Human Trafficking and the Super Bowl

Usually my blog is pretty G rated, mostly about homeschooling and parenting...but today my heart is heavy, and what's a blog if not to share in those moments?

Super Bowl Sunday is a day celebrated by many-- a day of parties, friends, food, and football.   Most never think about the underground world of human trafficking on Super Bowl Sunday. However, “’the Super Bowl is actually estimated to be one of the largest human trafficking events in the world and it's because anytime there is increased demand, there will increased supply,’ said Kara Van de Carr, executive director of Eden House, a home for trafficking victims in New Orleans.” (http://www.wwltv.com/news/crime/Feds-bust-sex-trafficking-ring-189218531.html)

Human trafficking is modern day slavery and is more abundant that many would like to acknowledge.  A few statistics:

• The United Nations estimates 2.5 million people are trafficked annually. \

• The U.S. State Department estimates about 12.3 million adults and children are "in forced labor, bonded labor, and forced prostitution around the world." 

• “The Department of Justice estimates that more than 250,000 American children are at risk for trafficking into the sex industry annually."

• "The average age of girls who enter into street prostitution is between 12 and 14 years old.” http://theresurgence.com/2012/02/02/sex-trafficking-at-the-super-bowl)

Are your eyes open? Do you see the need around you? It is time to Rise up. Don’t close your eyes to the need, the devastation, the horrible truth that is right in front of us. My heart is heavy today, and I will pray without ceasing for the victims and for those trying to help. “The Lord loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of his unfailing love” (Psalm 33:5). Pray for freedom, for restoration, for hope, and for salvation. Pray for the church to rise up. To take responsibility and fight for freedom. Don’t close your eyes. Recently, Passion 2013 sparked awareness in the cause with their “End It: Shine a Light on Slavery.” 

What will you do? What will I do? I don’t know. But I will do something. And today…I will pray. Because God is real and powerful and He created every one of these modern day slaves in His own image, and He loves each and every one of them. Today I will pray that God frees them, offers them hope in the midst of their pain, and that God revives His people to rise up.