Made Aware

27 Million, a number that haunts me. 27 million, a number that has become a passion of mine to change. 

In September of 2009, I was made aware of the number 27 million.

To some of you reading this post, 27 million might seem random or insignificant. However, it is important you be made aware of the significance of the number, 27 million.

It is estimated that there are 27 million people enslaved in trafficking rings worldwide. Out of this 27 million, 80 percent are women and children and out of all female victims, 70 percent are trafficked for the commercial sex industry. The largest portion of victims trafficked in the world are trafficked for sex.

Slavery? Trafficking? Victims? Children? 

Yes, is the answer to all of these above questions. Yes, it does happen. You and I live in the largest slavery movement in all of history. 

LightForce International Ministries along with many other organizations, exists to fight against eslavement and exploitation of women and children in the commercial sex industry. 

Perhaps you are feeling like I first did upon learning of the devestating business of sex trafficking. Shocked. Horrified. Sad. Helpless. Imagine how much more devestating it would feel to meet one of 27 million face to face and learn she was only seven years old when she was sold to a brothel. Hard to believe but I met her and hugged her tiny, scared little body. 

If you were to google or research 27 million, statistics would hit you from everywhere. The fact is, 27 million is a number of a statistic in the studies done of trafficking victims. To many people 27 million is just a statistic. To others, perhaps it is still just a random number. However, to me, 27 million is so much more.

27 million has a face, name, age and a dream.

What Can I do?

1.) Educate yourself, become aware. Research and learn. There a few good resources out there such as: humantrafficking.org
http://www.state.gov/g/tip/
http://www.unodc.org/unodc/en/human-trafficking/faqs.html
childtrafficking.com 
There are so many but these will at least help you get started.

2.) Spread the word. Once you become educated, pass the information along to others who are not aware. Traffickers have built their horrible empires and bank on the foundation of ignorance to the problem world wide. The average person knows very little or nothing of Human Trafficking. 

3.) Get involved! 
All of us have different roles in fighting against modern day slavery. Pray and ask God what role he would have you step into.
Help us out! Use your voice!
Fundraisers or Signing up to host a "MADE AWARE-27 million isn't just a number" Campaign in your local area is a great help!
By helping us spread the word and educate people, you personally assist in the rescue process of victims world wide.
You can:
-Plan an event to raise awareness or fundraise for LightForce or another existing organization in your city.
(Many organizations are underfunded and helping them fundraise is a huge help!)
-Create media that answers common questions about trafficking
-Volunteer for an organization that works to prevent trafficking
Whatever role you step into is of great importance.

If you would like information on how to help LightForce out, please contact us here  and let us know how you are specifically interested.

LightForce had an amazing and productive year in 2010 of fighting against sexual exploitation of women and children. We received an incredible batch of interns this year! LightForce was also blessed to partner with some amazing organizations as well.

Our staff thanks all of you who prayed, supported and served alongside us this year. We are humbled and blessed by our amazing partners.

Happy New Year!