I looked at my calendar last night and realized that it was past the 21st and it was time for my monthly post on human trafficking. However, I do believe the timing was perfect and my tardiness in posting was for a good reason (and not just my own carelessness!). As I logged into my e-mail last night, I had a pleasant email from one of the women I look up to tremendously in ministry, Lysa Terkurst. Lysa, along with the A21 Campaign are launching 31 Days of Prayerfor the victims of human trafficking.
Man oh man, does the Lord ever hear and answer our prayers. If you read the newest post on Lysa's blog, you'll see a HUGE praise report...35 freed from forced labor in the Ukraine! Go God! Go God!
Read Lysa's blog and print off the 31 Days of Prayerhere.
Will you join me in the 31 Days of Prayer for these precious victims?
The question asked at the end of this video by the End It Movement gave me chills the first time I watched it. The second time I watched it, it made me angry and deeply sad. Do we have to see something to believe it's happening?
Sadly, in today's world that is very much the case. Many times we don't see human trafficking as a problem because we don't see it in front of our faces. But it's happening. It's happening all over the world, and it's happening right in front of you and in YOUR CITY.
Take a look at this powerful video by the End It movement; documenting an experiment that raised awareness for this issue in Atlanta, GA.
WARNING: Some images may be disturbing.
So are you going to have to see it to end it?
For more information about the End It Movement and human trafficking, please visit http://enditmovement.com/
It's the 21st of the month, which means it's time to reflect on the issue of human trafficking and what we can do about it. Want to help but not sure where to start?
The A21 Campaign has compiled this great list of ways to get involved.
Here's how you can help:
1. WRITE A LETTER
Grab your stationery and pull out a pen! The simple act of writing to a survivor in one of our homes is an incredible encouragement to survivors along their journey. But don’t be surprised if it has a great impact on you too. Click here to find out more information.
2. MULTIPLY YOUR PENNIES
Everyday changes can make huge impacts in bringing an end to slavery. By simply altering daily choices and saving money, you can become a partner with us as we bring an end to slavery. Instead of ordering a large coffee, opt for a smaller size and save those pennies! A few small changes can help bring lasting change for a survivor!
3. GET SOCIAL
That’s right, we want to be social with social media. Whether through Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram, you can find ways to connect with us for updated information, as well as quickly share information with your friends and family. It’s the easiest way to spread the word, as well as to stay connected to freedom fighters all over the globe.
4. GET SMART
Take some time to learn the facts about what’s happening in the world of modern slavery. When you have knowledge about the subject, you’re more likely to share with those around you. An easy way to stay informed is to visit our blog.
5. INTERN OR VOLUNTEER
Around the globe we have teams of people working hard in the fight against injustice. Click here to find out how you can join the team and use your time to make a difference.
6. BE A BILLBOARD
Not only can fashion express who you are, but it can also represent what you stand for! In our online store, you will find fashionable attire and accessories to start conversations about human trafficking.
7. SEND STUFF
Round up some friends and purchase gifts to help survivors. If you live within the European Union, you can send small packages to the mailing address of one of our shelters here. Live outside of the EU? No problem! You can do everything from furnishing shelters to sending hygiene products across the globe... and all with a piece of plastic. Send gift cards for Target, Wal-Mart, or Ikea to our California office, and we will take care of sending your love to the survivors in our care.
8. PRAY
Human trafficking is nothing short of evil, but don’t underestimate the power of prayer. If you would like to obtain a prayer guide, visit our downloads for print.
9. REQUEST A SPEAKER
Have you ever felt like you didn’t have the expertise to educate on such a heavy subject? Bring in someone from The A21 Campaign to speak at your freedom event. This is one of the best ways to catch the vision of The A21 Campaign and find out more information on how YOU can get involved.
10. READ ALL ABOUT IT
Learn about what’s happening across the globe and in your own backyard here. The A21 Campaign monthly updates also provide innovative ways to make a difference each month.
Write a blog about why we should fight against human trafficking; paint a picture and display it publicly; use a sports event to raise awareness and funds; write a song or talk about human trafficking at a concert; create a short film and post it on YouTube.
12. REMEMBER THE 21ST
Join us on the 21st of every month as we set aside a day to remember people who are currently in slavery. Whether it's giving up a cup of coffee or an entire meal, it serves as a reminder to take action and stand for justice around the world.
13. WRITE FOR THEIR RIGHTS
We believe everyone has a voice to be heard. By lobbying your local politician, you can advocate for those without a voice. For more information on how to inform your elected officials, check out Polaris Project.
14. PARTY WITH A PURPOSE
Host an event for the sake of freedom. From mixers to birthday parties, your gathering can show your heart for social justice. Take the opportunity to raise funds and awareness for The A21 Campaign. And don’t forget, the best time to host an event is for Key To Free, an annual mobilization initiative coordinated by A21.
15. INCORPORATE THE CORPORATE
Many companies are now partnering with nonprofit organizations for seasonal moments of giving back. If you work in the corporate world (or know someone who does), ask if A21 could be considered as one of the contenders for a partnership program, matching funds, or a sponsored charity.
16. MAKE VIDEOS VIRAL
What if you had just as much enthusiasm for justice as you did for those funny cat videos on YouTube? Plaster your online presence with videos to grab people’s attention.
17. LINK LOCALLY
Find out who’s in your area and link up with them! That’s right, there are other people in your area who share your passion in abolishing slavery. Whether it’s a local task force, or a student group that is hosting an event, join them and stand together in the fight for freedom!
