Imagine walking into an empty bedroom as a parent. Not because they went to college or staying the night at a friend’s house. They’re just gone. Not a clue where they could be or who they could be with.
That’s a reality every two minutes. That means by the time you finish reading this article, there might be four children sold into trafficking. A family will be shattered. A mother will hit their knees sobbing. A father will look every street corner, ask every stranger, and call 911 until they find their little boy or girl.
That may be a graphic picture, but will you look away? Some of you may be thinking that it’s not your problem or the government will fix it. Unfortunately, a lot of the government is involved as we’ve seen the last few months. Presidents, politicians, international leaders, celebrities, you name it.
According to research by the Safe House Project, an estimated 300,000 children are victims of trafficking every year. And while we’re on the subject of stats let’s keep going – 40% are sold by a family member, less than 1% receive care and 80% of survivors end up being revictimized because they have nowhere to go.
In 2023, a movie called “Sound of Freedom” was released. It was a film about a former U.S. agent, Tim Ballard, who rescued children from sex traffickers. There is a scene in the movie where his partner asks, “You’ve been at this for 12 years. Why are you doing it?” The agent responds with, “Because God’s children are not for sale.”
So, what do we do? The answer is simple. We are to respond with compassion, action and advocacy, reflecting God’s love and mercy to those who are oppressed. That means raid Heaven’s throne room in prayer, serve in your church or community to support victims, educate yourself, or even give to those who are in the fight to stop trafficking. Jesus actually takes it very seriously when one of His little ones is led into sin.
Matthew 18:6 says, “But whoever causes one of these little ones to sin, it would be better for him if a heavy milestone were hung around his neck and he were drowned into the depths of the sea.”
So how precious is a child to you? To God, they have immeasurable worth. Since the start of creation, children are a vital part of God’s creative plan. “Increase in number,” Genesis 1:28 says. Children are “a reward from the Lord,” Psalm 127:3 says. Jesus blessed them personally in Mark 10:16. He also explained that those who welcome and care for children in His name welcome Jesus Himself in doing so.
“Jesus loves the little children. All the little children of the world. Red, yellow, black and white, they are precious in His sight. Jesus loves the little children of the world.”
So be like Jesus. Because in this world that is corrupt and infested with evil, where people will go to extreme lengths to cause a child to stumble or fall away from God, there aren’t many people who stand up for these little ones.
But you can. Because God’s children are not for sale.
If you are interested in helping join the fight to end child exploitation and trafficking, below are a few foundations to partner with:
- The Tim Tebow Foundation: https://timtebowfoundation.org/ministries/anti-human-trafficking-1
- The Safe House Project: https://www.safehouseproject.org
- Agape International Missions: https://aimfree.org
If you have information about human trafficking, call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888. This hotline is available 24/7 and can connect you with trained advocates who can provide assistance and guidance.
