Calling out the called . . .

The element of criminality that surrounds the buying and selling of human beings is slated to become the number one criminal commodity by 2012. Unlike the illegal drug and arms trades of the past there is a new depth of depravity when the commoditization of a human life is reduced to a “product” with an average cost of less than $90.00. The human commodity is not one that is consumed and replenished as are drugs and arms. A human is used over and over again which makes this the more lucrative criminal enterprise. It is estimated that there are 27 million people enslaved around the world today and half of them are children (according to Not for Sale).

Victims are often “hidden” in plain sight and are manipulated to stay quiet or lie about their conditions. The detection and prosecution of this crime is made more difficult because of the “human” element. Drugs and arms, when found, are taken into evidence and housed in a secure facility; but people, obviously, cannot be processed or treated that same way. The management of these victims in the process of recovery is within the realm of the non-governmental entities that can extend a caring environment for the victims.
One important purpose of this work is to educate the church and its people on the issues of human trafficking both globally and locally. There is a ground swell of people responding to the issue of modern day slavery. The issues of social justice and engagement as a personal experiential response is the current generations call to action. This material will include: their personal contribution, the global factors that increase slavery and the products and services we obtain at a low price which unwittingly causes us to contribute to the enslavement of people, and the specific market of the sex industry which is the primary slavery outcome for almost half of all victims.

The most important purpose is to engage the faith community to move from information to application and of the churches’ role and responsibility. To help the people of God to focus and recognize that human beings created in the image of God are being mistreated, abused, oppressed, tortured, marginalized, and killed. The victimization of children especially is becoming very clear to those who work around the globe. The passionate well-intentioned efforts can backfire and are inadequate alone to effect global change and must be coupled with a strategy that seeks to provide sustainable systemic solutions-oriented approaches.

God is hearing the cries of the children as in Exodus 3 and he is raising up a response within the faith community to actively engage on the issues both globally and locally. The Church’s corporate power as a “people-rich” resource around the world to become a formidable force to end the demand for trafficking. The engagement elements demonstrate a beginning point on how to make an impact personally and corporately as the Church engages strategically and intelligently by working cooperatively with agencies and government officials in their community through the gifts skills and abilities and passions they have as a Church to work with local communities.

Safe house movement

A movement is afoot across America to provide shelters for children who have been victims of commercial sexual exploitation.  The movement is reminiscent of the domestic violence (DV) shelters set up years ago when the violence against women began being addressed.  Most DV shelters take adults only so it is important to look at this need and the challenges that these shelters face. 

There is a need for mutual learning in this community and The Home Foundation has created a model of cooperative learning and networking to walk alongside organizations, groups, and churches in their development of safe houses.

The discussion must include a strong network of service providers and cooperative relationships with law enforcement.  The capacity of the organization must be built with many partners to provide the appropriate trauma care these children will require, along with the educational and life skills to minimize re-victimization.  A continuum of care model from the initial rescue to full restoration will take time, energy and resources.  These organization must be "in it" for the long haul and with a sustainable plan for funding and networking with others.  The hurdles are high but the very lives of these children are at stake. No half-baked efforts will do!

Those groups that are intentionally Christian in their approach also must do good due diligence in complying with state and federal laws concerning group homes and licensing so that their approach is holistic and comprehensive.  Being known as "do-gooders" by others who choose not to be intentionally faith-based, the faith-based groups must be especially careful to do good work and do it in the right way as to ultimately bring honor in the public arena to their faith. 

Ultimately, the goal is to love these children, not to force them to take on a certain religious belief.  The government can not endorse a specific faith, nor should it - otherwise the freedom of the child to choose their beliefs would be hindered.  God's giving them an opportunity to choose but they must not be forced - that is not a choice! Most of these children have had their choices taken from them in so many other ways - this is not the place to take yet another choice away!

Let's open this dialogue far and wide across the U.S.!!!