A few years ago a dear woman came to see me. With tears in her eyes she told me of her 14 year old niece who seemingly vanished. Apparently this sweet young girl was abducted by the “narcos” and had been forced into slavery. Because of fear, no one wanted to get involved to find and free this girl: not even the authorities. Children in impoverished areas of the world are at a greater risk for human trafficking.
As missionaries, John and I have seen this happen before. Years ago in the Philippines I went into a brothel where I was able to share the Lord with a sweet, young girl who was forced into prostitution when she was but a young teen. We were able to get her out of that lifestyle and into a micro-business where she could not only learn a trade but be reunited with her son and begin a new life, free.
My heart grieves over the epidemic of human trafficking. So much so, my eyes are wet with tears as I write these words.
The Epidemic of Human Trafficking
Did you know human trafficking is the fastest growing organized crime of the 21st century? It ranks second only to drugs as the largest organized crime on the planet. At present, around 30 million people are enslaved globally. 80% of these are women and children. The vast majority are trafficked for sex. Nearly half of all women and children trafficked across international borders come from Eastern Europe.
Ground Zero: Moldova
Moldova is the poorest country in Europe and is particularly vulnerable to the lure of human trafficking syndicates. The poverty and high unemployment in the region and the strong presence of the Russian mafia make this region a hotbed for human trafficking recruitment. Using bogus job offers to lure teens out of the villages, the traffickers abduct them, assault them, drug them and force them into the sex trade.
How You Can Help
My husband is now speaking out passionately against global human trafficking. In the Spring of 2011 he joined with a couple of friends to launch Justice For Youth, an NGO focused on conducting human trafficking prevention seminars in the schools throughout Moldova. John is the CIO for Justice For Youth and as such he spends countless hours studying, interviewing and sharing about human trafficking. You can find out more information on the JFY website (some content may be unsuitable for younger audiences). Justice For Youth
You can support their efforts with your purchase of a shirt, cap or a torch pen.
Champion Hope White Ultra Cotton T Shirt …$14
Champion Hope White Ultra Cotton T Shirt …$14
This super comfortable White pre-shrunk Gilden 6.1 oz Ultra Cotton T features a bold, clean design. Available sizes: XL, L, M, S
Champion Hope Torch Pen
Champion Hope Torch Pen
This eye catching Glacier Blue pen has an ergonomic grip and classy mesh sliders to initiate pen or flashlight functionality. Writes with black ink and has the message “CHAMPION HOPE www.justiceforyouth.org” inscribed. …$2
Champion Hope Khaki Cap…$12
Champion Hope Khaki Cap…$12
100% Stonewashed preshrunk Cotton outdoor cap
Unstructured Crown & Pre-Curved Visor~
Adjustable Velcro Strap
Champion Hope Retro Back Cap…$14
Champion Hope Retro Back Cap…$14
100% Washed Cotton Chino Twill~6 Panel
Unstructured Crown & Pre-Curved Visor
Adjustable Self-Material Stealth Strap With Brass Buckle
You can make an order here. Please specify what you are ordering, along with sizes, in the contact and shipping information. You can follow up by contacting me here on the website.
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Stasia is mother to six beautiful children and wife to a dedicated, loving husband. They have served as a family together on the mission field on four continents for nearly 29 years. Stasia’s passion is to share in true colors the grace of God in her life. You can read more about her and the ministry of the Women’s Bible Cafe here. Meet Missionary Mom and Ministry Leader Stasia Nielsen If this article has blessed you in any small way, please consider showing your support by clicking subscribe in the upper right corner.
