back wherever they came from” for apparently breaking up local families. That very attitude demonstrates the widespread ignorance about human trafficking. Even more shameful were the ones that said things like, “KAKE, why do you tell us about these places after they close?” Men of Wichita… how can you joke about something like this?! That is where ignorance become dangerous, when it feeds the system of evil that has enslaved these girls.

Besides the prayers, love, and financial support you’ve already given to me, this is the biggest way you can partner with me during the World Race, and after. BE INFORMED ABOUT HUMAN TRAFFICKING. Do research, know what to look for. And don’t assume that it can’t happen a quarter-mile from your suburban home. 

-Katie