If sex trafficking statistics overwhelm and numb you, you are certainly not alone. We are numb to much of the evil in our world. Numbness keeps the people of God in the pews singing songs and praying prayers. But more importantly it keeps us out of Satan’s business of stealing, killing, and destroying.
Psalm 10:9 reads:
“He lies in wait like a lion in cover; he lies in wait to catch the helpless; he catches the helpless and drags them off in his net.”
It’s our job to stand in between the roaring lion that seeks to devour children. As children of God, we get to “silence” the roar. But we can only do that if we have the courage to stand in between the lion and its prey. That’s dangerous stuff! But when the alternative is two million kids raped up to 40 times a day, it emboldens me to take risks.
As Christians we cannot choose neutrality. We cannot ride the fence. We cannot—we must not—do nothing in the face of evil.
Here 5 tangible ways that you can act on sex trafficking:
1. Provoke Response in Others
To cut through the numbness, you have to intentionally provoke a response. Post a conversation-starter on your Facebook status or Twitter feed that forces people to react to statistics—not just absorb and become numb to them.
What would you do if your 8-year-old daughter was raped today?
True or False…there are more slaves today than during the U.S. Civil War.
How much do you think a child sex slave would cost?
Re-read the statistics and develop your own provocative question or statement.
2. Educate Your Friends and Family Members
Use this sample letter to approach your friends and neighbors about the issue of sex trafficking. This letter can be used in any context to educate others about how ordinary people can join the fight for justice for children trapped in sex slavery. Other resources you can re-post and send include:
Also, take a moment to download one of “Help Wanted” sex trafficking badges to place on your Web site or blog. This badge links directly to SheIsPriceless.com.
3. Bring Sex Trafficking Into Your Community
“The Orphan Experience” is a mixed media, multi-sensory art exhibit that brings you face-to-face with the realities of sex trafficking. Sign up to request more information about how “The Orphan Experience” can bring sex trafficking to your community. Tom Davis, CEO of Children’s HopeChest and author of Priceless is available to speak to your church or group about this important topic. Schedule a time for Tom to bring this message to your community.
4. Build an Advocacy and Action Group
Use “Priceless” and the Priceless 5 Day Devotional to host a book club, Sunday school class or other small group gathering. Contact HopeChest for bulk discounts on orders of 10 or more copies of Priceless. The focus of your group should start with building awareness and move intentionally to action. Perhaps your group will:
- Pool resources to sponsor a survivor of the sex trade, click here.
- Plan a missions trip to Moldova, Russia, India, or Africa to work with children who are vulnerable to sex trafficking.
- Join iFast58 a movement of people who fast and pray for the world’s poor, hungry and oppressed as well as those who serve them. They suggest fasting one day each week. There is also a prayer conference call on Wednesdays at 11:30 mountain time. Call 760- 569- 9000 ID: 968101
5. Give a Gift to HopeChest to Prevent Sex Trafficking
For over 15 years, HopeChest has prevented girls in Russia from entering the sex trade by providing long-term relationships through our Ministry Center Program and also the Young Mothers Program. Right now, HopeChest is launching ministry to the survivors of sex trafficking in two aftercare homes in Moldova. Click the Donate button to find out more about these outreaches, and how you can support them with a gift.
