Instant Action

Is it considered a post if I just put up a video? (Can you tell that I love these?) Sometimes seeing gets through to me more than reading. I don't know why. Anyway, this video is like a "P.S." to my last post. It is an easy action step that people can take if you just don't know where to begin. I talk about it a lot. Trade as One...a christian, fair trade organization, who just like you and me wants to help with the issue of injustice. Their simple way is just by buying stuff that you would buy anyway...only this time, your purchase will change lives. I am currently making a list of ways that I can spread the word about injustice and then act on it to make a difference...a lot of the ideas are fundraisers. However, in the meantime, this way is the most "spontaneous" if you will. :) Instant action!! (Ok, so in the end I didn't just post a video. I knew I would have to say something. :) Oh, and keep in the back of your minds the following tentative dates for a film screening/fair trade/justice party (love the name? eek! Not very catchy..I will have to think about that one. Anyway! Friday, April 30th....Saturday, May 1st......Friday, May 7th..... or May 14th or 15th (a Friday and Saturday). The party would be from 7PM-9PM. ) Not sure if Fridays or Saturday work better for people. Let me know, even if it's just your opinion. Ok, back to what I was talking about....

When you go to trade as One's website HERE, be sure to click on SHOP and look at their cute little package deal there in the picture. It is a sweet little deal for these snowy days. Coffee, chocolate, adorable mug and an awesome book, Good News About Injustice written by Gary Haugen, the CEO and founder of IJM.

Are YOU called?

So lately I have been thinking about how more and more people are educating others about human trafficking. It is all too lucrative of a business, but it seemed hidden for so long. So now that we are learning more about it, what's next? I have said this before, but when I really sit and think about it, I get overwhelmed and a bit hopeless thinking that there is no way to stop such a money maker. There are plenty of girls out there and plenty of men who want to take advantage of them. So do we all just give up ? Will praying even do anything? Well, I had the privelege of attending a meeting with a staff member from IJM. During this meeting, she pointed out many practical things. She reminded me that this isn't all about the specific "issue," it is about what God has CALLED His people to do since the beginning of time. This is not just her idea or what Christians say, it is evident in the Bible. I don't ever want to get caught up in just the issue. There are so many forms of injustice in our world (trafficking, slavery, sexual violence, etc.) They are all important and God does not ask us to pick just one that we feel drawn to and then ignore the others. My heart has been broken for those who are a part of sex trafficking, especially children, but even before this meeting I have been feeling God's calling to help seek justice for all who are suffering. Micah 6:8 spells it out as blunt as it gets, " He has shown you, O people, what is good and what the Lord requires of you; but to do justice, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God." It is right there in His word. He has shown us what IS good and what is REQUIRED of us. Not, do it if you feel like you can handle it...because I don't think many of us feel like we can. I know I don't. I can't. Not on my own anyway. Basically, this meeting explored many scripture verses that show God's heart toward injustice and his commands to us. So as I get overwhelmed, and you may too, we have to have faith that God is aware of the evil in this world and He is using us to make a change. Just a reminder....God never calls us without equipping us first. I don't know why I sometimes don't fully "believe" that. I know He will....we see it over and over in the Bible. He equipped all that he called. " Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified;do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9 So I am getting educated...good first step. Next step is to explore and take some action. I am still planning on having a fundraiser/jewelry party in May (whether this is held at my church or just at my house is still unknown), but I am learning that there are more and more ways to help. I am looking into this currently through IJM, but there are many other organizations that are looking for volunteers. God has called us ALL to seek justice. Now it is up to us to trust that He will equip us as we take the next step. I would love to hear of some organizations and practical ways that you may be helping out. Check out some of the ways to take action below.

HERE are some action steps through IJM.
HERE are some action steps through Polaris Project (click on the "Take Action" tab for more)
HERE are some action steps through History Starts Now (my good friend, Rachael, is the co-founder and program director. It is such a great group.)

I Love LOVE!

