I don't know how to start this blog other than by sharing my story.
Before
I've know about human trafficking for a while. However, I felt inadequate to fight it. I thought, "What is there that I can even do?" The topic was consistently placed at the back burner of my mind (the farthest one back). My belief was that the issue was far too big for me to handle.
What Changed
For about the past year I've been interested in being more involved in fighting human trafficking. However, I let excuses such as "I'm too busy" get in the way of me being very serious about it. And still a little thought ran through my mind; the one that told me there was nothing I could do that would have any big effect.
Fast forward to two weeks ago. I saw the trailer for a film called Playground. (WARNING: This video contains very sensitive material and should not be viewed by children.)
It tore me apart. It made me angry. I was mad at God, not wanting to believe that He could allow this to exist and still be a good God. But every time I prayed to Him that's when my heart broke the most. He showed me that He is broken over this. He used this video to wake me up and give me a glimpse of His heart over these suffering children, women, and men.
I need God in this. I need to know that God is still good. I need to know that He is big enough. This issue is indeed far too big for me to handle. However, God is bigger than human trafficking. I realized this and surrendered to Him. After God cleaned the anger out of my heart, I was ready to take action.
First Steps
PRAYER. This is and will continue to be my first step in every single action I take. I need God's leading in my life because He can see the big picture and I can only see a portion the size of a grain of sand.
Another important task is to become more educated. I bought a wonderful book called Refuse to do Nothing. I highly recommend it! As a reader I felt that the authors were empathizing with me in how they became more aware of and active in the battle against trafficking. This book is also a great resource, listing and describing multiple ways to get involved with fighting human trafficking. If you are even slightly considering finding out more about how you can get involved READ THIS BOOK! (Less than $5 on Amazon).
To educate myself further I hope to attend the upcoming International Justice Mission Summit in Washington D.C. on June 10th and 11th. It would be a wonderful way to learn from people who are more experienced than I am. I'm still praying about whether or not this is a financial possibility, but I'm trusting that God will take me where He wants me. He's already lead me this far :)
How You Can Help
My goal for this blog is to provide resources and ideas for friends, family, community members, and all U.S. Citizens so that they can fight against human trafficking as well.
The first thing you can do is pray. See where God is leading you.
Second, read Refuse to do Nothing.
Another suggestions: Watch the trailer for Playground, or find a way to watch the whole thing; find a way to watch Nefarious, Call + Response, or simply look up "Human Trafficking" on YouTube and I guarantee you'll be able to find some video to educate yourself more on the issue.
More detailed ideas to come soon :)
Thanks for reading!
- Warrior Child -
In response to you sharing: “I was mad at God, not wanting to believe that He could allow this to exist and still be a good God. But every time I prayed to Him that's when my heart broke the most. He showed me that He is broken over this. He used this video to wake me up and give me a glimpse of His heart over these suffering children, women, and men.”
ReplyDeleteA difficult struggle many of us deal with, and through the ages!
I am now more of the mindset not wondering how God can allow this, but just how greatly wicked in general mankind is. The fact that there are so many who take advantage of someone else who is weaker, so that someone else can come and use that person for his/her own pleasure or fulfillment, is more evidence of the uncontrollable selfishness and evil within the heart of people.
Why doesn’t God do something more about it? He has to work through us. You’re doing part of that right now. We kicked God off this planet a long time ago, and there are many things that can only happen if we invite God to help and get involved, I think.
Hang in there, Warrior Child