Last week, I discussed how I got involved with Nita Belles and her work in the movement against human trafficking. This week, I’m going to examine both the progress that has been made along with different ways to become more aware to protect both yourself and your loved ones against human trafficking.
The fight is gaining momentum and things are changing:
- Ordinary people all across America are taking up the fight and doing extraordinary things through whatever means they have.
- Legislators are working to create stronger laws that require sentences to reflect the insidiousness of the crime.
- More safe homes and recovery centers are being established, but many more are still needed.
- Law enforcement, medical practitioners, and social workers all across the United States are learning how to spot victims of human trafficking.
There is still, however, much more to do and you (yes, even you!) can play a vital part. You don’t have to give up your career (although many have) to help end the suffering caused by trafficking. You can:
- Start by praying and asking God, “What will you empower me to do?” It may be something as simple as inviting all of your neighbors over for dessert and then telling them what you have learned. Or, it could be as complex as starting a safe house.
- If you don’t understand the depth and breadth of human trafficking, I recommend you read Nita’s book. It is a tough subject, but an easy and informative read that could save your or some one else’s life.
- Memorize the signs of human trafficking found on Nita’s website.
- Put the National Human Trafficking Hotline in your cell phone (888-3737-888). If you live outside the US, put the hotline for your area in your phone.
- Do a Google search to learn about anti-human trafficking work that is being done in your area. If nothing is being done, start something! If you don’t know where to start, contact Nita or me and we will give you suggestions, Sherrys@nitabelles.com.
- If you want to, sign up for Nita’s newsletter which will provide links to what others are doing around the country to combat this issue. Contact Sherrys@nitabelles.com.
The selling and buying of people cannot be allowed to continue. Every human being was created in God’s image to be free. Many victims of human trafficking are females who are grossly abused! They are also being denied the ability to accomplish all that God has planned for their lives. It grieves God’s heart to see people doing such despicable things to each other. We all have the ability to help stop this. As Nita has said to me many times, “When we all do our part to end human trafficking, we are helping that little girl who is being sold in our town.” When I think about what life must be like for victims of labor trafficking and sex-trafficking, it motivates me to keep going because I can, and they cannot.
