It is estimated that there are 27 MILLION modern day slaves.

It exists in 167 countries….and yes, America, too.

It involves children. Every 1 in 5 victims is a child. Many of them involved in the cesspool of the sex trade.

That’s a HUGE problem.

It is such a large problem in fact that many people wonder if they can make a real difference. “What can lil’ ole me do when faced with such a staggering statistics?” we ask ourselves. It is overwhelming and for many of us we can barely wrap our minds around it.

But the truth remains–there are men, women and children being held against their will to work for little or no pay. They are mistreated, exploited and abused in ways unimaginable. They are people just like you and me. My “neighbor,” as the Bible calls them, and I’m commanded to love them as I love myself (Mark 12:31), which means I can’t turn my head and be silent.

When we don’t know what to do we often do nothing. I’m talking from experience here and I’m certainly not pointing any fingers. I am aware that someday soon, I will continue on with my regular every day life and forget that some people’s regular every day life is hell. I’ll forget about the millions, but they will not forget.

But today I want to do something in hopes that it lights a fire in my soul that has been complacent for far too long. That it reignites the love I have for people…all people…and that I can use my gift to help spread the world.

It was Edward Bulwer-Lytton who said, “The pen is mightier than the sword.” Today, I pick up my pen.

What can you do?

Get Involved

Freedom 4/24 is a non-profit organization based in Virginia. Their mission (as taken directly from their website) is:  to raise awareness of the sexual exploitation and human trafficking of women and children around the world and to provide financial support to partner organizations dedicated to bringing freedom and doing justice. 

A good friend of mine, Tim Spaulding, is the President of the organization and his passion for concerning this injustice is inspiring. On Freedom 4/24’s staff page, he includes Elie Wiesel’s quote “I swore never to be silent whenever and wherever human beings endure suffering and humiliation. We must always take sides. Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim.” Tim has chosen to take the side of freedom and lives his life committed to that mission.

There are a variety of ways you can serve Freedom 4/24, no matter where you live. Check out their website for more information.

Give

There are numerous non-profit organizations that you can donate money to, including: Freedom 4/24, International Justice Mission and Love146.

Spread the Word

If nothing else, help spread the word on social media. Use your voice and your podium (yes, we all have one thanks to FB, twitter and Instagram) and shed a light on this darkness.

Whatever you choose to do is fine. Just do something.

How will you love your neighbor caught in slavery today?

**Statistics on modern day slavery were found here.