Awareness

        Can you put a price on another person's life? I wouldn't say so, but others do with exploitation value of a sex slave. Today, January 11th, is National Human Trafficking Awareness Day, and the small part I can play in this day is do exactly that, spread awareness!

        Did you know an estimated 27 million slaves exist around the world today. Reportedly, three out of four of them are women. This year about 800,000 people will reportedly be sex-trafficked;at least half of them being children. Billions of dollars are brought in through this industry, and this crime industry has been growing incredibly fast (Polaris Project)

I've done a lot of research on human trafficking and there are a few things that we should know that many may not realize.

•  Trafficking does happen with the smuggling of persons across borders, but it also happens within a countries own borders, even in the U.S. 
• Human trafficking implies ownership over a person
•  An estimated 14,500 to 17,500 foreign nationals are trafficked into the United States each year. The number of U.S. citizens trafficked within the country is even higher, with an estimated 200,000 to 300,000 American children at risk of being trafficked. (U.S Dept. of Justice)
• People are trafficked for prostitution and other sexual exploitations such as pornography, forced labor services, slavery practices and for the removal of organs
• The five main ways people are acquired, especially as sex slaves are through deceit (especially false promises of job offers), sold by their families because they have no other choice it seems, seduction and romance, abduction and being recruited by former sex slaves. 

So, what can we do about all of this? It seems almost over our ability to be able to help, but that's false.
1. The first important thing to do is learn more about what human trafficking is and keep informed
2. Next, spread awareness!
3. Start an event within your school or church
4. Fund raise or donate to a cause
5. Volunteer
6. Report anything suspicious to the Human Trafficking Hotline (1-888-373-7888)
7. Read the stories of trafficking victims
8. And let's not forget to pray. Pray continually. Pray for the victims. Pray for the wicked. Pray for those who can help. Pray for the world.

        Here are some sites I like, so check them out for more information and how to get involved!
http://love146.org/
http://www.beautyfromashes.org/index.aspx
http://www.polarisproject.org/index.php
http://www.notforsalecampaign.org/
Around the world, and around even your block, people are stepping up to help abolish this form of slavery. You can be one of these people! And remember to keep on praying, and relying on Him for strength, peace and perseverance! Someday justice will come

He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?- Micah 6:8