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Human trafficking remains a significant global issue, affecting millions of people across the world - 49.6 million people are currently living in modern slavery worldwide, with 12 million of them being children. It is estimated that 54% of those trapped in modern slavery are women and girls.
Human trafficking is a $150+ billion industry, making it one of the most profitable illegal industries.
THE BIBLE SPEAKS
The Bible speaks powerfully about the exploitation and oppression of others, and its principles can be applied to the modern-day issue of child trafficking.
Proverbs 31:8-9: "Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy." This verse emphasizes the importance of advocating for those who are voiceless and exploited, including victims of child trafficking.
Isaiah 1:17: "Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow." God calls us to pursue justice and defend those who are vulnerable and marginalized, which includes trafficked children.
Psalm 82:3-4: "Defend the weak and the fatherless; uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed. Rescue the weak and the needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked." This verse instructs us to actively work towards rescuing and delivering those in desperate situations, such as children trapped in trafficking.
These scriptures remind us of our responsibility to stand against injustice and support those who are suffering. By following these biblical principles, we can contribute to ending child trafficking and bringing hope and healing to its victims.
DAMAGED GOODS
The psychological effects of child trafficking are profound and long-lasting. Children who have been trafficked often endure multiple forms of trauma, including physical, emotional, and sexual abuse. This polyvictimization can lead to complex trauma, significantly impacting their mental health and development. If not rehabilitated early on, many become perpetrators themselves.
Trafficked children frequently experience:
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Symptoms include flashbacks, nightmares, and severe anxiety, which can persist long after the trafficking experience. Frequently, PTSD victims become abusers.
Dissociation: To cope with the inescapable pain, children may disconnect from themselves and their surroundings, leading to feelings of unreality and detachment. Many become drug users to cope.
Emotional Dysregulation: Trafficked children often struggle with regulating their emotions and impulses, which can result in mood swings, aggression, or withdrawal. When fronted, they can become aggressive.
Cognitive and Developmental Delays: The trauma can impair brain development, leading to difficulties with attention, learning, and memory.
Negative Self-Perception: Victims may develop a distorted view of themselves, feeling worthless or unlovable, which can affect their relationships and self-esteem.
These psychological impacts highlight the urgent need for comprehensive spiritual support and therapeutic interventions to help trafficked children heal and rebuild their lives.
SPIRITUAL IMPLICATIONS
The spiritual implications of child trafficking are profound and deeply troubling - to say the least. Trafficked children often experience a severe disruption in their sense of self and their connection to true indwelt Christianity.
Loss of Innocence and Trust: Trafficked children may struggle with feelings of betrayal and abandonment, which can lead to a loss of trust in others and in a benevolent, “uncaring God,” and the church body itself.
Sense of Defilement and Shame: Many victims feel a deep sense of shame and defilement, believing they are unworthy of God’s love and forgiveness - even from Yeshua. This can severely impact their spiritual well-being and their ability to see themselves as valuable and loved by God.
Spiritual Disconnection: The trauma of trafficking can cause children to feel disconnected from their spiritual beliefs and the church body. They may struggle to find meaning and purpose in life, feeling isolated and abandoned - trapped by the misnomer of, why didn’t God save me.
Struggle with Forgiveness: Victims often grapple with forgiving themselves and others. The reality of Yeshua’s forgiveness can be difficult to accept, especially when they feel deeply wronged and damaged.
Search for Healing and Redemption: Despite these challenges, if provided opportunities, many trafficked children seek spiritual healing and redemption. Authentic Christian support can play a crucial role in their recovery, helping them to rebuild their sense of self-worth and find hope and purpose in their lives in Christ.
Addressing the spiritual needs of trafficked children is critical for their spiritual redemption and recovery. Providing compassionate, and authentic faith support can help them reconnect with their spirituality and find healing and hope in Yeshua.
It is imperative for authentic believers in Christ to remain vigilant and proactive in the fight against child trafficking.
Our faith calls us to be the hands and feet of Yeshua/Jesus, reaching out to protect the vulnerable and bring hope to the oppressed. We must be alert to the signs of trafficking in our communities and take decisive action to prevent it. Moreover, for those children who are freed from the horrors of trafficking, our role does not end with their rescue. We must be committed to walking alongside them in their healing journey, offering the love of Yeshua, Biblical support, and the message of Christ's redeeming grace.
Together, we can make a profound difference, shining the light of God's love into the darkest places and helping to restore the lives of these precious children.
Visit our Save The Children website. HERE
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