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E. J. Willis
The Official Website of Author E. J. Willis

World Issue: Modern Slavery

5/7/2014

2 Comments

 
My heart breaks as I read about the Nigerian girls who were kidnapped last month. I cannot imagine the anguish the parents suffer while they worry about their precious children, not to mention the terror and atrocities the children face. They are just children who should be playing, laughing, and enjoying life. Instead they await an unknown fate as their kidnapper threatens to sell them off. 

The sad thing is, this happens to children on a daily basis all around the world. An individual may offer a girl or boy the promise of a better life without ever intending to fulfill it. Once the person has the child away from family, he/she increases the fees to make it impossible for them to ever pay them what they owe. The child is forced into prostitution to pay the debt that will never be settled. Violence, threats, drugs, and isolation are often used to keep the victims compliant. Many will die of diseases they contract, and only a few ever break free  to pick up the pieces of their shattered lives.

Other scenarios also take place, but slavery STILL EXISTS. It happens all over the world, including right here in the United States. Don't believe me? Check out this website.
  • FBI.gov

So now that you know slavery and sex trafficking is real, what can be done about it? Look for local organizations that help victims rebuild their lives. There are many of them out there that need volunteers or financial assistance. You can also find national organizations to support as well as international ones, just be sure to do your research to make sure they are legitimate. Write to your legislatures and ask for tougher penalties for traffickers and stricter laws concerning the industry. And PRAY! For some, that is all we can do. God is mighty and hears our prayers, even when we don't see the answers.

Here are more organizations worth checking out:
  • Shared Hope
  • http://www.ijm.org/
  • http://www.thea21campaign.org/


© Copyright 2014 E. J. Willis
2 Comments
Krista Bjorn link
5/7/2014 02:13:15 pm

I'm so proud of you for writing, Erin!! :-) And such an important first issue to address. Aching for these girls and their families. :-(

Reply
Shea McIntosh Ford link
5/7/2014 10:46:36 pm

I was just talking about this after Bible study last night. A lovely couple that we attend with is originally from Nigeria and I was asking them about the situation. Fortunately, none of their family had been kidnapped, but they were explaining how the Nigerian government is so indifferent to the problems caused by the terrorists. How sad! It's like the evil catalyst posed in a dystopian novel.

Great post Erin! We need more discussion on topics like these. It would be horrible to be like the Nigerian government, and just ignore it.

Reply



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