If you pour yourself out for the hungry and satisfy the desire of the afflicted, then shall your light rise in the darkness and your gloom be as the noon day. -Isaiah 58:10
As I reflect on this verse, I ask myself, 'who are the afflicted in my neighbourhood? and what is their desire?'
One example are those in slavery. I imagine they want freedom. If you are confused by such a notion of slavery today, and in my neighbourhood, then by all means read on.
As I reflect on this verse, I ask myself, 'who are the afflicted in my neighbourhood? and what is their desire?'
One example are those in slavery. I imagine they want freedom. If you are confused by such a notion of slavery today, and in my neighbourhood, then by all means read on.
Trafficking: Trade; buying and selling; commercial dealings.
Human Trafficking: Buying and selling people; slavery.
Stats
- 27 million slaves on earth right now. More than the rest of history combined.
- The average age of a young woman first being trafficked is 12-14
- 75% of human trafficking is for sexual exploitation
- 75% of all victims are female
- Over 50% of victims are children (under 18).
- Estimates are that at least 2,500 foreign women are brought into the Canadian sex trade each year.
- An estimated 2,200 people are smuggled into the US from Canada to work in brothels, sweatshops, domestic jobs and construction.
- Canada is a source country, destination country and a transit country for human trafficking.
- Winnipeg is the capital of sex trafficking in Canada.
sources:
Here is a quote from a news story I read recently:
"In Western Africa, “baby factories” or “baby farms” are common. Teens, ages between 15–17, with unplanned pregnancies are lured to clinics where their newborns are taken and can be sold for up to $6,400 by traffickers. In some parts of the country they are considered valuable for sacrifice due to the belief that they strengthen charms."
For the full story: http://exoduscry.com/blog/nigerian-police-free-32-teens-from-baby-farm/
As I read things like this, and hear the stats or even the stories, I find it very easy to ignore. But why else have I come to the North End if not to care for those in need?!?! Where is my compassion? I have so little mercy!
"Anyone who does not love, does not know God, because God is love." 1 John 4:8
"If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, 'go in peace, be warmed and filled,' without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead." James 2:15-17
Please pray for me that I would have wisdom to know what is good and right, and for strength to carry it out.
For the full story: http://exoduscry.com/blog/nigerian-police-free-32-teens-from-baby-farm/
As I read things like this, and hear the stats or even the stories, I find it very easy to ignore. But why else have I come to the North End if not to care for those in need?!?! Where is my compassion? I have so little mercy!
"Anyone who does not love, does not know God, because God is love." 1 John 4:8
"If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, 'go in peace, be warmed and filled,' without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead." James 2:15-17
Please pray for me that I would have wisdom to know what is good and right, and for strength to carry it out.
