What Happens When Humanity Turns

It's Tuesday, and I need to write about human trafficking, and we'll get there - but not before a short(ish) detour through my random musings this week.

It's a quest to crucify self and pick up daily, even momently crosses when the objective is follow. 

Life and death take on new meanings. I'm living dead, letting His life invade my deadly places and murdering the parts of me that don't line up with Him. He's so very patient and gentle as He asks me again to die. To selfishness, impatience, rage, judgment, coveting, contempt. How can He handle this mess and still call it beautiful? I'm so in love with this King who kills me just to bring me back to abundant life. The life that gives and doesn't take and likes it that way. Life that looks like His mirror and reflects His heart. Cares for those He cares about. Because his invitation to follow was followed by a promise.

"I will make you fishers of men."

And those fisher guys? Yeah, they were radically changed. Their greatest focus went from slimy fish and dirty money to grimy men and filthy women. Messy children and fussy babies. But Jesus loves each human life and His followers do too. And when our focus matches His - following will be easy. Well, in a compelling kind of way, at least.

So, if He had tunnel vision it would have been on these:

"He does what is fair for those who have been wronged.
    He gives food to the hungry.
The Lord sets the prisoners free.
 The Lord gives sight to the blind.
The Lord lifts up people who are in trouble.
    The Lord loves those who do right.
 The Lord protects the foreigners.
    He defends the orphans and widows,
    but he blocks the way of the wicked."

-Psalm 146:7-9 (NCV)

(See also Deuteronomy 10:17-18 and Zechariah 7:10-11 and Job 31:16-19, among many others)

Because this is what He requires of those who receive Him:

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

-Micah 6:8 (ESV)

And if we were to do justice today, it would be on behalf of these. The less-than-fortunate who are treated like throw-aways - these are the ones Jesus says we're fishing for. They're the sick ready for a doctor, the broken ready for His restoration, the dead seed ready to become new life, and His heart breaks for them. Get out your net, because I'm about ready to show you how, Friend. Not because I'm some better-than, but because I want to be one of those close at His heels, doing the following and becoming the follower. And why would I leave you out of that?

"If God's character includes a zeal for justice that leads him to have the tenderest love and closest involvement with the socially weak, then what should God's people be like? They must be people who are likewise passionately concerned for the weak and vulnerable" - Timothy Keller in Generous Justice: How God's Grace makes us Just

So, yeah - now we get to talk about the fight against human trafficking, and I don't have to explain again how this is the same thing as fighting for justice. One life enslaved by another is never just. A life willfully surrendered to The Loving Master is an entirely different matter. So, what will it take to get from this to that? 

1. Pray. Intercede on behalf of the millions of enslaved children and adults on this dying planet and ask God to break your heart for them until you ...

2. Do. Something. Make a change in your life, die to yourself so that another life may live for Him. Not to be sold. Give to an anti-trafficking organization. If you need some direction, try these guys. I have. 

The Exodus Road
F.R.E.E. International
TraffickJam International
Generate Hope Shelter
W.A.R. International
Destiny Rescue

Volunteer at a shelter or safe house. Do a fundraiser in your church or community. Rally behind someone who is at risk for trafficking. Visit a Juvenile Detention Center or Youth Shelter. Foster-adopt a teenager at risk. Go on a mission to a place (you might not have to travel very far) where trafficking is common.

3. Thank God. When He does something huge through you on behalf of the slave, give all of the glory to Him. Die to pride and self and fame. Give it all to Him. He's worthy and you're not. He gets the thanks. Every. Single. Time. 

So what happens when humanity turns from death to life, and then from life to death for Him? 

Love happens. 

One more week of this challenge: 25 by my 35th {uncontaminated hope}

Even my kids are catching onto this freedom thing. This lovely daughter of mine has an assignment for school - What would you do if you were president for a day? "I would free all the slaves in America today." 

And there it is - hope uncontaminated.

