Monday October 02/06

A Weekend of Prayer....

This past weekend the SA has been focusing on praying/fasting for the victims of sex trafficking. With stats like 2.7 million people are enslaved in various forms of sexual and labor exploitation, and 600,000 - 800,000 women and children are trafficked across national borders annually...it is difficult to get your mind around the situation. I've been reflecting on my own opinion and views when it comes to this topic, and I have realized how under educated I am, and how judgmental my spirit can be. Many times I have seen women and girls walking to streets of Winnipeg who quite possibly could be involved in commercial sex...and what do I think....well let me just say that "Jesus loves them" was not the first thing to cross my mind. How terrible of me....how judgmental....how closed minded...have I ever stopped to think that these women/girls were tricked and forced into this lifestyle? Have I ever thought about the possibility that their families were worried sick about them because one day they simply disappeared? In the past...I have not asked these questions....but now that my mind/eyes have been opened up to the despair that is happening here in Winnipeg what can I do? These suggestions were given to me from Booth College
1. Pray
2.Talk about the issue with friends, family, church etc.
3. Write your local MP asking them to consider changes in laws and practice that will help trafficked persons get the protection and services they need
4. Support fair trade

A very serious issue indeed - one that deserves thought - consideration - prayer - and to NOT be swept back under the rug because this weekend has passed.

For more SA info on this topic check out www.salvationarmyusa.org/trafficking