18. WALK IN HER SHOES
It’s been said that you don’t know someone until you walk a mile in their shoes. Maybe you can walk a mile in high heels to raise awareness. We’ve had advocates row across an ocean, climb mountains, cycle across the country, and simply organize a run for awareness. Your initiatives can make a difference through raising funds and knowledge! Read some of the amazing stories here.
19. JOIN AN A-TEAM
Whether you are a student, entrepreneur, or stay-at-home mom, we believe you can make a difference! Join our A-Teams as an abolitionist or advocate to raise awareness. Signing up with an A-Team will give you the resources you need to make a difference with your peers and friends.
20. DEMAND NO DEMAND
Human trafficking leaves a footprint. The shoes you buy, the chocolate you eat, or even the parts that make up your smart phone might very well have been made by a modern-day slave. But if we don’t buy the products, there will be no demand. Take this test and see how many slaves work for you: http://slaveryfootprint.org.
21. SUPPLY THE SOLUTION
The truth is that every single one of us is wired to be able to bring a truly unique solution to a very real problem occurring today. This list of 21 things does not end here. In fact, it does not end at all. The reality is that if you want to make a difference in the fight against human trafficking, you can. If there is still breath in your lungs and a beat in your heart, you have the opportunity to add to this list!
What on this list stands out to you as something YOU can do?
Think back to when you were 12 years old.What were you like?What kinds of things did you enjoy doing?Did you go to the movies?Stay over at a friend’s house?Did you battle with acne and trying to impress your peers?
This was me during my early teen years.
Credit: Amanda Martinsen
For the majority of us, this was what being 12 looked like.For others 12 looks something like this:
Locked in a cold, dark room with very little to eat.Forced to be sexually involved with men.Under someone’s control 24/7.
Not what you think of when you think of 12 right?
The average age for human trafficking victims is 12 years old.
(A21 Campaign)
Here are some other shocking statistics from the A21 Campaign:
There are more slaves in the world today than at any other point in human history;
an estimated 27 million.
Only 1-2% of victims get rescued.
Only 1 in 100,000 European traffickers get convicted of their crime.
Human trafficking is everywhere, and yes that includes the U.S.
This is an issue that is extremely close to my heart.So in an effort to raise awareness on human trafficking, I will take the 21st of each month as an opportunity to share resources, facts, and stories by partnering with the A21 Campaign.
Credit: A21 Campaign
You can get involved to. Be a prayer partner, host an event, post on your blog. There are numerous ways to raise awareness on this terrible issue. Do whatever you feel God is leading you to do.
Please join me on the 21st of every month as we bring this issue to the forefront.
I follow a lot of blogs. Many of them offer daily devotionals and inspiration, but one of my favorites (and I'm not just saying that because she may read this!) is Sarah Martin's Live it Out! blog. You can find it here: http://liveitoutblog.com/
When the new year rolled around, Sarah came up with this inspirational movement called RISE UP! We are to work to make Jesus famous and rise up in defeating the enemy. To add to this, I thought I would post my own Rise Up! challenge. And you should definitely check out Sarah's blog...she's pretty awesome :)
Meet Ashley, age 12.
She ran away from home when she was 11.
She had nowhere to turn to.
She thought no one cared about her.
And she had a secret.
Meet Michelle, age 16.
She had a troubled childhood filled with unthinkable pain.
Her father and mother were involved in drugs.
She ran away from home to escape the pain.
She too has a secret.
Their secret?
These are all true stories of young women that have been victims of human trafficking.
What is Human Trafficking?
The entrapment, recruitment, harboring, transporting, provision, or obtaining of a woman, man, or child to sell that person into labor and/or the commercial sex industry. Traffickers use force, fraud, or coercion.
Since January, my Acteens group has been working on a Human Trafficking Awareness project to raise awareness on this issue. Here’s some startling facts we found about human trafficking:
Ÿ1.2 million children have been sold into sex slavery.
Ÿ161-the number of countries where human trafficking takes place, which includes the U.S.
Ÿ80% of victims that are trafficked are female.
ŸHuman trafficking is a $32 billion dollar industry.
Ÿ70% of all child/teen victims have suicidal tendencies.
It is said that 1/3 of all child runaways will be approached by a human trafficker within 48 hours of running away.
With human trafficking at the forefront, there are more than 30 million slaves in the world today. That’s more slaves than at any point in human history.
Photo Credit: Today's Teen Online
Please, join our Ephesus Baptist Acteens in raising awareness on this issue. We can make a difference. God has called each one of us for a special purpose in life, and these young women, children, and men are no different. They NEED a voice because they do not have one. They NEED support because they do not get it anywhere else, and they NEED to know that God’s love is present for them and that God’s people love and care for them.
Join me in the fight. For more information, click on my page for human trafficking awareness. This will send you to Abolition International, a foundation started by Natalie Grant. There, you can read person stories and find out how YOU can be the change you want to see in this world.
Dear Heavenly Father, I come to you today feeling defeated by this horrific issue that exists in this world. I pray for each person out there today Lord that may be a victim of human trafficking and those that have been fortunate enough to escape that life. Help us to be leaders and not followers. Help us to stand up for your kingdom and be examples of your love and mercy in this world. Please continue to give us knowledge on this issue so that we may be disciples for you and fight against ending human trafficking. In Jesus name, Amen.
And just because it’s Thursday and this song has been in my head non-stop for the last few weeks, enjoy:
