Human Trafficking

Have you ever seen the movie "Taken?" It's about a father who does everything he can to rescue his 17-year-old daughter who was kidnapped by men in the sex slave industry while she and her friend were visiting Paris. He basically has 3 days to find her before she's completely "lost" in the dark underground world. Did I mention he was a retired CIA black ops agent? Yeah, those slave traders don't know what's coming.

Did you know it doesn't just happen "over there?" Did you know that the United States is the #1 country of destination for trafficking victims? Did you know that kids that have run away from home and are living on the streets will be lured into prostitution within 48 hours of leaving home? Human trafficking doesn't have to look like it does in the movie: victims are often "hidden in plain sight." (The following is taken from the Make Way Partners website) "Some of these victims come to the USA with dreams of a new life but instead enter into a living nightmare. They are hidden right in front of us as we live our daily lives. They may be working in fields you pass. They may be hidden in vans driving down the highway. They may be the women dancing in strip clubs you think are there by choice. They may be children locked away in quiet neighborhoods near where you live waiting in dark basements for the next customer to knock at the door. In the USA trafficking rings have been discovered in trailer parks, massage parlors, suburban homes, farms, working in major employment companies, in mansions..."

Unlike in the movie, I'm pretty sure most victims of human trafficking don't have a father that can kick butt. That means they are most likely going to stay victims unless we do something about it. The last statement about children being locked away in a dark basement in a neighborhood near where we live really hits home with me. There was a story done in the Wichita Eagle this spring (they were also on Oprah) on twin sisters who lived in the southeast side of Wichita who were exploited by their older brothers and father since before they were in kindergarten. They were rescued by neighbors when they were 13. Guess what? The older brother attended Southeast High School...MY school...MY neighborhood...MY backyard. It's not just "over there." It's right here where we live. I want to do something about it. And, I found a way...

...get involved in your community! It's pretty simple, really. You don't have to go knocking down doors to nasty hotel rooms (you'd put yourself and the victim in danger this way anyway). Volunteer your time, money, or talent. Start with this website for ideas: http://ictsos.org. I attended a conference this weekend on human trafficking and there was a great point that was brought up. Much of the "catching" and "saving" are in the hands of law enforcement. A nobody housewife like me is not in that position. So, how can I help these victims? Well, many of these human trafficking victims are "at-risk" youth. Wait a minute...at risk youth? I am in a place to get involved with at-risk youth. I can be a part of preventing children from ever getting lured into this underground world in the first place! How? What about becoming a mentor? Youth Horizons is a great organization in need of Christian mentors for children on their waiting list. I can do that! I've always wanted to, but never thought I had time. But now, I have plenty of time! This is something I can do! I may not be calling the cops on neighbors next door (pray that I don't ever have to!), but I can be investing in the life of a youth at risk and hopefully be a part of preventing human trafficking in our own backyard.