It's been something I have been spending a lot of time thinking about after hearing a recent story.. Recently, I have been attending some informational and awareness mtgs in the area about human/sex trafficking within Wisconsin and more specifically within the Fox Valley area. I have to admit that I was shocked by what I found out and how much of it is going on in our own backyard. It's not just happening in the big cities like we think, but it's happening all around us.. and you are not aware of it.. and that's the reason its here.. the traffickers think no one is paying attention, so they won't be caught.... I want them to know that I'm watching and paying attention and it's time that we all become watchers within our own communities..
God has called me to a voice to the voiceless.. this is one way of getting the word out about what is going on and that as Christians I refuse to just watch it happen and not do or say nothing about it..
So back to my story.. at one of the events, we were told the story about a young lady in PA who noticed a lady that came to her church every Sunday. She was a greeter at the church and took the time getting to know the newcomer. After weeks of talking with her, she found out that she was only allowed to leave where she lived to attend church on Sundays. The greeter contacted the authorities and explained the situation.. they started their investigation and watching the house the lady was living in..Finally, they decided to head in and rescue her.. when they went in, they not only found her, but 17 other women who were held aganist their will.
The truth is this.. victims of human trafficking may be in our resturants, working in our fields, walking down the street and entering our church doors.. Educate yourself and know who to call.. National Human Trafficking Resource Center.. 1-888-3737-888.. They can answer your questions, or send someone to do some investigating.
Here's some questions that may help you identify a trafficking victim..
What type of work do you do?
Are you being paid?
Can you leave your job if you want to?
Can you come and go as you please?
Have you or your family been threatened?
What are your working and living conditions like?
Where do you eat and sleep?
Do you have to ask permission to eat/sleep/go to the bathroom?
Are there locks on the doors/windows so you cannot get out?
Has your identification or documentation been taken from you?
of course you'll be sensitive and creative in asking the questions.. while being God's heart to them.
So join me and others in standing in the gap for them.. by letting the traffickers know we are watching and paying attention
For more information and helpful tools.. refer to www.acf.hhs.gov/trafficking
God has called me to a voice to the voiceless.. this is one way of getting the word out about what is going on and that as Christians I refuse to just watch it happen and not do or say nothing about it..
So back to my story.. at one of the events, we were told the story about a young lady in PA who noticed a lady that came to her church every Sunday. She was a greeter at the church and took the time getting to know the newcomer. After weeks of talking with her, she found out that she was only allowed to leave where she lived to attend church on Sundays. The greeter contacted the authorities and explained the situation.. they started their investigation and watching the house the lady was living in..Finally, they decided to head in and rescue her.. when they went in, they not only found her, but 17 other women who were held aganist their will.
The truth is this.. victims of human trafficking may be in our resturants, working in our fields, walking down the street and entering our church doors.. Educate yourself and know who to call.. National Human Trafficking Resource Center.. 1-888-3737-888.. They can answer your questions, or send someone to do some investigating.
Here's some questions that may help you identify a trafficking victim..
What type of work do you do?
Are you being paid?
Can you leave your job if you want to?
Can you come and go as you please?
Have you or your family been threatened?
What are your working and living conditions like?
Where do you eat and sleep?
Do you have to ask permission to eat/sleep/go to the bathroom?
Are there locks on the doors/windows so you cannot get out?
Has your identification or documentation been taken from you?
of course you'll be sensitive and creative in asking the questions.. while being God's heart to them.
So join me and others in standing in the gap for them.. by letting the traffickers know we are watching and paying attention
For more information and helpful tools.. refer to www.acf.hhs.gov/trafficking
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