"Everything that is done in the world is done by hope." - Martin Luther

"Faith is the assurance of things you have hoped for, the absolute conviction that there are realities you’ve never seen." - Hebrews 11:1 (VOICE)

I want something good for you, Dear Reader. I want true life for you, life full of hope, and that uncontaminated. The same life I felt rushing through me when I got my S&R package in the mail from The Exodus Road. The same life I felt exploding in me when I read that a slave was rescued, her virginity kept as a choice for her future and hope. The very same life pulsing when I pray for my investigators to have victory over evil whenever I see my stickers and key-chain and magnets with these three words:

"My dear brothers and sisters, stay firmly planted—be unshakable—do many good works in the name of God, and know that all your labor is not for nothing when it is for God." - 1 Corinthians 15:58 (VOICE)

So here's my audacious goal, but feel free to blow me away, friends. 

I want 25 by my 35th.  

Twenty-five brave new partners by the day I turn 35 next week. It's just a few short days away, but I believe in God and His miraculous freedom and love for each one. For you, Sweet One. For the woman from Uganda and her baby. For the boy and the girl here on our streets. For humanity. Here's how.

Robyn's Challenge: Join my Team. Hire an investigator. Rescue a slave. It really is that simple.

1. Check out how Search and Rescue works, and decide which team you want to be on. Alpha and Delta are in SE Asia, Bravo is in India, and Charlie is here in the US. (Also, if you want to know how The Exodus Road manages the money we give, check this out.)
2. Fill out the Donation Form, and use the resources God has blessed you with to fund rescue and freedom with The Exodus Road. For $35 a month (less than the cost of a new pair of jeans), you can hire a team of investigators and be a part of giving freedom to women, boys, and girls trapped in the clutches of their traffickers. These people bust brothels, pedophiles, and trafficking rings, and bring justice. For Real. Please don't forget! Under the portion where it says "Additional information/Select Operating Project" PLEASE type a bird in the box. This is my code for my project -25 by my 35th.  For real - rescue is what I want for my birthday. Twenty-five of my readers and friends - on board to change the world. Listen - if by next November you aren't addicted to sharing freedom in this way, by all means opt out. I'm asking you to try it for just a year, though. I think it's worth it. For real.
3. Please don't skip this part! Drop your name in the comments below, and tell me why you decided to be a part of bringing freedom to slaves. I'm going to be drawing a number (1-25 of the first readers who partner with me) out of a hat for a giveaway of Laura Parker's book, The Exodus Road, as well as a hand-made journal and a stack of my greeting cards. This is just an extra incentive and thank-you to my amazing readers who make this nest a place of God's joy. I'll contact you after my birthday to let you know you won, and get your mailing address. 
4. Like and share this post on Facebook/retweet on Twitter/share with your social network via email, because I'll bet your friends care about slaves too. (I have some handy buttons for you right down there, next to "# comments" link.) Us bloggers love when you help us out like that.

And you can start receiving texts like this one when our team reports in:

FREEDOM! 12 yr-old girl rescued early this morning! Her mom and pimp were selling her virginity for $2000 USD. BRAVO Team rescued her and arrested perpetrators.

"If we are dying of thirst, passively reading books about water quenches little; the only way to quench the parched mouth is to close the book and dip the hand into water and bring it to the lips. If we thirst, we'll have to drink." - Ann Voskamp

Our world is thirsting for freedom. Even my daughter, free as she is, longs to share her freedom with the enslaved. Humanity pants for justice. Let us partake of the Fountain, and then be the vessel that quenches freedom's thirst.

Thank you for being on freedom's team.

I Hope This Disturbs You ... But That's Not Enough

As promised, I'm writing to you, Cherished Reader - to offer my pulsing heart on a platter in hopes that this love will land in you. By now it's no secret:

Precious people are being bought and sold like a commodity, and if our generation continues to turn apathetic eyes away, human trafficking will destroy us all.

I'm pretty sure you've heard the numbers already, but in case you haven't:

I found this article and video this morning, not by chance I'm convinced, about a navy-man-turned-activist who saw trafficking first-hand in the Philippines (my family origin) and then here in the United States. His video was so compelling that I can't help but share it here. Seriously - please watch it. It will be worth the nine and a half minutes of your life.

"You should feel a little outraged ... and upset about this. And that's great, but that's not good enough."

"We all drive demand. We all tolerate sex everywhere."

"It's really time to stop walking on by."

Are you ready? Here's my open door to you, Dear One - my tears running over, my heart in my hand, my world blurring into a vision of what could be - RESCUE.

