Modern slavery

Did you know that…

… More than 27 million people are currently enslaved globally? It's more than at any other time in history.
… According to UNICEF, a child is trafficked every 30 seconds.
… Human trafficking occurs in 161 of 192 countries, as reported by the United Nations. They also report that human trafficking is a $32 billion per year industry.
… The average age of entry into commercial sex slavery in the U.S. is 13 years old. (U.S. Dept. of Justice)


Maybe you already knew those facts. Maybe you've never heard them, so you're taking a moment to process that information. I've heard these facts and figures dozens of times in the last year, but I'm still not desensitized. Every time I see these numbers, with every story I hear or read from organizations working in the anti-trafficking movement, my heart breaks. A baby in India, chained to a box in a brothel so that she will grow up accustomed to lack of love, to be easier to manage as a prostitute. Children in Eastern Asia sold into slavery because their family could not afford them. Teenage girls in Oklahoma forced to work as truck stop prostitutes.

If ever we needed a reminder that we live in a fallen world, here it is. The world is full of broken people, the victims and the perpetrators alike. Corruption abounds, even within the organizations created to protect and rescue the victims. The thief is killing, stealing, destroying (John 10:10). But the thief isn't victorious.

Praise God that He is good. Praise God that He is rescuing, He is healing, and He is equipping His Church to respond. We are the hands and feet! Micah 6:8 is one of our favorite verses: He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.

Amidst all of the heartbreaking stories, I also hear stories of redemption and restoration. God is drawing people to Himself.

I'm thankful that this global injustice is becoming more and more discussed both in general society and in the church body, and even CNN now has The Freedom Project on their Web site.

We are thrilled that in just over two weeks, an organization we deeply respect, Exodus Cry, is coming to Norman to screen their critically acclaimed, award-winning documentary, Nefarious: Merchant of Souls. If you are in the Norman/OKC area, please consider coming to this free event. You can find more information at http://nefariousdocumentary.com. If you aren't in the area, their tour is happening across the country, so look to see if they are coming to a venue near you.

Human trafficking is a terrible thing. It is humanity at its worst. But, there is Hope in the One who creates, who sees, who loves, who rescues. He invites us to be part of what He is doing. Please take time to learn more about this issue and consider how you can be involved. Be part of a movement that changes lives!