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. (Micah 6:8)
When I talk with others about human trafficking and modern day slavery they frequently express frustration and a sense that there is nothing they, one person, can do to end it. This sense of powerlessness can overwhelm the desire to work for change. The truth is that we are not powerless. We rely on an all-powerful God to give us the strength to do what He longs for us to do. We can join God in His work, work that is only possible with and through Him.
Here are three ways you can be involved in the fight to end slavery now.
1. PRAY
· Pray for action against slavery
· Pray for prevention, and changed hearts of traffickers
· Pray for protection of the vulnerable
· Pray for restoration of survivors
· Pray for justice for victims and strengthened justice systems
2. ADVOCATE
The first requirement of advocacy is to be informed. In the previous article you learned some of the myths and truths about human trafficking. Learn the signs of human trafficking and share what you’ve learned. Let everyone know that the National Human Trafficking Hotline is here to help. If you see something, say something by reporting it to the National Human Trafficking Hotline: Call 1-888-373-7888, text HELP to BEFREE (233733), or email help@humantraffickinghotline.org.
Raise your voice and ask elected officials how they are addressing human trafficking. Let them know that this is an important issue to you.
3. SUPPORT
Volunteering with an anti-trafficking organization is not the only way to join the fight to end human trafficking and modern day slavery. Volunteer with an organization that addresses the source of much of the problem, one that strengthens the vulnerable in our community. Traffickers recognize and take advantage of people who are vulnerable. People may be vulnerable to trafficking if they:
Have an unstable living situation
Have previously experienced other forms of violence such as sexual abuse or domestic violence
Have run away or are involved in the juvenile justice or child welfare system
Are undocumented immigrants
Are facing poverty or economic need
Have a caregiver or family member who has a substance use issue
Are addicted to drugs or alcohol
Most antislavery organizations, and organizations that serve victims and survivors of human trafficking and other forms of modern day slavery are non-profits. Prayerfully consider financially supporting one of these organizations. Just a few are: Created Gainesville, Shared Hope International, ECPAT-USA, A21 Campaign, International Justice Mission.
"No one person can do everything but every one of us can do something."
Christine Caine, A21 Chief Advocate
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