Free the Slaves

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Free the Slaves

America has always been the place that I've called home. Little did I know, it is also home to victims of sex trafficking. Today, people think that slavery, in any form, is nonexistent because of the laws against human trafficking. It is considered a thing of the past, but, in reality, it is more prominent now in the United States than ever before. Laura Murphy, Assistant Professor and modern day abolitionist says, "As a graduate student, I learned that slavery still exists, even in the US, and that there were modern day abolitionists working to end the worst forms of exploitation on our planet.  I have been an abolitionist ever since." According to the Polaris Project, over 32 million women and children are enslaved worldwide. Of the 32 million, 80% are forced into sexual servitude. In America, 50-75,000 people are trafficked each year with about 80% of the trafficking victims being women and girls and up to 50% being minors. The average age of admission into street prostitution is 12-14 years old, but there have been victims as young as 9 years old. Trafficking often occurs in residential brothels, on the street (street prostitution), truck stops, internet based institutions, and escorting services. Usual targets of human trafficking are people who are vulnerable with histories of abuse. It's no secret that sex trafficking happens, but there is a chance to do something about it. In Psalm 82:3, we are commanded by God to "Defend the poor and the fatherless; do justice to the afflicted and needy." The Abolition Movement is progressing and waiting for you to join to make a difference just as we are called to do. You may be wondering what you can do to help. Algernon Tennyson, founder and president of Awaken International Ministries, is one of many who have decided to take a stand against sex trafficking. Tennyson became involved in the human trafficking epidemic a few years back and now has a ministry dedicated to it. "I'm starting to get a ton of young people wanting to join the cause," says Al. In the fight against human trafficking, safe houses have been built and are being supported by people just like you. GCS, you can make a difference in this worldwide epidemic. But you don't have to travel far and wide to impact sex trafficking. You can start right here in you home state. Find an organization or ask your youth pastor, and see if you can help get people to volunteer or donate to organizations. The opportunities are out there, but we have to be willing to step out and take advantage of them.