The Faces and Stories behind "Human Trafficking"

There was a time when the term "human trafficking" was a sterile word for me.  Although it sounded like a bad thing, it was void of any color or expression, a topic just beyond the reach of my association or care.  It was a problem elsewhere.  It was dehumanized in my world.

In a recent year, the local public broadcasting channel aired a documentary on human trafficking.  Human trafficking occurs on a broad global scale, even in the United States, and the number of victims is staggering.  As the documentary interviewed the women and exposed their story, I was deeply and profoundly moved by the devastation of human trafficking, especially seen on the faces and in lives of these women.  Some are brutally forced into this trade against their will, and some reluctantly volunteer themselves because it's the only choice.  The exploited are someone's sister, daughter, mother, or wife.  They each have their own unique story.  But the result of being enslaved to the sex trade is universal - it robs the victims of their soul.  They live in a world perpetually deprived of hope, love, and dignity.  I was starting to realize and understand the enormity of the problem.  However, the problem stopped at my tv screen.

Last year, I met Mark and Crista Crawford, and their young son, at a church retreat.  If I did not know they were the founders of The Garden of Hope (TGOH), I would have seen them as an unassuming and pleasant family.  Mark is a calm and stoic man who listens more than he speaks.  Crista is bubbly and engaging, full of warmth.  Together, they seek to give hope, love, and dignity to those enslaved in the sex trade in Thailand.  Their tool is the empowerment in the training of trade skills and employment, and counseling and therapy for their soul.  The provide shelter against the brutality of prostitution.  Their message is there is hope, love, and dignity through Jesus Christ.  With these tools and message, there can be change.

TGOH also runs a Children's Drop Off Center in the redlight district.  This center is a sanctuary for kids whose parents work in the area.  Getting the kids off the street also reduces the chance they will be targeted for prostitution.  The center provides dinner, playing, arts and crafts, and English courses.  It is a place that is safe to be a kid.

The Crawfords gave a call for volunteers to serve in TGOH.  The volunteers would either serve by visiting and engaging the women who prostitutes in the bars, or serve the kids at the Children Drop Off Center.  This was an opportunity for me to put my conviction and reaction to human trafficking into the right perspective.  Despite the enormity of the human trafficking issue, every action starts with one person.  That person can be me.  I can make an impact to at least one child in the redlight district - to play with, to listen to, and to be a friend with.

To read real stories about the exploited in human trafficking, click below:
Christianity Today Article 2/07
TGOH Newsletter