Blockbuster movies and summertime are as American as baseball, fireworks, and apple pie. However, one recently released movie addressing human trafficking is generating significant cultural conversation. Here are three ways churches be equipped to support individuals who have experienced human trafficking.
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Quick Links:
Slavery Footprint Questionnaire
Analysis: Killing Prisoners for Transplants: Forced Organ Harvesting in China
2020 Trafficking in Persons Report, US State Department
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Transcript:
Just two weeks ago, America celebrated another 4th of July, 247 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence. If you’re like me, you probably spent some time relaxing, only nominally thinking about the courageous men and women who took a stand against unjust governance and bravely set about to create something better.
Maybe you went to see some fireworks or even took in a movie. Blockbuster movies and summertime are as American as baseball, fireworks, and apple pie.
Though not a cheerful topic, one movie stood out from the rest of the summer blockbusters. The Sound of Freedom tells the story of brave men and women in our time, who are taking a stand against an injustice that is nearly as old as humanity itself—human trafficking. Full disclosure, I have not seen The Sound of Freedom yet, and thus am not endorsing it. I’ve followed the story of the movie for several years, and know some people who have seen it.
Even without an endorsement, the movie brings to the front of cultural awareness the very real crime of human trafficking, in many of its ugly forms. In simple terms, human trafficking is a form of violence against people who are poor or vulnerable. Human trafficking typically means forced labor and sex trafficking, but can also include forced medical experimentation and organ harvesting.
Even though the movie focused on human trafficking outside the United States, it is sadly a crime that happens throughout the world. If you spend any time in scripture, you’ll quickly see what a dim view Christ takes of people who abuse and misuse people who are poor and vulnerable. Whether we’re talking about the shady prostitution networks run by Jeffrey Epstein and his ilk, forced organ harvesting of Muslim Uyghurs and Falun Gong prisoners in China, or much of the pornography that is produced, readily available and viewed even by people who claim the name of Christ, human trafficking is a violation of the high-value Christ places on every life.
In case you think human trafficking doesn’t happen in your community, you’re mostly likely wrong.
Interstate corridors and major cities across the US have long been known as some of the main arteries for this crime. Billboards on Interstate I-95 near my home address human trafficking prevention. In recent months, I have personally seen placards about human trafficking prevention and resources for escape posted in public restrooms along interstate highways and in hospital emergency rooms.
Sadly, major sporting events like the Super Bowl not only attract fans, but significant human trafficking activity. Human trafficking is a monstrous crime hidden in plain sight. And in the era of the internet, it’s never been easier for this form of abuse to proliferate.
It’s been more than five years since we’ve shared a blog post or discussion about human trafficking. But the sad reality is that people who come out of human trafficking commonly struggle with wounds to the body, mind, and soul. Traumatic experiences leave scars, and they complicate physical, emotional, and spiritual healing.
Here are three ways churches can be equipped to support individuals who have experienced human trafficking:
Educate your ministry team about the issue.
In any major city, and many smaller cities too, free resources are available from local mental health boards or non-profit organizations, to educate individuals and organizations who may encounter individuals being trafficked. Another good place to start looking for resources near you is The National Human Trafficking Hotline. This organization provides basic information on trafficking, as well as resources for people coming out of trafficking by zip code across the US.
Equip your ministry team on how to recognize and prevent trafficking, as well as how to help individuals escape trafficking.
It is important for ministry leaders to have a general familiarity with any form of abuse, including human trafficking. Local law enforcement may be willing to partner with your church to provide training to your staff. Please note: the most dangerous time for victims of human trafficking is when they are attempting to escape. In an attempted escape situation, extreme caution is advised for all parties. Law enforcement should advise on any efforts to assist with a human trafficking escape.
Provide spiritual and material support for people coming out of trafficking.
Particularly in areas known to be human trafficking hot spots, pastors or ministry leaders should expect that some of their contacts with persons with mental health needs may have been impacted by human trafficking.
If trafficking is suspected, specific resources and care are warranted.
Many organizations work directly with trafficking victims to rebuild their lives and provide housing, employment, and other forms of support. Local law enforcement and local hospitals may be the best sources of information on how to connect with such organizations, as many do not advertise their services, for reasons of safety of all involved. Building relationships with some of these local organizations, directing some benevolent and other material forms of support to their work, and demonstrating a willingness to come alongside the survivors for spiritual and other needs will enable victims to start reclaiming their lives.
As part of my research for this blog and podcast, I found a website with a questionnaire to calculate how many slaves I employ with my lifestyle. My family is pretty thrifty and we live fairly simply, so I didn’t expect a big number. My result? 57. It was horrifying. If you’re feeling less than motivated to help with a problem that seems like something that happens to other people, perhaps this questionnaire is a good place for you and your church or small group to start.
A line from The Sound of Freedom says, “God’s children are not for sale.” May the Church of this generation be the one that finally rises up, says ‘no more’ to the personal sin that perpetuates human trafficking, and begin the hard work of healing for those who have been caught in its grasp.
Further reading: Analysis: Killing Prisoners for Transplants: Forced organ harvesting in China
