You may choose to look the other way but you can never say again that you did not know.~ William Wilberforce
Over the years, I’ve heard of sex-trafficking on the news or from a few friends who attended an informational meeting, but the urgency for creating awareness didn’t set in.
Several groups were presented at Allume last year, but after chatting with a few of the people from The Exodus Road, something about their ministry kept drawing me back to ask more questions.
After picking up a copy of their book The Exodus Road: A Wife’s Journey into Sex Trafficking and Rescue, I settled into my seat and was thrown into a world I can’t get out of my mind.
Written by a homeschooling, missionary wife of young children, Laura Parker shares the story of how she and her husband, Matt, a former youth pastor, work undercover to help girls who’ve been sold into sex-trafficking and slavery, all while trying to carry on a sense of normalcy within their home.
It was harder than I thought, too. This straddling of two worlds, sheltering of one from the other. It was like I was on foot in a back alley with a pack of snarling wild dogs closing in.
While it was a quick read, I wouldn’t call it an easy one. The families working to help rescue these children have many of the same trials and obstacles that the rest of us face, except they also carry the burden of walking into something that many would be happy to pretend isn’t happening.
Conveying her emotional turmoil not only for her family but also reading about the first hand experiences from her husband, brought me to tears. At other times, all I could think was “What if my own daughter or son was out there? Who would rescue them?”
People like to talk about trafficking, but not a lot of people actually help.
How do these young ladies and even young boys find themselves here?
Some are sold into it, even by family members. Others may think they’re accepting a legitimate job only to find themselves in this situation and can’t escape. Kidnapping and even emotional manipulation–promises of love, stability, and support for those who don’t have a positive home life are also factors. A variety of reasons exist.
Two stories were especially heart-wrenching for me:
One included six retired men who “golfed on Wednesday afternoons,” and paid to have a group of young boys brought to them for sex parties. The authorities (at least those who weren’t corrupt) had pictures of the pedophiles but didn’t know where the boys were coming from and needed someone to go undercover to complete the investigation.
The second was a story of Sarah, a 15 year old who was sold into sex-slavery by her own mother.
While her husband was undercover with surveillance, Laura watched from her computer and noted:
I watched as men talked over her, laughed around her. Sarah had been sold by her mother in Burma, trafficked across Thailand and now into Malaysia, and landed here–in a brothel, without money or passports, unable to speak the local language. Two days earlier, they sold her virginity for $600.
Sex-trafficking is happening all over the world, including here in the States. According to the FBI’s report, “The United States not only faces an influx of international victims but also has its own homegrown problem of interstate sex trafficking of minors. Although comprehensive research to document the number of children engaged in prostitution in the United States is lacking, an estimated 293,000 American youths currently are at risk of becoming victims of commercial sexual exploitation.”
The Exodus Road is working to help form rescue groups, bring on investigators, raise support for those working directly with the children, and other avenues to help spread their mission.
For more information on what you can do to help children who are forced into this modern-day slavery, please visit The Exodus Road, like their page on Facebook, follow them on Twitter, etc.
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Jills Home Remedies says
I would like to learn how to help!
Jills Home Remedies says
I’m only slightly aware of this issue. Would like to be much more informed!
evelynboutique.com says
I would like the book so I can understand the problem better and know how I can help.
evelynboutique.com says
I’m aware of sex trafficking – I personally know a woman from Guatemala who was sold into it by her parents (and has been free for years now and is happily married with a family, praise the Lord!). I need to be more informed about the ‘system’, though. My husband has brought it up in discussion a few times this year, and we would both like to learn more so we know what actions we can take.
Naptime Review says
I wish people talked more about this horrible thing. I bet it happens everywhere.
Julie @ The Naptime Review
nannette elkins says
I am aware of it too! I shared this story on my blog a few weeks ago… When we were living in Latvia in the former Soviet Union just a couple of years ago, a young lady that was coming to our House Church was working as a nanny and came so very close to boarding a plane with her employer who was selling her to someone in Australia! The story is almost unbelievable but it is so very true.