I'm absolutely, truly, no-doubt-about-it convinced that God's people need to be about the business of freedom. It is for freedom that we have been set free, through His blood on the Cross. And some may say, "Great - I'm freed to be free." But what if that verse means, "You have been set free to spread this freedom and to make freedom for others?" It is for freedom ... Your freedom? Of course. But even more. Even greater things. Humanity's freedom.

Today I'm asking you to take a step and put your money where your faith is, on behalf of the slave next door and the slave around the world, because real rescue is possible today. 

I'll tell you a secret. Every day I wake up and wonder - will I get a text today? Will my team send me a message like this one: 

FREEDOM! 12 yr-old girl rescued early this morning! Her mom and pimp were selling her virginity for $2000 USD. BRAVO Team rescued her and arrested perpetrators.

And after that wonder, I pray. Oh, please God - I want rescue today.

I'm on a team of abolitionists and rescuers, supporting with others like Bravo Team in India, a group of investigators who work undercover with local authorities to Search and Rescue modern-day slaves, and bring them to restoration homes where they can be offered what we all need: freedom. 

Let's put the Word first, and let the love of Christ compel you, before I tell you how this is going to work.

"Tell them to use their money to do good. They should be rich in good works and generous to those in need, always being ready to share with others. By doing this they will be storing up their treasure as a good foundation for the future so that they may experience true life." - 1 Timothy 6:18-19 (NLT)

I want true life for you. The same life I felt rushing through me when I got my S&R package in the mail from The Exodus Road. The same life I felt exploding in me when I read that a slave was rescued, her virginity kept as a choice for her future and hope. The very same life pulsing when I pray for my investigators to have victory over evil whenever I see my stickers and key-chain and magnets with these words:

So here's my audacious goal, but feel free to blow me away, friends. 

I want 25 by my 35th.  

Twenty-five brave partners by the day I turn 35 next month. It's just a few short weeks away, but I believe in God and His miraculous freedom and love for each one. For you, Sweet One. For her. For humanity. Here's how.

Robyn's Challenge:

1. Check out how Search and Rescue works, and decide which team you want to be on. Alpha and Delta are in SE Asia, Bravo is in India, and Charlie is here in the US. (Also, if you want to know how TER manages the money we give, check this out.)
2. Fill out the Donation Form, and use the resources God has blessed you with to fund rescue and freedom with The Exodus Road. For $35 a month (less than the cost of a new pair of jeans), you can hire a team of investigators and be a part of giving freedom to women and children trapped in the clutches of their traffickers. These people bust brothels, pedophiles, and trafficking rings, and bring justice. For Real. Please don't forget! Under the portion where it says "Additional information/Select Operating Project" PLEASE type a bird in the box. This is my code for my project -25 by my 35th.  For real - rescue is what I want for my birthday. Twenty-five of my readers and friends - on board to change the world. Listen - if by next November you aren't addicted to sharing freedom in this way, by all means opt out. I'm asking you to try it for just a year, though. I think it's worth it. For real.
3. Please don't skip this part! Drop your name in the comments below, and tell me why you decided to be a part of bringing freedom to slaves. I'm going to be drawing a number (1-25 of the first readers who partner with me) out of a hat for a giveaway of Laura Parker's book, The Exodus Road, as well as a hand-made journal and a stack of my greeting cards. This is just an extra incentive and thank-you to my amazing readers who make this nest a place of God's joy. I'll contact you after my birthday to let you know you won, and get your mailing address. 
4. Like and share this post on Facebook/retweet on Twitter/share with your social network via email, because I'll bet your friends care about slaves too. (There are some handy buttons for you right down there, next to the little pencil.)

"If we are dying of thirst, passively reading books about water quenches little; the only way to quench the parched mouth is to close the book and dip the hand into water and bring it to the lips. If we thirst, we'll have to drink." - Ann Voskamp

Our world is thirsting for freedom. Humanity pants for justice. Let us partake of the Fountain, and then be the vessel that quenches freedom's thirst. 

Well, what do I do with this?

Thank you for grace, Dear Reader, as I've taken August as a hiatus from blogging. Sometimes a writer needs to leave thoughts unpublished, and I'm fully convinced that what I DON'T say is equally important as what I do. Words are heavy and sometimes take a long time to be weighed. Rest assured, my journal is full of thoughts, and some of them are forthcoming here in the nest. I'm thankful for your patience, and His.

