Calls in the Dark

 

At my YMCA, down the hallway on the right, is a series of small, rectangular wallet lockers. Keys, wallets and cell phones get stashed there, as their owners exercise. Occasionally as I pass by, I hear cell phones vibrating metallically in their tiny cells, ringing in the darkness. Seventy cubical cells, stacked wide and tall. Calls in the dark, and no one answers them. Helpless to answer them, I amble on, grinning to myself. 

Last week, I finished watching a documentary on human trafficking, following the true story of Lilya, a sixteen year old girl in Estonia. Her story enraged and moved me -- not because human trafficking is a new concept-- but because it illustrated so poignantly how someone can be tricked and sold into sexual slavery. Young and helpless, her calls in the dark went unanswered. Stacked in a row of metallic apartments in Sweden, she was imprisoned.

I can't walk by this need. Her story is but one of millions. Compassion International's fall 2011 magazine estimates that: 

•  nearly 2 million children are forced into the worldwide sex trade each year
• 800,000 children, women, and men are trafficked across international borders annually
• 50% of human trafficking victims are minors

 That's the yucky, hard to hear news.

Here's the good news!  Agencies and organizations are rallying together to fight this. People are being rescued and receiving healing, training and support. We don't need to walk by, helpless to the calls in the dark. We can help.

In this three-part series, I'll end each post with easy, tangible "You can do this today!" ways to fight human trafficking. I hope that excites and encourages you as much as it does me! Plus I have a book give-away for you, and the winner will be announced at the end of the series.


Today's Tangible Ways to Fight Human Trafficking

• Check out International Justice Mission's work (and on facebook) to hear weekly arrests, victories and prayer requests. 
• Prayerfully watch the documentary Lilya. Warning: Mature, R-rated. Not recommended for males or anyone under 18.
• Start a Loose Change to Loosen Chains jar.

Book Give-away: Win an autographed copy of Kimberly Rae's book "Stolen Woman..." Winners will be announced at the end of the series, in a few days. Each action enters your name anew.

• Leave a comment here on my site on what you've heard about human trafficking (if any) this year, or
• Pray with me here (on the comments) for strength, resources and energy for the people to fight this, or
• Share this on your facebook page by clicking the "fb" button below (and let me know you did). Let's raise awareness!  

5 Sure Signs You Haven't Been Working Out Consistently

1.) You have to introduce yourself to the new childcare staff when you drop off your son.
2.) The baby diapers in your work out bag are two sizes too small.
3.) Your locker lock is still at home in your "Let's go to the outdoor pool!" bag alongside sunscreen bottles. 
4.) Counting laps around the track involves sheer determination and internal bullying. ("No, you can NOT stop! Yes, I know you are dying. We are going to 30..."
5.) During cool down after the two miles, you seriously fear your legs will give out and send you toppling over the railing to the gym of basketball players below.

Grab your workout clothes and join me in the wobbly, sore legs feeling! It's a great sense of accomplishment. (For those who were with us last week, we were talking about persistence. This is me starting to be more consistent in working out.)

How about you? What do you wrestle with in being consistent? What victories have you seen this week? Spending time in God's word is a big thing too that Christians wrestle with in being consistent. Let's spur each other on. Where are you reading in God's word today/this week? 

The Romance in the Moment to Moment winner from this post is Britni. Britni, email me at douganemail@gmail.com with your address so I can send you a tailor-bought gift card for your town. Thanks.