Can you believe it’s the 27th of the month already? That means I’m remembering the 27 million slaves in the world today, and it’s time for the next installment of my series on human trafficking.
If you’re new to the blog, I encourage you to scroll to the bottom of this post and take a look at the links to my past posts on the issue of human trafficking.
We’ve talked about the trafficking problem around the world, including the recent kidnapping of hundreds of Nigerian girls.
But what about around the corner? Is there local human trafficking right here in America? Surely not in the land of the free?
Let’s start with a few hard facts:
Did you know that the average entry age into prostitution in America is 13 to 14 years old?
Did you know that at least 15,000 people are trafficked into the U.S. each year?
Did you know that there are currently 60,000 slaves right here in the United States?
Did you know that tens of thousands of women and girls are trafficked into cities for major sporting events such as the Super Bowl?
Yes, human trafficking is an international problem. But it’s also a local problem. Which brings our responsibility that much closer to home.
Will you pray for those enslaved in your city? In your state? Will you pray for your politicians to pass legislation that will help bring an end to trafficking? Will you pray for law enforcement to be successful in their efforts to eliminate trafficking? Pray for those enslaved — that they will be rescued, and that they might come to know God through Jesus Christ. Pray for the perpetrators — for an end to their evil tyranny, and for the salvation of their souls.
Prayer is where this battle will be won. But when I read in my Bible that “faith without works is dead” (James 2:14-26), I think that means at some point I need to get off my knees and get to work.
Will you get involved with a local agency (such as this one) that is fighting trafficking and ministering to victims? Perhaps you’ll run in their 5k race, or maybe you’ll arrange to have a human trafficking informational meeting in your neighborhood or in your local church. Even initiating a conversation with someone you know about human trafficking can be a powerful way to spread awareness, leading others to learn…love…and lift in prayer the 27 million.
If there’s not a local agency fighting human trafficking where you are, perhaps you would prayerfully consider starting one! Or launching a ministry through your local church. One thing I’m learning about our God is that He delights in giving us tasks we never dreamed we would undertake. Maybe this is one of His dreams for you.
You might also consider ministering as a foster parent to a teenage girl or two. Young people without the support system and accountability of a strong family are at higher risk for being trafficked.
Finally, will you be alert to possible victims? For example, young girls don’t typically belong at truck stops; if you notice something unusual like this, don’t be afraid to alert authorities.
It’s heart-breaking that we live in a fallen world where God-made people treat other God-made people so heinously. But you and I and all Christ-followers can make a difference. We must do what we can, where we can, for whomever we can, as the Lord leads. Will you join me?
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For more information on human trafficking in the United States, check out Shared Hope.org and PolarisProject.org.
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Other posts on human trafficking:
Learn…Love…Lift in Prayer the 27 Million – A passionate introduction, where I present an overview of the human trafficking issue.
Learn…Love…Lift in Prayer II – A thorough focus on prayer for the 27 million slaves in the world, offering specific requests to guide your praying and links to other resources on prayer for human trafficking.
Learn…Love…Lift in Prayer III – An informative post presenting information about the ministry of Women at Risk International, and challenging you to get involved in a simple, painless way.
Learn…Love…Lift in Prayer: Kidnapped Nigerian Girls – An eye-opening post spotlighting the girls kidnapped in Nigeria, making their experience more personal and offering opportunities for prayer.
Written by Jennifer Clarke
