THE HORRORS OF HUMAN TRAFFICKING

Injustice
Written By Baily McDaniel

HOW CAN CHRISTIANS FIGHT AGAINST MODERN-DAY SLAVERY?

children holding hands

Key Facts

  • Protesters all over the United States have been participating in demonstrations to raise awareness about human trafficking. Human trafficking is an umbrella term that is often used to refer to sexual exploitation and/or forced labor. [1]

  • An estimated 3.8 million adults were victims of forced sexual exploitation and 1.0 million children were victims of commercial sexual exploitation in 2016. [2]

  • Of the nearly 26,300 runaways reported to National Center for Missing and Exploited Children in 2019, 1 in 6 were likely victims of child sex trafficking. [3]

Key Scriptures

  • Proverbs 31:8-9 “Open your mouth for the mute, for the rights of all who are destitute. Open your mouth, judge righteously, defend the rights of the poor and needy.”

  • James 1:27 “Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.”

  • Proverbs 23:10-11” Do not move the ancient boundary or go into the fields of the fatherless, for their Redeemer is strong; He will plead their case against you.”

  • John 14:18 “I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.”

  • 1 Timothy 1:9-10 “We also know that the law is made not for the righteous but for lawbreakers and rebels, the ungodly and sinful, the unholy and irreligious, for those who kill their fathers or mothers, for murderers, for the sexually immoral, for those practicing homosexuality, for slave traders and liars and perjurers—and for whatever else is contrary to the sound doctrine.”

young woman with hand on her face

Application

People have been trafficking humans in the slave and sex trades for centuries. This issue has been gaining more media attention in recent months and has even sparked protests across the United States. This issue breaks the hearts of Christians as they often feel compelled to help, but also unsure of where to begin in such a secretive, evil industry. 

What Does the Bible Say?

Kidnapping and slave trading are specifically listed as sinful behaviors in the Bible (1 Tim. 1:10). Exploitation after the kidnapping, including rape and sexual assault, is also strictly condemned in the Bible (Deut. 22:25; 2 Sam. 13:14). 

The Bible is very clear about not only avoiding exploiting others, but also protecting those from others who wish to do them harm. Christians are called to speak out against injustices, especially in cases that the victims cannot speak for themselves such as child trafficking (Prov. 31:8-9). Christians are called to be the frontrunners on issues of justice such as these. This is one area where Christians can share the heart of God by caring for and protecting those who cannot protect themselves. 

God gives retribution for those who choose to traffic other individuals (Nahum 1:2-3) and comfort for those who have been victims (2 Cor. 1:3-4). The Lord is just, and while these situations are horrible, God will bring judgment to those who have perpetrated these heinous crimes and they will reap what they have sown (Gal. 6:7). He offers peace and joy beyond comprehension to those who have endured such evils (Rev. 21:4). 

How Do Christians Respond? 

As Christians consider their own response to these horrible injustices, it is important to begin with prayer. The human trafficking industry is so large and longstanding that there are numerous organizations and non-profits attempting to end human trafficking. The fight against human trafficking is one that you could easily spend your whole life working on. Pray about how much time you might be able to devote to this, and if this is not your main ministry, consider praying about financially assisting other Christians in the fight against human trafficking.  

Christians have been responding to the issue of human trafficking for many years. Churches often have programs which directly benefit human trafficking survivors or raise money to fight for the cause. The local church is a great place to start as Christians seek opportunities to get involved. 

Sexual exploitation is not the only form of human trafficking. Christians should seek to end all forms of modern slavery, including forced labor. Forced labor is another way that captors make money off the trafficking of their victims. Fair trade is a movement which helps to ensure better trading and working conditions. [4] Choosing to buy fair trade products can be one way to begin holding companies accountable and ensuring fair and legal work environments for employees which naturally excludes the use of forced labor. [5] There are many resources as we begin to think about intentionally avoiding goods produced by slave or child labor. One is the US Department of Labor List of Goods Produced by Child Labor or Forced Labor which reports goods produced in foreign countries by child or slave labor.

Christians also need to become aware of the deep ties between the pornography industry and the sex trafficking industry. Pornography is used to groom children for sexual activity and many former trafficking victims stated that they were forced to reenact specific acts of pornography. [6] Videos of sexual exploitation and rape commonly appear on pornographic websites. These videos of rape and sexual assault are uploaded without the need for legal consent and add to the victims trauma. Pornhub, a popular pornographic website, has had hundreds of child rape videos found on their website and they have even refused to remove videos at the request of the child victims. [7] The use of websites like these is one way that traffickers can make money at the expense of their captives. More than 1.2 million people have signed a petition to shut down Pornhub and hold it accountable (that petition is here). Christians should adamantly avoid the use of pornography not only because it is sinful, but because it is closely tied to the sex trafficking industry. Christians should strive to share this information with those around them and raise awareness.

Another crucial step is to educate yourself on the tactics used by traffickers to both protect your loved ones and report odd behavior in public. Some of the ‘red flags’ of human trafficking in public include malnourishment and signs of physical abuse, scripted communication, behaving in a way consistent with being watched or followed, and a woman or child being dressed in lower quality clothes than their male (usually older) companion. [8] In America, many children or young people are trafficked while still living at home. They are often trafficked by people they know and trust (a parent, family member, or friend who pimps them out). [9] Traffickers use various tactics and target specific groups, although no one from any group is immune. Find out who in your community may be at a higher risk here. You can also learn the behavior to be aware of or certain ‘red flags’ of trafficking. These concerns can be reported to the National Human Trafficking Hotline. 

children sitting on bench

Conclusion

Christians have an opportunity to lead culture in the fight against human trafficking. God cares deeply for the victims of these crimes, and therefore, Christians should do whatever is possible to end these evils. There are countless ways to get involved in the fight to end human trafficking. As we begin to discover our own roles in this fight against trafficking, let us pray for ways to get involved and allow the church to be a light in a dark world through their care for others.  

Baily McDaniel
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