At the dawn of September, I'm glad to be back here, writing again on Tuesday about justice and the fight against human trafficking. I hope to give you an update tomorrow on Simple, and of course I've been counting my gratitude, so Thursday will be another glorification of God as I share how He's given me new gifts. And, on Friday - I have a fun writing prompt, followed by "a little bird told me" on Saturday. So -without further ado - back in the saddle, back in the nest, back with you, Dear Heart.

When it comes to trafficking issues, I've noticed that (like many things) people have given over to debating instead of acting. Why do you suppose that is? Why do we like to argue, balk, discuss, and banter when there's so much to do? We could argue whether or not we should be talking about global trafficking before we address the issue here in North America, or we could debate what's more important - rescue or restoration. How about this - let's bicker about how effective organizations are or are not in the war against human trafficking. 

Or maybe ... we don't. Maybe we should just do what God has prepared for us to do.

Without all that chit chat. 

"For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago." -Ephesians 2:10 (NLT)

The degradation of a human to a commodity is an atrocity. So what will we do about it today? 

Here are a few suggestions, but I hope you'll listen to Father before you take my advice. My hope is that those two align.

1. Pray with me. When you're driving and you hit a red light - pray for red light districts around the world, and "red light conditions." Choose a time to fast, and intercede for the oppressed, enslaved, imprisoned. Plead on their behalf. Use the Scripture such as this (for example) :

"[The slave is] worn out waiting for your rescue,
    but [she has] put [her] hope in your word.
82 [Her] eyes are straining to see your promises come true.
    When will you comfort [her]?
83 [She is] shriveled like a wineskin in the smoke,
    but [she has] not forgotten to obey your decrees.
84 How long must [we] wait?
    When will you punish those who persecute [us]?
85 These arrogant people who hate your instructions
    have dug deep pits to trap [her].
86 All your commands are trustworthy.
    Protect [her] from those who hunt [her] down without cause.
87 They almost finished [her] off,
    but I refused to abandon your commandments.
88 In your unfailing love, spare [her] life;
    then [we] can continue to obey your laws." -Psalm 119:82-88 (NLT)

2. Be part of a Search and Rescue Team. I've been following, supporting, blogging with the folks at The Exodus Road for nearly a year now, and I can testify that they are genuine, full of integrity, and passionate about freedom. They are making real rescue happen, and changing lives every day with the hope of God. Start getting reports of God's hand of grace in the lives of modern-day slaves today. You won't regret it. Want to be on my team? I'm with Bravo (in India), but you'll find three other teams domestically and abroad, so pray and DO. Rescue a slave today.

3. Speak up. The more people who know the evils of trafficking, the better. The more we stick our heads in the sand and self-focus, the worse. I don't know how else to put it. People matter to God, so they matter to me. It's worth whatever uncomfortable conversation I need to have. Freedom is available, but it's not free. I use my voice most often in print, but you must use your voice where God deems it most effective. And don't worry, He'll give you the words you need at the time you need it.

But what could just one broken person do?

Tragedy breaks us all. Breaks our hearts and our wills and even our minds. From crime to accidents to natural disasters, this world is full of trouble and sorrow. We can't escape it. Believe me - I've tried.

It's easy to wonder what one person can do to fight the tide.

When it comes to human trafficking, 27 million slaves is a daunting task and some people wonder, "Why try?"

"Reality has left you reeling
All fact and no feeling
No faith and all fear
...
Who's at fault is not important
Good intentions lie dormant
and we're all to blame

While apathy acts like an ally
my Enemy and I are one and the same"
-  Brooke Fraser (Flags)

And it truly is a picture of starfish on the sand. We make a difference to one, and it's a difference that counts - a difference that would not have been made if we'd just walked the other way.

So today I'd like to encourage my reader-ship to keep going. Keep fighting. Even in the tide.

“We are too young to realize that certain things are impossible... So we will do them anyway.” 
― William Wilberforce (abolitionist)

Here are some ways that you can do SOMETHING to fight Human Trafficking. And even though it may not seem like much, to do or even attempt them will squelch apathy, and will be more than if you had merely walked away instead. And if we can all do SOMETHING, through Christ - we will accomplish even the impossible that we're too young to believe is so.

