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We
heard many sad reports. For example, in Moldova, which has a population
of 3.5 million people, 30,000 women have simply disappeared in the last
10 years. Similar stories are coming out of other countries as well.
But as Vladimir Ubeivolc reported about this, he was also able to share
about the Hope that he sees in the min-istry that he and his wife Yulia
have started. Involved with prevention, a safe-house and reintegration,
"Beginning of Life" ministry has touched the lives of thousands of
children, youth and women - offering alternatives to despair and
hopelessness.
We
ask the questions again: what CAN churches DO? The conference
participants realized that the first step is to not turn the other way
and to really look at the injustice that is going on in their midst. In
many countries women don't have equal opportunities for education and
work, and become easy prey for traffickers. The problem begins in the
countries of origin and heads straight for the bars, brothels, and sex
clubs in the prosperous West. Many of the women are incapable of making
life changing decisions because of a lack of options, perspective and
the shame they are experiencing. We often feel helpless when we see the
magnitude of the situation and we would much rather just keep walking
and do nothing.
But
then we have to remember: Jesus came to earth as a vulnerable helpless
baby, lived a humble life and then died a terrible death. But as
impossible as His situation must have seemed to His disciples, that
wasn‘t the end of the story. We know what happened and how he amazingly
and miraculously WON the victory over death! With His Amazing Living Hope
in our hearts, we can walk along side people who simply want a life of
freedom and self-respect - and help them search for new possibilities
for their lives. Through networking with individuals, churches and
organizations, we can do this work together. There need to be "safe
places" in the countries of origin, to which women can go when they
leave prostitution. Prevention work has to be fur-ther developed and
intensified. Economic alternatives and opportunity for employ-ment must
be provided. And in Western Europe, there is the need for a political
lob-by that is a voice for refugees and victims of trafficking.
Feel
overwhelmed? At times during the conference we did too. But then we
turned our eyes in prayer and worship toward the One who Calls and then
Equips. And we realized that Christ has provided the Community of Faith
on this earth to offer sup-port and encouragement. And HE will lead the
way and use the offering of our lives in ways that far, far exceed what
we can imagine!
Here‘s a place to start!
Please pray for:
- Victims
of human trafficking and prostitution in your community (they are
present in every corner of the earth) that they may know Hope and
Freedom.
- Those who abuse and traffick people in situations of exploitation
- What YOUR church CAN do.
- Your EBF Anti-Trafficking Working Group and Network - for wisdom, courage and God‘s Guidance.
What CAN churches do? A lot! It‘s happening! Join us!
May All of You Know God‘s Love and Blessings!
Lauran
**This article had help from reports of the
conference written by "Herzwerk" staff and Sven Gunnar Liden, Chair of
the EBF Anti-Trafficking Working Group.
Rev. Lauran Bethell serves as Global Consultant, helping Christians to
minister in Christ’s name to victims of human trafficking and
prostitution. She is a missionary with International Ministries ABC/USA, and is based
in The Netherlands.
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