Human trafficking is modern-day slavery. It’s a multi-billion dollar criminal industry which denies freedom to at least 21 million people around the world. (Some estimates are over 50 million.) 
Human trafficking happens right here in Paducah, as the I-24 corridor serves as a popular route for sex traffickers. As you might imagine, Paducah’s multiple interstate exits and hotels all too often become a dropping-off point for this horrific activity.
Human trafficking includes the girl who is forced into prostitution at a truck stop, as well as the man in the restaurant kitchen who was stripped of his passport and held against his will. All victims share one thing in common: they are trapped. They feel hopelessly trapped, though often they’re hidden in plain sight.
Mark your calendars for Sunday, February 19 and Thursday, February 23, 2017! On February 19 we’ll devote the morning sermon to an appropriate Christian response to this global epidemic. Then, on the evening of February 23, we’ll participate in END IT: an international “gathering” for the purpose of shining a light on slavery across the globe – on campuses, at corporations, in neighborhoods, and in gymnasiums. We pray that our awareness will become action for the glory of Christ! End It is a coalition of the world’s leading organizations in the fight for freedom from human trafficking and slavery. Their main goals are awareness, prevention, rescue, and restoration.
Behold my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen, in whom my soul delights; I have put my Spirit upon him; he will bring forth justice to the nations. He will not cry aloud or lift up his voice, or make it heard in the street; a bruised reed he will not break, and a faintly burning wick he will not quench; he will faithfully bring forth justice. He will not grow faint or be discouraged till he has established justice in the earth; and the coastlands wait for his law. Thus says God, the Lord, who created the heavens and stretched them out, who spread out the earth and what comes from it, who gives breath to the people on it and spirit to those who walk in it (Isaiah 42:1-5) …
I am particularly calling upon our young adults and high school students to help us make a difference! Please help First Baptist Paducah get creative in ministry in 2017. Please help us capitalize on your social media skills. If this challenge lights your fire, please get in touch with me (or Pastors Steve or Rusty).
Pastor Charles
Truthfully this terrifies me, but I know I can’t ignore it. Would love to watch God work in this effort.
One of the other Precept Community leaders is very involved with a group that helps rescued victims. They learn to make beautiful jewlery, so when we make purchases it benefits each girl. http://www.isanctuary.org – It is a way for me to feel like I am helping in some way.
*The mission of International Sanctuary is to empower young women and girls rescued from commercial sexual exploitation. By providing meaningful employment through International Sanctuary’s social enterprise, Purpose Jewelry, girls are able to support themselves and obtain job training and experience. Through iSanctuary’s wide range of holistic care services young women can begin to heal and grow in mind, body, and soul. It is iSanctuary’s mission to not just sustain victims of modern-day slavery, but to provide the tools and life skills they need to embrace their true identity and worth, and transform into survivors with true freedom.
LOVE IT!!!!!
So glad you are addressing this.