1. Learn the facts: knowing the statistics may discourage you at first, but you'll be able to communicate better if you have a better handle on what is actually happening. Is it hard to look at? Yes. Is it worth that pain to your eyes and soul? Of course. Here are a few websites I frequent in order to stay current on my information:

• Initiative Against Sexual Trafficking
• Invisible Girl Project
• Women At Risk International

2. Connect with other people who want to fight human trafficking too. Here are a few organizations who have helped me get involved in the fight. It's good to be on the right team.

• Free International
• Mercy Movement
• The Exodus Road

3.  Host an event or speaker. Many organizations (including several of the above) will provide a speaker/educator for your event or service. You can turn this into a fundraiser, or even as a community-wide awareness opportunity to stop slavery where you live. Check out these:

• Host a Jewelry Party to end slavery
• Become a treasure hunter

4. Donate. All of the organizations on the ground who are investigating, rescuing, and restoring lives need funding. God may not call you to do any of this on your own (though He could), but He most likely would want you to give generously of what you have planned (see 2 Corinthians 9:6-9) for the sake of these needy souls. See above, choose ... and then empty those pockets for Jesus! You won't be sorry, for it is so much better to give than to receive. 

5. Buy Fair-Trade products. These are often made by women and families who are either at-risk or have been rescued from slave labor. It is both a prevention and a redemption measure of fighting slavery. Here are a few I absolutely LOVE:

• Jubilee Market
• Made by Survivors 
• Ten Thousand Villages

6. Respond.  "...about one in three of those rescued from human trafficking in America took place because an ordinary person saw something and acted. In some cases, it was noticing someone who had lived in a place of employment and could not leave. At other times, actions have been more direct, involving assistance  to a person fleeing for help and providing a route of escape." If you see something suspicious - don't assume everything is okay. Carefully probe and if you have suspicion, you can always call the hotline at 888-3737-8888.

7. Pray.  I'm convinced this is where we must all start and finish. If we ask, God will help us to know our part. He will guide us into the knowledge that will balance our zeal. He will open our eyes to the need and break our hearts for what breaks His. He will strengthen us for the fight and sustain us for the long, uphill battle it will take to keep interceding and volunteering and helping. Prayer is what will start and finish it all. Without it we will not even try. But with prayer, with God - WE CAN do the impossible. Consider praying at every Red Light, or setting reminders on your phone to pray on certain days or even try a fast for the sake of those who hunger for freedom. These are excellent sources of Prayer opportunities that I've found.

• The Exodus Cry
• WAR Prayer Room

So, what can one broken person do?

More than you would think!

Oh Jesus - we can do anything You call us to, in Your strength. You are enough. When we are broken, I pray that You will remind us that it was in Your brokenness that You accomplished Your greatest victory - our Salvation. Precious Spirit, would You show us today what we can do to fight for these dear souls in bondage. Guide us to free them. Please give us the privilege of restoring them with Your hope and gentle touch. Through our hands, our feet, our lips. May Your justice come swiftly. May Your freedom come and abolish this evil. In our generation. In Christ's precious Name. Amen

What Overwhelms Me Today

I hold millions of reasons to be in awe of Yaweh. For the way He made the stars so brilliant. For the way He was willing to watch brutes murder His precious Son with nails on a cross, after He held Himself back from stopping their lashes and punches and scorning. For each cell in this body, held in balance to function in miraculous chaos-defying precision. And here I stand again in awe - but this one thing today just tips the scales of wonder beyond any comprehensible balance -

He never gets overwhelmed with our overflowing mess. He never forgets a single one of us.

And how does He do that, when I'm overwhelmed, overcome, undone at just the thought of this mess of suffering we're buried under here?

His character is reflected in people like this:




When we care for the individual, despite the odds, defying the statistics, we authentically become more like Him. The One who fights for each of us like we were the only one He ever loved. This God who could rightfully throw Arms up and forget us all in our defilement and rebellion.

That He doesn't is reason enough for me to praise today.

"But you must not forget this one thing, dear friends: A day is like a thousand years to the Lord, and a thousand years is like a day. The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, He is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent." -2 Peter 3:8-9 (NLT)

I'm praying that His patience and not the evil all around will be what overwhelms me again today.

If you'd like to be a part of loving one at a time into His glory too, please consider partnering your generosity with Matt's courage and God's great love ...

The Exodus Road 

Because this is what we do ...

It hangs above our kitchen table. This list of what our Family does.

Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. 

Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. 

Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. 

Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically. 

Rejoice in our confident hope. 

Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying. 

When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. 

Always be eager to practice hospitality.

Bless those who persecute you. Don’t curse them; pray that God will bless them. 

Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep. 

Live in harmony with each other. 

Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. 

And don’t think you know it all!

Never pay back evil with more evil. 

Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. 

Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.

Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say,

“I will take revenge;
    I will pay them back,”
    says the Lord.

Instead,

“If your enemies are hungry, feed them.
    If they are thirsty, give them something to drink.
In doing this, you will heap
    burning coals of shame on their heads.”

Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good.

                       -Romans 12: 9-21 (NLT)

We spent last year in our weekly devotions teaching these to our children, my guy and I.  But I'm just not sure if we're living the living Word yet. Not sure if it's really sunk in. Or if it ever will.  Into this stony heart that still struggles with pride and contempt.

And I just want things to be different. I want revival. I know it has to start here, with me, on these knees. I want to actually live what I know. Boldly, radically. Fly high like my wings were made to soar. I've really got to get out of this cage. Out of this flesh that binds me.

I need to be a part of changing this.

AP Photo/Dieu Nalio Chery

And I must stand up against this.

And I just have to say something about this.

And we've got to be a part of stopping this.

Because as this new creation in Him, this is who I am. And this is what I'm about. Begin with Really loving people, all the way down to conquering evil by doing good.

Lord, would You bring justice to Your creation? You made us to love You and walk in Your ways, and we need Your help. Without Your Spirit - none of this will ever change, but with You - all things are possible.  You have made us new so that we can not only have righteous identity through the grace of Your Son, but also so that we can have righteous behavior through the power of Your Spirit working through us.  Lord, bring Your redemption and revival, and begin with me.

Tuesday Trafficking Intercession and a Book Review to Boot {Girls Like Us}

I was torn between putting this book review on Monday (when I usually do book reviews) or Tuesday (when I write/pray with you about human trafficking), but since I got distracted self-editing my manuscript yesterday, Tuesday it is!

Last week I finished Girls Like Us by Rachel Lloyd, a survivor of human trafficking in Europe who moved to New York and began ministering to victims and activating for legal and judicial change on their behalf.  This book reads like a combination of memoir and non-fiction awareness about the issue of domestic trafficking of girls for sexual exploitation.  Her writing is heart-felt and genuine based on her own horrific experiences, and detailing the healing process she found in helping other young girls and women who have been enslaved for sex.  Her precise semantics were both what I appreciated most and least about her writing. This book is full of expletives, so for those of you who are sensitive about that sort of language in what you read - consider yourself forewarned. On one hand, I realize why she includes these words in her writing; if you're beaten to the point of half-dead and subsequently raped over and over, you're not going to say, "Oh shoot!" I'll admit - like the script in the movie Saving Private Ryan - her use of colorful language adds to the authenticity of her testimony. However, it was also confusing to me as a follower of Christ when she was  using the f-bomb in one paragraph and referring to herself as a "missionary" in the next.  Yes - she is committed to Jesus, and includes faith teaching in her counseling of girls who have been and are being commercially sexually exploited, and I don't question her faith because of the language. I'm just saying it took most of the book to figure out whether or not her audience included the faith-based community.  In the end, I believe she can reach all of us - because her writing is accurate if anything.  Case in point - the phrase in bold above. As Lloyd explains,

Constantly reframing the issue and changing the language has been imperative in changing public perception and sympathies. It's been a battle particularly with people in the media who feel that using the term commercially sexually exploited will confuse their audience. One reporter refused to change his terminology, saying that he felt that the term was "euphemistic." We debated for a while on how sexually exploited could possibly be considered euphemistic when it accurately described what actually happened to children and youth, whereas child prostitute seemed to denote who the child was as opposed to what was being done to her. In his article, he went ahead and called them "teen prostitutes" anyway, failing perhaps to understand that it wasn't a question of semantics, that words, names, terminology really do matter.

And in this journey I'm on to pursue wisdom to go along with my zeal, this book was a crucial road marker.