When she showed up on my doorstep that day after escaping from him at the airport, (I even had to call an interpreter, even though she spoke English, the shock rendered her helpless and she was only speaking in her Latvian language). It was so traumatic.
But today? God has worked such miracles in her life…she had much to overcome even BEFORE that horrible episode but God has proved faithful to her. This is a horrific travesty being played out all over the world! Thank you for making us aware…
kd says
My husband and I have a heart for this area of ministry. I recently heard of Exodus Road and was just telling him on Sunday that I wanted to look into it more, so I would love to read this book.
Jamie larrison says
Destiny Rescue is another Christian organization that helps rescue children sold into sexual slavery and rebuild their lives. You can help by volunteering for a jewelry party (money made supports girls who have been rescued), or financially support a rescued or at risk child. There’s also opportunities to volunteer overseas for mission trips. https://www.destinyrescue.org/us/
Carie says
I read “Passport Through Darkness” earlier this year. It is about a missionary working to build an orphanage in the most war torn part of the Sudan in order to provide some of those most vulnerable to sex trafficking a safe place to live. It too is a quick read, but very hard material. Laura Parker’s blog post on missionary burn out has been a huge encouragement to me and a key step in helping us realize what steps we needed to take as missionaries to make it long term.
Madeleine says
For years, my son was a missionary that dealt with some aspect of this. He would want to weep every other week. Though this was only part of his job, it was hard to come across.
My daughter works for Love True. https://www.love-true.org/ They are almost ready to open a house, and it can’t come soon enough.
I am very aware of this ugly business because if what my children do, of what happens, and sometimes I have to look away because it is so hard. Mind you, I don’t stay that way for very long. One can’t, but the journey is hard. I am proud of my older children’s desire to change their part of the world. And I want to do my part in this, too. Thank you for bringing it to light. Most churches don’t like the ugliness. But it is not about us.
jenifer lay says
I want to learn how I can help and bring light to this.
jenifer lay says
I hope to make a difference by drawing attention to this horrid reality.
Carrie says
I’ve known about this since a dear lady shared with us about the ’27 million’ slaves in the world today and had us watch Amazing Grace on Thanksgiving. That was six years ago! It is an issue that is dear to my heart, although for now I feel like the Lord is only enabling my to pray for the victims, and the abolitionist groups and undercover teams. On the front line. I am ready g God in a Brothel by Daniel Walker tightens, incredible, eye opening story a man who worked undercover inter sex trade. I recommend Not for Sale too for those who’d like more info on modern slavery and what we can do lovely!
I am hoping to be able to get Exodus Road’s book soon! Thank you for sharing ๐ It is a hard subject but one I think the Christian church needs to be more involved in. Jesus Cameron save all, but especially the lost, broken, and those who have no/little voice, right!?
Jessica says
I know that this happens but I don’t really “know” about it. I would like to understand it better so that I could figure out what I personally can do to help.
Toaster says
I’m somewhat aware because I know the person who heads breakingchains.org, a dry similar organization that rescues girls out of these situations.
creativehomemakingalmanac says
From what I gathered from your post, this book would be an eye-opener on this atrocity. Coming from someone who doesn’t know much about the sex trafficking of children, reading this book would leave a last impression on me for a long time, as well as someone else who knew little to know on this topic. This book is one of those that you would want to pass onto someone else. Unfortunately, there are monsters in the world who do such horrendous crimes upon young people today and it is terrible. It is good that people write books like this to expose the truth of the underbelly scum we have in the world so those ignorant can no longer turn a blind eye. I would very much like to read this book. Great giveaway-thank you for it! ๐
Double T says
I am aware that it happens; however, I’m sure I don’t fully grasp the magnitude. I would like to have the book so that I could be better informed.
TMichelle says
I am aware of it. I would like this book too and I pray that The Lord help us and these precious children.
Marci Ferrell says
I would love to spread awareness among my church family.
Stephanie says
I’m not as aware of it as I could/should be.
Stephanie says
I’ve seen people post about sex trafficking, I don’t feel like I know enough about it ~ I would definitely like to be more informed and to learn ways that I can help stop it.
rebelmom says
Have been in my own little world I guess..no just being brought to my attention. Something needs to be done!!