Ok, so it's Valentine's Day (almost). I have always loved this day. When I was younger, my dad would would always get me a card, some candy, and a piece of jewelry to celebrate. It was his little silent way of telling me that he loved me. He was my protector and I knew it without him even having to say a word. I actually don't remember him telling me the words, "I love you," that often, but he really didn't need to. His actions made that truth evident. When I got married, my husband took on the role of "being my valentine." (He has done a great job by the way). We usually celebrate by going bowling, rock climbing, renting a movie, or just getting some ice cream. Now that we have kids, I try to get them involved in this day too. They are my little valentines! We bake cookies for Daddy, make him cards, and write notes on all the mirrors around the house telling him why we love him so much. Even though Valentine's day has turned into a way for retailers to make a ton of money on ugly heart jewelry and boxed chocolates, I still LOVE the idea of setting aside a day to tell or show your loved ones how much you love them! I guess having felt love from my dad, friends, husband, my boys, and MY GOD I never really sat down and thought about not knowing love. I can't even imagine. Young boys and girls around the globe have such a warped view of "love." How can you know true love if you were sold by your own parents? How can you know true love if your protector (AKA pimp), abuses you and allows others to do the same without conviction. The only true hope today for these girls is God's love. I pray that He reveals that love to them and that even in the midst of their circumstances that they would know that God loves them and that his people (that's us!) are starting to help in any way we can. We should all know what it feels like to be loved. It is so comforting. I strongly believe that these girls will SOON know what true love is. First from Jesus Christ and eventually from a loving husband. Show some love this Valentine's day! Appreciate those you love and those that love you! We are so blessed. Also, be constantly thinking of ways that we can show love to an unloved group of people. If you have any ideas, I would love to hear them!

My Money Does What?

Voting this week for Holly's Love 146 fundraiser made me want to "blog" about something I have thought about in the past and you probably have too. Where does all the donation money go? Holly and her husband are donating to an organization named Love146 that is fighting to end child sex trafficking. So what does their money really do? This post stems from my curiosity. When I first got involved in researching and wanting to make other people aware of these crimes, I wanted to help make a change. So I decided to just start by donating. BUT I didn't know where to give or what "they" would do with my money. I have explained in previous posts what the Hagar Project, Rahab Bazaar, and Nightlight (products sold through Trade as One website) do with their money. Read HERE for details. Another organization that I love is International Justice Mission. They focus much of their work on the legal end of social injustice (of all kinds), not just child sex trafficking. There are so many countries that have corrupt law enforcement and legal systems. This is when it is necessary for organizations like IJM to step in in order to make any change possible. Most of these organizations...such as IJM, Love 146, World Vision, History Starts Now, etc. depend on donations to "spread the word" about sex trafficking, pay for the resources needed to build and execute cases against these traffickers, and finally fund the aftercare projects set up to rehabilitate these chilren and young women when they are rescued. So much "baggage" comes with being rescued. It would be unfair to simply remove them from the bars and brothels without helping them form a "normal" life. With all of that said, every little bit counts. The abolitionists in these organizations do more than we know. They need our little or large donations in order to raise awareness, legally rescue girls, and then for aftercare. Thank you to everyone that voted through Holly's blog this week. Each vote made a difference! :) Keep checking back for more ways to help! Easy right?

Just Vote! It's that Simple! "Spread the LOVE, Spread The WORD"

It couldn't be any easier! In my last post, I mentioned that my friend Holly was going to be starting a fundraiser for children caught in sex trafficking. Well, today is the day! All of the details can be found HERE. (Background info, rules, prizes!) The best part is....all you have to do is VOTE on your favorite "web card" designed by Holly (an awesome photographer...look HERE) and SHE will be donating $0.50 to Love146. Love146 is another great organization that is working towards the abolition of child sex trafficking. I urge you to take 50 seconds to place your vote (and that is it!) You will also have the chance of winning some really COOL PRIZES. There is really no reason NOT to vote if you ask me! :) The hardest part will be choosing which "web card" you like the most. They are all so creative. Happy Voting!

