For the next two weeks, I will be reposting our Redeemed series focusing on the serious issue of human trafficking and the ministry of Women at Risk, International. Gillian Ferwerda of Women at Risk (WAR) wrote these posts for us to open our eyes to the rampant problem of trafficking around the world, and also give us specific ways that we can make a difference! I pray you will join us and be changed through it!
They know who to prey on—traffickers target the weak, the vulnerable, the unprotected, and the alone. Impoverished women and children, widows, orphans, or street children are easy prey.
Traffickers are known to wait outside of orphanage doors as the girls who graduate from the orphanages may have no family support, no governmental protection, no familiarity with the world outside of the orphanage, and no education or job training. They are eager to live, eager to begin life, and eager for any job. Traffickers are ready with smooth promises of good jobs, modeling tours, an exciting life, etc.
Each hour, 115 more children are forced into prostitution. [1]
Chirawan’s Story
Thailand
Future—it is a word that Chirawan does not take for granted. She won’t dwell on what could have been—she was brought to the orphanage by a kind relative and rescued from all kinds of potential horror stories.
She knows that many girls from Thailand’s northern hills, where she grew up, are sold into sexual slavery. Now, instead of being brought to the city as a slave, she is going with a promising future. A recent graduate from high school, she is excited to be a full time student at the University!
A safe home
In mountainous northern Thailand, 110 girls, ages 4-23, find a home, a shelter from potential exploitation and trafficking.
Something in these girls’ story indicated that they were at risk. In small villages, the news that a father or stepfather is going to sell his daughter travels quickly, and a kind relative or neighbor may bring the girl to the orphanage.
Here, the girls find protection, safety, and knowledge of their loving heavenly Father. This orphanage provides them with education and skills so that they can make a safe living for themselves once they graduate.
Women At Risk, International (WAR, Int’l) partners with this orphanage, helping them to expand their buildings and program. In addition, we sell embroidery made by the children’s families, getting to the root causes of these children’s risks, poverty and devaluing of women, by providing income to the family through women and in conjunction with these girls.
What you can do!
Prayer truly should be our first response—we cannot see, rescue, or protect every child, but our God is omnipotent and omniscient. He sees each tear. He has allowed us the privilege of being his co-workers through prayer.
WAR, Int’l knows the importance of prayer, and asks women to uphold our programs in prayer. We cannot do it without it. For information about our Prayer Circles (read about them here) and on how to pray for WAR, Int’l, please email Gillian at gf (at) warinternational.org or call 616-855-0796.
For you
For those who have entered into a relationship with God through belief in Jesus, we can rest in the fact that Christ has rescued us! His blood is absolutely sufficient to cover all our sins. We are brought to a safe home in his fold. We are secure because of him, and no one can snatch us out of his hands.
We are his, forever (John 10:28-29). We are safe, protected. We are no longer condemned and our hearts can rest at peace (Romans 8:1; 1 John 3:21), because we can do absolutely nothing to add to that. It has all been paid. We are reconciled with God (2 Corinthians 5:17-21). No longer are we afraid and assailed by doubts, but He who calms the seas can calm our hearts and minds.
From Kristi: Want to know more about how to find freedom through Jesus Christ? Please email me – I would love to talk with you.
[1] World Orphans
