Last week, I shared a couple of posts on apologetics and atheism, which may have given some readers the wrong impression. Let me be clear: I am not an apologist. I have the utmost respect for apologetics, but it is not the calling I’ve received.
And quite frankly, I think that we can easily be misled down the path of knowledge — the same temptation that Adam and Eve faced in the garden, falsely believing that knowledge was more important than life.
I see the value of intellectual proof for the existence of God, but at the same time, if we are not living as if we believe what we say we believe, then what’s the point of saying it at all?
Along those lines, I’d like to see us put our hands and feet where our mouths are. As you know, we talk a lot on this blog about justice issues. In my study of Scripture, I’ve been blown away by how many verses talk about God’s love for the fatherless and widow, how he cares deeply for the imprisoned and oppressed, and how expects us to do the same.
As an adopted son and father of two adopted children, I am, as you know, passionate about orphan care; with the writing of my new book Priceless, however, I’ve been compelled to advocate for the millions of victims of human trafficking around the world.
Friends, I’ll be blunt: I don’t think that it’s time for apologetics or theology or philosophical musings. I think it’s time to act.
I don’t want to try to guilt you with statistics or lofty figures that you can’t relate to. We’ve all heard those before. I want to share an opportunity for you to do more than merely advocate.
My friends at Adventures in Missions have put together a trip for young people to spend five months being exposed to the realities of human trafficking, while partnering with existing ministries around the world to be the hands and feet of Jesus to trafficking survivors. One of the months they’ll actually be spending here in the United States. Find out more here: http://www.theworldrace.org/?tab=routes&subtab=humantrafficking.
If you are 21-35 and a Jesus-follower, I want you to seriously consider going on this trip. It will give you an opportunity to be the Body of Christ and to put his red letters into action. I guarantee that it will turn your world upside down (in a good way).
And those of you who cannot go, please consider what you can do to be a part of this. Pray for the ministry, support someone who can go, mobilize a friend, help get the word out, etc. Advocacy is great, but God also calls us to act in response to the injustices and atrocities we witness.
I want to know how, if at all, this post touched you. Would you mind sharing in the comments section what you are led to do?
This post is motivating me further to share information about human trafficking with others. I have shared a couple of times on Facebook with my friends, and this is an issue I am passionate about. I am 50, a survivor of sexual abuse, have 2 teen-age daughters and an almost 2-year-old granddaughter. I think this is one of the most important issues on our planet along with the war in Congo where young boys are kidnapped and used in the front lines of combat and given no weapons but a whistle. ACTION IS REQUIRED!!! I have no idea what kind of action to take but I pray and encourage others to pray. I wish I could do more.
Mr. Davis, I feel very strongly about the topic of human sex trafficking that you share on this website and your blog. I’m only 16 years old, but I believe that anyone can make a difference if they press forward. I am currently working on making a human trafficking film with a friend who is a film producer and it should be out no later than this winter. I am also raising money for She Is Priceless and keep posting info on my blog to spread awareness.
Thank you so much for what you are doing. I hope someday I’ll be able to thank you in person. =)
I just finished reading Priceless and could cry instantaneously if prompted just a little. My heart is grieving for these girls and reading the post just furthered my desired to act. I am going to pull out the stops and send the letters, do posts on FB… anything I can do to help build awareness of sex-trafficking. I think of my Compassion child who is only 5 years old and I want to be sure to make a difference in her life to help prevent her from entering the world of prostitution when she gets older. I was told by someone from Compassion International that this is the way these girls often go because they feel that no one loves them, that they have no worth or value. So they turn to that lifestyle. I want to help my little girl have a chance – so for the rest of her childhood, I will be communicating with her with the precise goal of letting her know how much she means to me and ultimately to God. Thank you Tom Davis. Thank you so much.
Tom, I bought Priceless and love the way you bring this story to the public. I want to help. If you could allow volunteers at age 18, my daughter would join your 5-month trip. Thank you, and I love your call to practice what we preach. Fides est habeat opera — faith must be accompanied by action!
I WAS LISTENING TO YOU ON KKLA THE OTHER NIGHT WHEN I WAS GOING TO WORK, AND I WAS SADDENED BY WHAT I HEARD YOU SAY , I DID NOT REALIZE TRAFFIICKING ISAS BIG AS IT IS.I FEEL FOR ALL THESE YOUNG GIRLS. I WISH I COULD TAKE THEM ALL IN AND GET THEM OFF THE STREETS. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK.
Thank you for posting this challenge. I recently returned from Swaziland and feel compelled to move beyond where I am in my support of justice for all. I came home not merely changed because of what I experienced but utterly unable to go on with my life as it was before. The problems of this world seem overwhelming but if the church rises up we can break down walls. Thank you once again.
About 4 years ago the Not For Sale Campaign came to a church in my city and brought to my attention the gravity of the epidemic of human trafficking. I just finished Priceless today and the reminder of how real the situation is makes my heart break. I’m 18, currently in a discipleship training school and have absolutely no idea where I am called to yet. BUT what I’m seeing is the off center view we have developed of Christianity that is so focused on theology and ‘how paul uses the imperative’ that we’ve lost God’s intended purpose of missional living in a broken world. In response to your question, this post encourages and reminds me that truth as scourged from scripture is vital to understand God’s nature. But more important, is living out God’s nature. Main idea, thank you for being the man that you are and for your ministry. You are an inspiration. I’d love to stay in touch. Especially regarding avenues for me to aid in your ministry. God Bless you.
Please give us more info on the 5 month trip. How much will it cost, to where and when and what will we do.
Elisha
I use to go over to Russia with Children’s hope chest back In the day and now I am on fire from a film my husband and I watched….Nafarious, Merchant of souls. I suggest you watch it. About human trafficking! My husband and i want to take action please send us info.
Your sister and brother in Christ,
Elisha