Solutions Exist

Thinking about human trafficking just overwhelms me. I don't see an end or that any solutions exist. When those thoughts flood my mind I am instantly reminded to PRAY. Even though we don't live in Cambodia, Thailand, Haiti, or any other country where this crime is "accepted," we do live in America where we CAN stand up for those who don't have a voice. We can do it in simple ways, like my friend Holly will be doing next week with a fundraiser that YOU can be a part of (more to come on that in a few days). Or we can be a part of IJM's (International Justice Mission) Advocacy Days. Both of these are simple solutions that can help make others aware of this GROWING problem and hopefully make a change. I will be letting you know more about Holly's FUNdraiser (easy, simple, and fun-fundraiser next week). Also, watch the 2nd video below to find out more about advocacy days through IJM and let me know if you might be interested in getting involved!

IJM - Reality of Human Trafficking from International Justice Mission on Vimeo.

IJM 2010 Advocacy Day from International Justice Mission on Vimeo.

Would YOU come???

So the plans are getting a little clearer. The key word is LITTLE. I am thinking about a film screening event for women. :) I don't think that we all grasp the reality that these girls live. Therefore, seeing it on film will really open our eyes. So, the thought is to view a film on hman sex trafficking and then have an opportunity to help out! What better way to help than shop?? It sounds easy to me. So this is the general plan. SOOO many more details to be worked out. BUT one of the things I have to know is WILL YOU COME??? I am thinking sometime in May. I hope that you will! I will leave you with this quote from the book, Not For Sale. " We often look at heroes and think, 'I so admire who they are, but I could never do what they do.' The truth is that a heroic path usually begins with a humble act that opens a gate into a new universe."

Here is a little clip about Nightlight...one of the "producers" that makes the jewelry that Trade as One sells on their website and will be sold at the film screening event. :)

And Now Haiti...

Well, maybe I shouldn't say and "now" because it has been going on for years over there. I remember 2 years ago when my husband went down to the Dominican Republic he came home and told me about the slavery taking place in the D.R. and Haiti. Many Dominicans had Haitian slaves! I was shocked because I had not heard much about modern day slavery at that point. I also didn't know that any of it was sex slavery. NOW, more than ever, Haiti needs help. They need it in many ways after the earthquake, but with countless children walking around with no home or adult to protect them, human traffickers are salivating with the thought of fresh "free products" at their fingertips. Like these kids haven't already been through enough. Honestly, I just want to call up Haiti and have them send me all of the children that need homes and let me take care of the rest. Ok, so maybe I can't do that. I just feel hopeless knowing that this doesn't have to happen. I have a link below (which you may have to copy and paste, sorry) that tells a little bit more about this. Please read it until the end (it is short) but it is eye opening. Pray for Haiti, pray for these innocent children whose lives are about to change even more, and again as hard as it is (believe me I KNOW) pray for these traffickers who are destroying so many lives for the love of money.

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,583709,00.html

Got 5 minutes?

" All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men (and women) do nothing." Edmund Burke

Praying for Pimps?

So as I think about raising funds for these girls (and boys), I am constantly praying for them. I cannot imagine what they are going through, what they are thinking each time they encounter a new "client", and how in the world they will recover if and when they are rescued. Recently, I was reading my Bible and BAM, a verse that I was reading really stood out. Now, I know that it was written by Paul to the Christians in Colosse, but the principle can be applied to these pimps too. "Once, you were alienated from God and were enemies in your mind because of your evil behavior. But now he has reconciled you by Christ's physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation." (Colossians 1:21-22) There is a part of me that doesn't care about these men and women that force girls to be sex slaves at such young ages. However, there is another part of me that knows that God (somehow) loves them and died for them...just like all of us law abiding citizens. As I continue to pray for these girls, their families, and abolitionists, I am going to commit to praying for all of the criminals behind this "business." I pray that their eyes will be open to what they are doing and the hurt that they are causing. God can do amazing things. This is by no means beyond his capabilities.

HELP!!!!

