Ignoring doesn’t make human trafficking go away
Written by Christina Tamayo, the Outreach Ministry Director at The Salvation Army Lakewood worship and service center.
They say ignorance is bliss. But too often, all that really means is people would rather not know about certain issues. Because knowing means they might have to react.
Sex trafficking is one of those issues. When I first heard about sex trafficking a few years ago, I imagined it as something that only happened in underdeveloped countries. Little did I know that it does happen in the United States, and our citizens are among the highest in demand for sex trafficking. Hitting closer to home, I discovered that Minnesota is one of the top 13 states for sex trafficking.
The sad reality is that there are an estimated 27 million slaves in the world today. How can we stand by when people are being treated as commodities instead of human beings?
The founder of The Salvation Army, William Booth, always said: “Do something.” When Booth was faced with the grave reality of a situation, he did everything he could to help. No sitting on the wayside.
Whether or not you choose to acknowledge it, sex trafficking is a major issue. And if we sit around and do nothing, nothing changes. We must “do something.”
Knowing more about this issue is the first step to changing it. Here’s how you can learn more and start helping.
Sex Trafficking Education Opportunities
Sept. 29
A Night of Prayer and Fasting for Victims of Sex Trafficking
Location: The Salvation Army, 2080 Woodlynn Ave., Maplewood, MN
Time: 6:30–8:30 p.m.
Join us for a night of learning, interceding and change. We will learn about the issue of sex trafficking around the world and locally; we will intercede through prayer on behalf of the victims of this vast crime; and we will commit to being a part of the change.
Register for this event at lakewoodonline.org. For more information, Christina Tamayo at 651-779-9177 ext 29.
Sept. 28-30
Weekend of Prayer and Fasting for Victims of Sex Trafficking
Oct. 9
Breaking Free’s Candlelight Vigil
Location: TBA
Time: 5:30–7:30 p.m.
Oct. 28 – Nov. 4
WRAP Week (White Ribbon Against Pornography)
Nov. 10
Breaking Free’s Annual Benefit Breakfast
Location: Crowne Plaza in St. Paul
Time: 10–11:30 a.m.
May 3 – 4, 2013
Demand Change Project event
Location: Crowne Plaza in St. Paul
Time: TBA
If you have any questions about these events or would like to participate, please contact Christina Tamayo at 651-779-9177 ext 29 or by email.