Human Trafficking Awareness Day…
Have you ever seen the movie Taken? It’s a movie that gives you a little glimpse into how human trafficking works. A girl goes on vacation with a friend, they meet a good looking guy who lures them, they are kidnapped, drugged, raped, beaten, and sold into the slavery of the sex trade. Another movie that gives another glimpse into human trafficking is Memoirs of a Geisha, which shows two young girls sold because their parents are too poor to care for them. One is taken to be a prostitute in a brothel and the other is taken to be trained as a geisha, which is sometimes also another name for escort, companion or high class prostitute. Human Trafficking does not only include the sex trade, it also encompasses many other types of slavery. For example, Slumdog Millionaire gives a glimpse of how people will kidnap children or people with disabilities and maim them and make them beggars to make money off of them. Though I have mentioned movies that only show little pieces of how atrocious human trafficking is, there are many other documentaries and specials on human trafficking around the world. It is a very serious issue.
While working in Asia we saw up close and personal how the sex trade works. We saw the effect of this industry on the girls who worked in the bars in Thailand. We saw their hopelessness, defeat and depression. Though the girls we befriended in Thailand had the choice to leave the bars, most feel like they do not have any other option. Millions around the world are being trafficked against their will. Sometimes their shame and guilt is so great that they do not feel they can get out, or that they would not be worth anything in any other way of life.
Today is Human Trafficking Awareness Day. Please take the time to find out where human trafficking is taking place; it is probably closer to you than you know. Many U.S. cities have underground human trafficking rings, with the average citizen unaware. Awareness is the key to unlock the door of action! Pray for the millions of lives that are being ruined by this! Please pray and ask God if he is calling you to do more!
