The Salvation Army Illuminates Human Trafficking Scourge
Kudos to The Salvation Army for going where not enough Christian organizations decide to tread: the world-renowned Christian organization founded by William Booth in 1865 in England is shining a bright light on the problem of human trafficking.
Trafficking In Persons
Also referred to as Trafficking in Persons (TIP), this scourge is much more widespread than what many people may think and includes boys coerced to join armies at a very young age, girls sold into slavery as prostitutes, and people forced to work in labor camps among others. The Salvation Army “…believes that the abuse and exploitation of human beings through any form of human trafficking is an offense against humankind and against God.”
To that end, the Christian mission has been broadcasting a television commercial to bring attention to the plight of people bound up in slavery, including one featuring child soldiers. I have included a YouTube clip for your review.
YouTube Flick
I’m not surprised that The Salvation Army is involved and to this degree in fighting human exploitation. William Booth and his wife Catherine worked the hard scrabble streets of London to reach out to society’s rejects. Back then, the established church usually shunned street ministry, but the Booths did not. Prostitution was a huge issue in Victorian England, with vulnerable girls and women having no place to escape.
The Salvation Army opened up 117 homes to protect the weak and was instrumental in raising the age of sexual consent from 13 to 16, though not meeting their goal of raising it to 18.
Over time, The Salvation Army helped to change public perception in England and now through its operation in the United States they want to broaden the field to bring attention to the problem on a global scale.
Four Core Areas
Today’s effort focuses on four core areas: legislative and policy initiatives, awareness raising and training, prevention efforts, as well as the development and provision of trafficking survivor services.
I dug a little deeper and discovered that The Salvation Army’s current human trafficking awareness campaign actually started in the 1990s, although it took a commercial on the Gospel Music Channel (GMC) last night to speak to me about their involvement. Yes, I was touched by what I saw and decided right then and there to share with WordJourney readers this information.
It may be the Christmas season, but I can’t think of a better time of the year to air the plight of those who are suffering. After all, Jesus came to set the captives free including those bound up in the sin of human trafficking (Isaiah 42:7).
Related
The New York Times: Despite Tough Laws, Few Trafficking Arrests
Los Angeles Times: Slavery’s staying power
The Wall Street Journal: The Failure of Anti-Trafficking Efforts
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"He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God." (Micah 6:8)
LD Jackson | December 6th, 2009 at 8:02 am #
Thanks for sharing this with your readers. I can’t think of anything more troubling than the practice of human trafficking. Slavery was abolished in our country many years ago and it’s sad that it is still so prevalent in other countries.
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Matt | December 6th, 2009 at 12:39 pm #
Thank you too, Larry.
Human trafficking is probably much worse than most of us imagine. Even in the US it still goes on, usually with illegal aliens who are imported as prostitutes or sweat shop workers.
Rob | December 7th, 2009 at 11:10 am #
Excellent post, and kudos to the Salvation Army for all that they do. I also read once that when Katrina hit, it was the Salvation Army that was first on the scene to respond with assistance.
Matt | December 11th, 2009 at 11:53 am #
Rob, I didn’t know that. Then again that doesn’t surprise me — they’re usually where the action is, attempting to relieve human suffering as soon as possible.