I have asked Dr Laurelle Smith from The Salvation Army’s International Social Justice Commission to share some insights into her work / ministry in advance of The Salvation Army’s International Annual Day of Prayer for Victims of Human Trafficking.
Which is on Sunday 27 September.
When most people hear the word trafficking, their minds go directly to images of women who are sold to men for their bodies.
But there are many other forms of trafficking that are far less talked about – people being sold for their body parts and organs, children being sold and forced to fight in wars, and thousands of people being moved illegally across borders every day, forced to work for no money and to live in atrocious conditions.
All these different forms of trafficking are happening every day, all over the world. Globally more than 40 million people are subject to forms of modern slavery, and a shocking 71 percent of those are women and girls. (International Labour Organisation, Global Estimates of Modern Slavery, 2017).
Living in a relatively safe country like New Zealand, it’s easy to feel like this is not an issue that touches us. But with numbers like that, how could it not? It makes me wonder who made that item I just ordered online? Who cooked this food I’m eating at a local inexpensive restaurant? What is happening to that woman I just passed on the street? Trafficking is everywhere. It is a complex global problem and no country is immune.
In recent years we have begun to shine a light on the trafficking industry. We are finding ways as a Church to fight against it, to rescue people and to advocate for governments and authorities to do more to stop it.
The problem can feel overwhelming, but we have a responsibility as Christians to actively look for those in our communities and societies who are being exploited and to become agents of awareness, prevention and support.
The reality is that trafficking is occurring in our community, no matter where we live. It may look different to the community next door, but it is there, and we have the power to be able to shine a light on it and work toward the elimination of all forms of modern slavery and human trafficking.
The Salvation Army is deeply committed to fighting and responding to modern slavery and human trafficking. We have a theological and historical mandate. We believe prayer is foundational and an essential, powerful tool to fight for freedom and work towards a world free from exploitation.
Therefore the General has called all Salvationists around the world to corporately cry out for justice and freedom this Sunday. We want to activate our collective voice to say that we believe a world without modern slavery and human trafficking is possible.
This month also marks the official launch of Fight for Freedom – The Salvation Army’s International Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Response Strategy. The Salvation Army has made strengthening its response to modern slavery and human trafficking a global priority. This strategy marks the first time in our history we have a coordinated, global plan to respond, and everyone has a role to play.
The mission is to strengthen the response in every Salvation Army territory, command, region and community, using eight identified actions areas: Prevention, Protection, Partnerships, Participation, Policy, Prosecution and Proof and Prayer.
If you follow International Headquarters, the International Social Justice Commission or the International Women’s Ministries Department on social media you will have seen several resources, tools and inspiring videos being shared over the last few weeks. I invite you to engage with this material, to learn, share and participate in this global movement.
Luke 4:18-19 (New International Version) says; “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent me to PROCLAIM FREEDOM FOR THE PRISONERS and recovery of sight for the blind, to SET THE OPPRESSED FREE, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour.”
This is the mission Jesus entrusted to the Church and it’s still the same today.
These words are a call that is being fulfilled today: freedom for those living in oppressive circumstances, freedom for those who are enslaved by traffickers.
There is good news: the Lord cares for individuals who are hurting and vulnerable and offers healing and restoration. This is good news that we as The Salvation Army can share. By observing The Annual Day of Prayer and working together to end human trafficking, we are fulfilling Jesus’ mission in the world today.
May God bless us each as we step out and follow His call on ours lives to make a difference in the lives of others 🙂
The 7th – 22nd May is your time to get loud and proud about fair trade. Fair Trade Fortnight is all about making the big swap; swapping something that isn’t ethically produced, to an equivalent product that is. It’s about raising awareness, making small changes to make a big impact.
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