My poor husband. For months now, he has had to listen to me share depressing story after depressing story about the unfortunate life of those caught up in the sex trade. He agrees though that as depressing as it is, it is real and something needs to be done. So that is where my ideas start flooding in and he just laughs. I think I have had at least 10-15 "great ideas" about how to "do my part." Some of them are unrealistic for anyone, some cannot be done right now with two small children at home, and some are POSSIBLE. This is where my brain overloads. Where to begin? What EXACTLY to do? Where to do it?? So maybe you can help. I wanted to think of a way to help that would be fun all at the same time. So, literally, with God leading the way through other people (which I will explain at some point) I have been led to the idea of a shopping fundraiser of sorts. Let me start by telling you what I imagine...I picture a day where people can come and learn about modern day sex slavery and how it is growing across the world. (A time of gaining knowledge!) During this time, I also picture tables and tables of goods produced by girls that have been rescued or have escaped this lifestyle. This is where we would all be laughing and buying all kinds of cool jewelry, bags, shoes, etc. knowing that each purchase is helping a girls stay out of the sex business and supporting her family. Have I said that through these businesses, girls are also given emergency aid, child care, tutoring, and biblical teaching? They are being "saved" in so many ways. So it is a win win...we get great buys and they get a chance at a new life! (They win in the end with that). :) Here is the deal though. I have looked into this, and I through Trade as One I can hold a Gift Fair. BUT this is usually done at a church on a Sunday. That is fine, but I would LOVE to open it up to more than just my church. I have so many friends and family that don't live near me or attend my church. I envision this on a Saturday so that anyone can come. Where would this be held is one dilemma. The other is how would I get the word out there??? Typically, Trade as One "advertises" by having the pastor talk about it on a Sunday and following the service, people can buy items. Hmmm, what to do?? ANy ideas?? My other "avenue" to follow is on a smaller scale. Remember when your mom had Tupperware parties? Or now Pampered Chef, Silpada, Southern Living, etc? A HOME PARTY! BUT we would be buying these fair trade items instead (while still being informed about the need out there). That is another way to go. I think I will definitely do that one (so expect an invite!) but I don't want to give up on my first idea. I just need fresh minds to steer me in the right direction. HELP!! :)

Trade as One Favorite Items...for today!

Ok, I love these two items. I think the bracelet is so sleek and the bag is really cute. I just thought that every now and then and I would post different items I like from Trade as One. These two items are both $39 each. The bracelet is from the Nightlight Producers and the bag is from Hagar. Happy Shopping! Anyone you know having a birthday coming up?

Back to the Bracelet

My bracelet is here! This is going to just be post full of pictures of my bracelet. It is cute and I love knowing that this purchase has helped keep a young girl out of the bondage of the sex trade. I have more a lot to write about, but less time than I would like...so I will be writing more soon! For now, enjoy the bracelet pics and as you think about future purchases, consider buying Fair Trade!

Slavery in YOUR town!

So as many of you know, I am reading the book Not For Sale. (I should be done with it because it is a VERY interesting book, but I find that I am just so tired at night and don't get to read as much as I would like). Just a side note! Anyway, the author, David Batstone, runs the Not For Sale Campaign and also set up a Slavery Map online. This is a map of the United States that marks forced labor in towns around the country. It is shocking that this is taking place in our home towns. I urge you to click on your state and then your town (or a town close to you) and read about what is going on behind closed doors. Thankfully, all of the marked towns are cases where forced labor has been located and shut down. This is OUR country. Not some third world country that we never think about.

http://slaverymap.org/

Awesome Abolitionists!!!

As I am reading more and more, I am coming across the most awesome people! There is not other way to describe them. These men and women are dedicating their lives to abolishing modern day slavery. It is just too amazing. One of the women I read about recently is named Kru Nam. She lives in Thailand and I would describe her as a "go getter." Literally. Kru Nam is an artist who stumbled across kids that had escaped the brothels in Thailand. When they told her their stories she couldn't just sit back and hope for the best for the other kids caught up in the sex trade. She began going INTO the karaoke bars and brothels and grabbing as many kids as she could and running! She now has over 100 kids that she has rescued! Like I said, awesome. I have a video below that will show you more about where they live now. I love reading about such bold people. They are a real inspriation. Go Kru Nam!!!