In addition to learning to use terminology and words deliberately when fighting for awareness and abolition, I also took away from Lloyd a new clarification of choice when it comes to the prostituting of women and children.  She carefully and beautifully weaves all of the crucial elements of this debate into a clear tapestry of what the reader will understand to be no real choice at all. Highlighting the issues of poverty; severe dysfunction so prevalent in families of origin; blatant physical, mental, sexual, and verbal oppression of girls and women by pimps [another term she redefines] and traffickers; corruption and inaction by many law enforcement authorities; as well as the abased self-image so prevalent in all of our culture, the author explores the issue of "choice" from all facets of this complicated prism.  The rainbow of light that illuminates is this - no girl or woman, if given real options and viable alternatives would choose "the life" [of prostitution].

The female officer who has stayed puts her arm around me. In careful English and over my sobs, she explains what is going on. Yes, Mike is claiming the money is his. The bruises and cuts, the marks on my body and my feet apparently come from the fact that I like rough sex, and that's what we were doing in the field. In fact, he was trying to break up with me bu I didn't want to and that's why I came to the precinct. He's told them that I am a "Hure," and that my place of employment is a strip club. With these "facts" on the table my case has ceased to be a case. ... Later when JP begins to hit me, night after night, I'll know better than to go to the cops for help. I never do whiter the letter of complaint about [the officer who blamed her for being abused and raped]. I don't believe it'll do any good. After all, I'm not exactly a credible complainant, an upstanding citizen. Girls like me, I realize, get what they deserve.

In desperately grasping for a way to stay alive, girls shame themselves into thinking they choose to be beaten, raped, sold, exploited, abused, starved, and sometimes even killed.  Now that she has pursued and received restoration and healing, Rachel Lloyd serves girls and women night and day through an organization she started called GEMS to show them that's just not true - they are worth so much more than "the life"

Long-term healing requires that these girls understand that what they have experienced is not their fault. So many of these girls, their family members, the social workers, and law enforcement officials believe their exploitation was their choice. ... If I can begin to understand all the factors that made me vulnerable - the impact of race, class, and gender; the role played by my dysfunctional family; the power of the billion-dollar sex industry; the recruitment tactics of my pimp; the limited options as a teenager - then I can begin to shift the blame to the perpetrators instead of carrying it myself. ...Most of all [girls] need to finally understand what makes for a healthy, intimate relationship, an understanding that has been distorted over the years and which, if not corrected, puts them at risk for victimization over and over again.

Alright - that's probably too much already, and you'll have to get your own copy to experience her full story of redemption from the darkest hole imaginable into a life of light and hope she shares with hundreds every year. In fact, as much as I'd love to brag about an important piece of legislature she initiated and got passed in New York which is spreading to many other states in regard to sex trafficking, I'll let you read it yourself - you won't be disappointed. You may even want to start some support, advocacy, and activism of your own!

I know I do.

So, I'll leave you with this,

I cry out to God; yes, I shout.
    Oh, that God would listen to me!
When I was in deep trouble,
    I searched for the Lord.
All night long I prayed, with hands lifted toward heaven,
    but my soul was not comforted.
I think of God, and I moan,
    overwhelmed with longing for his help. - Psalm 77:1-3

When we think of trafficked victims, may we always pray - remembering how they long for His help.

God - Your ways of redemption and restoration are good, and we long to see them on behalf of victims of injustice and exploitation all over our world. We need Your help, Holy Spirit. We need Your wisdom and strength if we are going to be the change these girls and women need us to be. Would you guide us and empower us with Your compassion and love, and would You rescue and restore these precious lives and souls, we beg You.  I pray for Rachel Lloyd and GEMS  - that You would pour Your favor and love over her and all of the girls and women she reaches with Your hope and love. May she find true comfort as You equip her to be the comfort to others. Thank You, Jesus. You are so amazingly loving, and we're Yours forever because of Your grace.

Let't put some pedophiles out of business - because this is just not okay!

What if someone handed you over 40 live cases of pedophilia and the underage sex industry and asked for your help to catch, prosecute, and put away the perpetrators, making the streets a little safer for young girls and boys?

Would you do something?  Yeah - so would I.  And so will my friends at The Exodus Road, if they can raise the funds it takes.  Want to know something? I think it's pretty amazing that we get to do our part.  Like, as in, a gift.

Because sometimes when we look at this global, domestic, and local issue of commercially sexually exploited women and children/ human trafficking - well it seems too big.  It feels too vast. It appears too much for anyone to make any difference at all. 

