With the rise in public awareness of child trafficking, most of it is focused on the sex trade and women and children lured to the US to be trafficked. Unspeakable evil and pain comes from this and it is truly a horrible situation. It is however only half of the problem. Human trafficking also refers to labor bondage, organ solicitations, and many other forms of problems.
According to UNICEF, of Zimbabwe's 1.3 million orphans, some 100,000 are living on their own in child-headed households. Many such children are forced to leave school and find work as street vendors or labourers on tobacco farms, tea and sugar plantations, and in mines in order to support younger siblings.
Conditions for children working on farms were "particularly difficult", according to the report, as children were often exposed to bad weather, dangerous chemicals and the use of heavy machinery.
Conditions for children working on farms were "particularly difficult", according to the report, as children were often exposed to bad weather, dangerous chemicals and the use of heavy machinery.
Recently during a prayer campaign, I was challenged to dream big, risk lots, and think long. It's a new take on the old PUSH wristbands- praying until something happens. During this Lenten season, I have heard more and more people talking about human trafficking both domestic and international. And I'm so glad because of the truly horrible situation it is.
For more information about human trafficking, check out International Justice Mission, Love146, and the A:21 Campaign.
Join me as I pray today for the thousands of women, children, and families who are in these situations.
For more information about human trafficking, check out International Justice Mission, Love146, and the A:21 Campaign.
It always disappoints me when you turn on the News, and the current point of interest is either a celebrity doing something outrageous, or a cat is stuck in a tree. I think, this is a sad reflection of society when atrocities such as what you mentioned in your latest blog entry go completely unnoticed because it in no way effects our daily routine. It reminds me of the famous quote, "Sometimes I would like to ask God why He allows poverty, suffering, and injustice when He could do something about it. But I’m afraid He would ask me the same question. – Anonymous." It is important to reflect on the things we can do individually, but I think it is even more important to push for the things we can do as a society. Social Justice to most is only important if the justice impacts them directly. It is good judge of character and what is on the heart, for a person to care about those who in no way have a direct impact on their daily lives. Keep up the good work!
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