Remember this movie? Most of us will say how much we loved it. We saw a woman in a dead end, saved by a man of power, wealth, and sophistication. What’s not to love? It had a happy ending.
- 1 million children each year are exploited in the global commercial sex trade.
- 50 % of all trafficking victims worldwide are children.
- 2.3 million girls and women work as prostitutes and madams in India
- 2,000 girls are rescued from sex-slavery each year in India
- 200,000 persons are trafficked into, within, or through India annually.
- 95% of the children of prostituted women in Bombay eventually become enslaved in prostitution.
- $400 million in revenue is generated each year by Bombay’s red-light district.
These statistics were taken from Beyond the Soiled Curtain by David and Beth Grant, who are missionaries to India and head the Project Rescue ministry which is dear to my heart. You can find links on my site.
Pretty Woman isn’t the life these girls live. Most of them are fooled into believing they’re going to work to help their families, the families themselves many times are duped into believing it and they send their daughters as young as 8 and 9 into the hands of men who will abuse them in ways that would make you shiver. They keep them in cages at times, naked, terrified, beaten.
In a life that seems hopeless, there is hope. There is a light shining. Project Rescue is one of the many ministries out there helping to free girls and women out of this industry and bring them the healing and hope from Jesus Christ.
Today, I ask for In the Word Wednesday that you’ll promise to say a prayer for these girls and women enslaved in brothels everywhere–not just India. Pray that God will send people to help them discover hope, free them, save the madams, protect the children who live there and lie under the beds while their mothers work, knowing their life will probably turn out the same.
Pray for income to help build more homes of hope, supplies to take care of them when they’re rescued. Pray for healing–mind, body, and heart. Ask that God would grant these missionaries, who are preaching the gospel, for favor among government officials, brothel owners, and madams. And pray however God would lead you.
“…when a believing person prays, great things happen…” James 5:16 NCV
There are other ways you can help, though prayer is the most important. Another is through a ministry in conjunction with Project Rescue. It’s called The Jubilee Market. They help women and girls rescued out of slavery in India learn a trade to help them economically. For Christmas, my husband bought me a beautiful silk, sling purse. Inside, on the tag, the girl who made my purse had sewn her name. Every time I carry that purse. I pray for her.
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| The Jubilee Market |
Mother’s Day is coming up this weekend! You can get your orders in standard business shipping time.(It might come a little late, but even so…) Pray about it. Wouldn’t this be a wonderful way to remember to pray and purchase gifts with purpose? A bonding time for you and your daughter—who lies safely in her bed, her innocence in tact. Probably unaware, as children should be, that there really are boogey-men out there.
You may read this blog regularly and never leave a comment. Today, if you would…please at least leave the comment “prayed” and encourage me! Imagine a 100 comments that all say “prayed.” That would amazing!
Today we won’t be just In the Word Wednesday–hearers of the word. Today, we will be doers of the word.
* Robin Caroll wrote a book dealing with human trafficking called Deliver Us From Evil. I am reading it right now. I’ll review it when I’m finished.
Prayed! Also, several weeks ago, some friends of mine were in Washington DC and a prayer rally for these types of women. While in prayer, someone came in and told them that a big bust has just been made and 108 women and girls were rescued. Very exciting and still much more to be done.
I'm curious to see what you have to say about Deliver us from Evil. I've never heard of it.
prayed
Prayed! And will pray again.
Prayed! And thank you for the sobering moment within our comfortable lives of all that goes on beyond our own little world. Thank God for hearts that break with His.
Thanks for sharing this compelling information, Jessica! Read another blog on sex trafficking today as well. Prayed for these dear girls/women in India as well as others everywhere who feel hopeless in their circumstances. God bless you and continue to lead you as you follow Him!
Prayed! Thank you for bringing this to our attention today, Jessica. It's sad that these women and little girls are being exploited. Our prayers for them and for the missionaries who fight sex trafficking will not go unheard.
I feel so overwhelmed hearing about the evil things happening. 🙁 I'm praying and will check out those missionaries! (and that org.) Thank you for the reminder!
Prayed
We are so sheltered here. It is hard to imagine a life where our daughters would not be safe and cared for. I prayed and will continue to do so.
Prayed, and will continue to pray. It's interesting that you posted this, because I've been thinking about doing a story about sexual trafficking in the U.S. It happens here too! I'm also hoping to go to a nonprofit awareness dinner on Friday hosted by iEmpathize-a group that raises awareness and funds against sexual trafficking efforts by use of media and the arts. You should check them out sometime.
So sobering and sad. I wish I could do more.
-Lizzie
Definitely prayed and praying. This too is an issue close to my heart. Thank you for bringing awareness to this terrible crime.
Thank you so much for praying and I hope you had a chance to check out The Jubilee Market. They really have quality items! 🙂