I'm so glad about this, though - together, we can make change happen, one life at a time. 

We're praying again today - for God's justice and grace to bleed over the injustice of modern-day slavery, and for the freedom of every soul to choose His hope.  Praying for those who investigate, rescue, and restore these children's lives. Praying for these criminals to have to face the music and choose repentance while serving their sentence here on earth so they won't have to be serving an eternal one in hell. Praying for change, and the opportunity to take our own share of making it happen. 

And, I'm here to tell you that God answers our prayers. If you've been wondering what you can do to stop human trafficking, I've got two great answers for you today.  You can choose one or the other, but I REALLY hope you'll do both.

1.   The undercover team working with partners at The Exodus Road (an NGO that empowers real rescues in SE Asia) needs about $35/night to conduct local investigations, and the blogging team I serve with wants to send these men out for an entire month, 30 nights. The funds will go to the travel, lodging, and investigative expenses. We will literally be "hiring" an investigator, on our behalf, to go look for children and to gather the evidence needed to put pedophiles behind bars. It's exactly what needs to be done - and now!

Would you join me? We have one week to raise the funds needed to send out to this trained team of operatives. I'm asking each of us to donate just $15 to this cause. And giving is as simple as pulling out your phone, literally.

With your smartphone, text the word "4thekids" to: 41444. You'll immediately receive a link. Follow the link and make a tax-free donation with your credit card.

If you'd rather give online [for those of us who don't have smartphones yet], you can donate here to give at The Exodus Road site. Write "bust pedophiles" in the comment section.  And, as if that wasn't easy enough - I also have a button in my sidebar this week and with just a few clicks - you can make a difference in the life of a child facing the horror of being sexually exploited.  It's up to us, and I know we can do this if we fight together.

2. You can prepare yourself to be a first responder to victims of trafficking right here on your own turf.  Some people get mad because attention to this issue goes "over there" to aide the global/foreign facet of this fight, and not enough attention gets placed right here where it happens in our back yards.  My solution is the same as it is with sharing the Gospel - here, there, and everywhere - we need to be aware, ready to fight, prayerfully battling in the spirit realm, and addressing each life as precious. 

 So be ready. If you suspected abuse, activities of pedophilia, or even a case of sexual exploitation, would you know how to report it?  Would you know what to look for?  I'm not asking everyone to morph into professional investigators here, but as we open our eyes to what is happening around the world, may we also open our eyes and our hands to what is happening in our own communities as well.  I want to to know what to look for and what to do, so human trafficking doesn't slip by on my watch.

Would you join me?

Find out who in your area to call if you suspect anything. For me, I've got the numbers programmed into my phone so I can call at any time I have any reasonable evidence of child abuse.  If you live in PA like me, you can call CHILDLINE at 800-932-0313 to report it.  Go ahead, Click HERE and program the number for your state into your cell phone too. 

Also, call your local police station and ask a hypothetical question. Say that you're learning more about the issues of pedophilia and sexual exploitation of children, and you want to know who to contact if you ever suspect anything. Depending on your area, they might give you the number to the FBI or another law agency who might have a human trafficking task force nearby. Also, I've included some phone numbers of some safe houses I could refer a victim to, if needed. They're all in my contact list. If I come across something suspicious around me, I know what to do, do you?  Here are a few more links if you'd like to be even more prepared:

How to report suspected pedophile activity

How to spot a pedophile

To Report Child Pornography [from the USDOJ website]

• To report an incident involving the production, possession, distribution, or receipt of child pornography, file a report on the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC)'s website at www.cybertipline.com, or call 1-800-843-5678. Your report will be forwarded to a law enforcement agency for investigation and action.
• You may also wish to report the incident to federal, state, or local law enforcement personnel.

This is huge, friends, but my God is even bigger. Today - as we look, fight, give, and pray - may we remember that He cares for these children too. Even more than our hearts ever could. His hand is at work, and He lets us get our hands into the restorative work too. Thank you so much for fighting with me. I couldn't do it alone.

Praying today for justice and redemption.

"Now you should finish what you started. Let the eagerness you showed in the beginning be matched now by your giving. Give in proportion to what you have.  Whatever you give is acceptable if you give it eagerly. And give according to what you have, not what you don’t have." - 2 Corinthians 8:11-12 (NLT)