Over the past several years, our church’s “Brotherhood of Mighty Men” raised funds in support of providing relief to victims of human trafficking overseas. Our efforts have supported ministries that buy the freedom of modern slaves, fund shelters and relief efforts for exploited girls, and helped women gain economic self-sufficiency in many places where Christians are persecuted for their faith. In March, I was invited to a conference dealing with the issue of human trafficking right here in New Jersey. It was a disturbing and eye opening experience. Over 100,000 people are victims of human trafficking in the United States each year. New Jersey has had numerous arrests of traffickers just over the past two years. Human Trafficking is Slavery. Traffickers (who should be called “Slave Traders”) take advantage of some of the most vulnerable people. Some victims have been exploited from their youth and have been conditioned to believe that this is their lot in life. Many are afraid to seek help. Some clues that a person may be enslaved in the United States include:
- No passport or other form of identification or documentation, or these things have been taken from them
- Not speaking on their own or unable to speak English
- Unable to come and go at will, relocate or leave their “job”
- Signs of physical abuse
- Indications that they are being controlled
- Fear (even of being helped or offering personal information) and depression
- Not paid for the work they do or having no control over money earned
- Either they or their family has been threatened
- Needing permission to eat, sleep, use the bathroom
- Any form of sexual exploitation
Some victims of this modern slavery could be among the people you see regularly, but hide their pain and bondage for fear of retribution from the slave trader that controls them. We must be willing to look under the surface and show the type of loving, kind, hospitality that allows victims to see us as “safe” to speak to. Some may ask for help, Others may want to, but be too filled with fear to do so. If you suspect that someone is a victim, offer to assist them to access the help they need… or simply ensure that they know where to get help. For more information or to assist those in need go to:
njhumantrafficking.gov
or call the toll free hotline
855-END-NJ-HT (855-363-6548)
Human Trafficking is a sin, but so is remaining indifferent to human suffering. As we share the Gospel of Jesus Christ to free the souls of those in bondage to sin, we must also be faithful to the call to proclaim freedom to the captives.
So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. (John 8:36 ESV)