CitizenGO – started this petition to The UK Prime Minister, The Right Honourable Sir Keir Starmer KCB KC MP, and UN Ambassador Dame Barbara Janet Woodward DCMG OBE – 2024/09/05
The UN (United Nations) is on the brink of legalising something unimaginable that will effect children around the world.
Right now, it’s pushing a horrifying treaty that could make it acceptable to create and possess explicit materials involving children—as long as it’s deemed “private” or “consensual”.
The UN’s latest treaty on cybercrime could allow predators to exploit children under the guise of “consensual” or “private” use of sexual content – child rape material.
Imagine AI-generated images of children in disturbing scenarios or real minors (children) being manipulated and / or coerced into creating their own exploitation—all potentially decriminalised. This is beyond comprehension—it’s a direct threat to the safety of every child.
If this treaty is signed, it could pave the way for the normalisation of the most horrific forms of child exploitation and even elements of paedophilia around the world.
And the UN isn’t just allowing this—they’re endorsing it.
By decriminalising “consensual” child pornography i.e child rape material, they’re opening the floodgates for paedophiles and predators. And make no mistake—if we let this happen, it’s only a matter of time before they push for even more: lowering the age of consent and defending the “rights” of those who prey on our children.
This is a nightmare in the making, and we cannot afford to wake up too late. We are standing at the edge of a cliff, and if we don’t act now, the protections that keep our children safe will be eroded.
What will be left? A world where the law protects predators, and our ability to safeguard our children will be stripped away.
We must rise up and make our voices heard. Add your name today to demand that the UK Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, and UN Ambassador Dame Barbara Janet Woodward block this outrageous treaty.
The time to protect our children from this madness is now—before it’s too late.
Urgent: Opposition to Proposed UN Cybercrime Treaty
Dear The Right Honourable Sir Keir Starmer KCB KC MP and Dame Barbara Janet Woodward DCMG OBE,
I am writing to express my deep concern regarding the new UN treaty on cybercrime. What should be a positive step toward global safety has instead raised significant alarm.
Among the most distressing aspects of this proposed treaty is the inclusion of language that would decriminalize certain forms of child pornography.
According to Article 14 of the treaty, countries may choose to decriminalize the production, distribution, and possession of content depicting children that are sexually exposed so long as the material does not represent an “existing person” or does not visually depict actual “child sexual abuse or child sexual exploitation.”
This proposal is not only deeply unethical but also poses a direct threat to the safety and well-being of the most vulnerable members of our society—our children.
It opens the door to depictions of paedophilia and legalizes some forms of child pornography, long considered illegal.
It is deeply troubling that the UN, which should prioritize the protection of all citizens, especially children, is considering provisions that could improve the social perception of paedophiles and protect those who possess and consume such vile material.
We must keep these dangerous individuals far away from our children and ensure that their abhorrent behaviour is not legitimised through international treaties.
In light of this, I urge you to take a stand against this treaty when it comes before the United Nations General Assembly this month. Please abstain from endorsing any agreement that would undermine the protection of our children and compromise the safety of our society.
Thank you for your attention to this critical issue.
[Your Name]
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It’s important. Will you sign it too? Here’s the link:
“He said to her, “Conjure up for me, please, and bring up [from the dead] for me [the spirit] whom I shall name to you.” But the woman said to him, “See here, you know what Saul has done, how he has cut off (eliminated) those who are mediums and spiritists from the land.” – “For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect” – “No wonder! For even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light.” ~ 1 Samuel 28:7-10; Matthew 24:24; 2 Corinthians 11:13.
Praying to the dead is strictly forbidden in the Bible. Deuteronomy 18:11 tells us that anyone who “consults with the dead” is “detestable to the Lord.” The story of Saul consulting a medium to bring up the spirit of the dead Samuel resulted in his death “because he was unfaithful to the LORD; he did not keep the word of the LORD and even consulted a medium for guidance” (1 Samuel 28:1-25; 1 Chronicles 10:13-14). Clearly, God has declared that such things are not to be done.
Consider the characteristics of God. God is omnipresent—everywhere at once—and is capable of hearing every prayer in the world (Psalm 139:7-12). A human being, on the other hand, does not possess this attribute. Also, God is the only one with the power to answer prayer. God is omnipotent—all powerful (Revelation 19:6). Certainly, this is an attribute a human being—dead or alive—does not possess. Finally, God is omniscient—He knows everything (Psalm 147:4-5). Even before we pray, God knows our genuine needs and knows them better than we do. Not only does He know our needs, but He answers our prayers according to His perfect will.
So, in order for a dead person to receive prayers, the dead individual has to hear the prayer, possess the power to answer it, and know how to answer it in a way that is best for the individual praying. Only God hears and answers prayer because of His perfect essence and because of what some theologians call His “immanence.” Immanence is the quality of God that causes Him to be directly involved with the affairs of mankind (1 Timothy 6:14-15); this includes answering prayer.
Even after a person dies, God is still involved with that person and his destination. Hebrews 9:27 says so: “…Man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment.” If a person dies in Christ, he goes to heaven to be present with the Lord (2 Corinthians 5:1-9, especially verse 8); if a person dies in his sin, he goes to hell, and eventually everyone in hell will be thrown into the lake of fire (Revelation 20:14-15).
God has provided His Son, Jesus Christ, to be the mediator between man and God (1 Timothy 2:5). With Jesus Christ as our mediator, we can go through Jesus to God. Why would you want to risk the wrath of God?
7 Prayers You Must Stop Praying
Not all prayers are the same. In fact, some prayers are not only unpleasing to God, but they can even border on witchcraft. Praying the wrong type of prayer can introduce problems in life rather than blessings. Here are the seven prayers that you should stop saying today.
1. Praying to Saints or Angels
The first type of prayer to stop is praying to saints or angels. The Bible clearly instructs Christians to pray directly to God through Jesus by the power of the Holy Spirit (1 Timothy 2:5). Nowhere in Scripture are we told to pray through saints, angels, or Mary. These figures did not die for us, nor do they intercede for us at God’s right hand. We must use the direct access we have to God through Jesus.
2. Using Repetitive, Formulaic Prayers
Next, stop using repetitive, formulaic prayers. Jesus warned against babbling like pagans who think they will be heard because of their many words (Matthew 6:7). Genuine prayer must come from the heart, not from mindless repetition. It’s about the sincerity of your heart, not the repetition of your words.
3. