The Demand for Slavery

I have tried to stay away from this topic, but my passion is similar to how the prophet Jeremiah felt about God’s word.

“… his word is in my heart like a fire, a fire shut up in my bones.
I am weary of holding it in; indeed, I cannot.” Jeremiah 20:9

With ever increasing frequency, stories are released about victims being rescued from some form of human trafficking.

Human trafficking threatens all demographics and races.

A few headlines:

• Sylmar Couple Charged With Human Trafficking, Slavery Involving Young Girl (CBS LOCAL)
• Tip in 2009, led to N.C. human trafficking bust, 40 arrests (News-Record)
• Deputies say 44 arrested, 14 year-old rescued in Lake County prostitution bust (WFTV)

The website NYC.gov provides some examples of human trafficking, each one is horrific.

GOOGLE IMAGES

The problem spans oceans and continents.

I do not think we (governments and the people) fully realizes how expansive the problem and our role in the problem as consumers. It involves everything from the food on our tables, clothing on our backs, the homes we rest in, the yards we admire, the imported goods we buy, the types of sexual activities we partake in, etc…. All create demand for slaves.

Sometimes repeated exposure to a problem can cause indifference. It is much easier to dismiss, put our head in the sand or look the other way, then it is to make decisions that affect our bottom line.

That is what it all comes down to – money.

Wrestle with it. While you wrestle, check out this site for an idea of your role in slavery. Also, research the brands you buy and the stores you frequent.

While it is still impossible to only buy slave free. It is much easier than when I began nine years ago. We create the demand. Therefore, we have the power to end slavery.

2007 US DEPT OF STATE TRAFFICKING AND MISSING PERSONS REPORT