Wednesday, January 15, 2014

Profiles in Light: The A21 Campaign



Did you know that there are currently 27,000,000 men, women and children held in slavery in the world?  That’s an astonishing number, and not a pleasant thought.  Here are a few more facts:
The average age of victims is 12 year old.
Only 1-2% are ever rescued.
Only 1 in 100,000 European traffickers are ever convicted
Human trafficking is the fastest growing international organized crime, and some place it as the second or third largest in the world.   Many believe it will be the top international crime in just a few short years.
Think you’re exempt because you live in the United States, a country that fought a bloody civil war 150 years ago to end legalized slavery?  Think again   Incidents of human trafficking have been reported in every state in the union.
This seems like a hopeless situation.  But it doesn’t have to be.
Enter the A21 campaign-Abolishing Injustice in the 21st century-An international organization offering a light in the darkest night-and our second Profile in Light.  Their mission is to abolish slavery.  Everywhere.   Here’s how they’re going about it.
-Raising awareness and education to both potential victims and suppliers.
-Shelters for those who have been victims and help in transition after such a traumatic experience
-Prosecuting those responsible for human trafficking.
-Partnering with local agencies to provide support and education to communities.
It may seem like an impossible task.  After all, there are 27 million people currently living under the yoke of slavery.  But, there are 7 billion who can end that.  And A21 is helping to empower, educate and lead the fight against this injustice. 
Saturday marked National Human Trafficking Awareness Day.  So, how can you help?  There are 21 ways to help listed here: http://www.thea21campaign.org/content/21-ways-to-get-involved/gjf4co .  Some are as simple as praying, writing a letter, or simply connecting with the A21 campaign.    Others include being aware of the signs of human trafficking.  There’s truly something that everyone can do to help here, and all of it will be doing good.
Maybe God is calling you to help here-through love, through doing good, through praying for each other.  Won’t you get up and go? 

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