“Those who deny freedom to others, deserve it not for themselves; and, under a just God, can not long retain it” (Abraham Lincoln in an 1859 letter to H.L. Pierce and others).
When Americans think of the fight to end slavery, they may recall President Lincoln and his passionate determination to stop the buying, selling, and mistreatment of African American people. Similarly, those same individuals may also remember how Lincoln’s pursuit of this cause resulted in his famed 1863 Emancipation Proclamation. The country-shaking document stated “that all persons held as slaves” within states that allowed the evil practice “are, and henceforward shall be free.”
Yet, in 2024 – 161 years later – slavery of a different kind is still occurring.
Human trafficking is the fastest-growing crime in the world and holds an estimated 27.6 million people enslaved. According to the Department of Homeland Security, this type of profitable, modern-day slavery “involves the use of force, fraud, or coercion to obtain some type of labor or commercial sex act.” The crime’s global revenue is an estimated $150 billion in illicit profit.
And it doesn’t discriminate.
Sex trafficking affects every race, faith, class, continent, state, and town. But in America, the thought of an infant, child, or teen being sold for disturbing sex acts is something few churches speak out about. Rather than addressing the American crisis, some believe it only happens overseas or in red-light districts.
Most churchgoers prefer not to be confronted with ugly worldly realities in the Sunday morning sermon. As they sit in their cozy pews and watch the preacher walk to the pulpit, they never consider the dark reality of what is happening globally, as they had never been taught it is happening.
They aren’t aware of the child “working” her way to her next customer after being assaulted mere minutes prior. They don’t know that dealers can sell drugs only once; little girls, on the other hand, are sold to be raped multiple times a day.
Likewise, I’m sure these same individuals couldn’t imagine needing to pray for the elementary student in their town who was thankful for the reprieve of the new semester. At least there, he knew that he would have the security of school halls to protect him from being sold and abused by a family member over the holidays.
And I’d be surprised if they thought about the young teenage girl who is currently believing the lies of seedy pimps and groomers who likely contacted her through fake social media accounts. She is mere moments from walking away from the world she’s always known and into that of darkness – and she doesn’t even know it.
However, when it comes down to it, I can’t blame them. After all, who really wants to believe the evil of a mother selling her own infant for the use of sex?
But it’s real and happening – right now.
This grave sin is ravaging its way through the lives of innocent children, women, and men. And its disease has infected all parts of the world.
But what would happen if the church took a stand?
What will happen if it doesn’t?
Since 2010, January has been declared as National Human Trafficking Prevention Month. And, while I hope and pray that these are more than mere words from elected officials, I realize there is only so much that those who govern can (and will) do to address the issue.
The balance and hope for the lost souls of millions rests on believers everywhere. Proverbs 31:8-9 says,
Open your mouth for the mute, for the rights of all who are destitute. Open your mouth, judge righteously, defend the rights of the poor and needy.
These victims are voiceless, hopeless, and in need of a way out. It’s time for Christians to pray for victims, get involved, and bring awareness to the issue of sex trafficking.
Our friends at Eight Days of Hope have a helpful handout titled “Human Trafficking Statistics and Online Safety.” This short document is an excellent resource for youth pastors and parents to understand the importance of online safety and the warning signs of sex trafficking. They also have a video series that churches can use to help equip congregations and believers in the fight against modern-day slavery.
This month, I pray that you will take the time to see just how important this fight to end slavery is. Online, you can find many resources and ways to get involved. But the most crucial step to take is to become aware of the realities of this crime. I recommend checking out a few of these websites and organizations: Shared Hope International, Polaris Project, and Send Relief.
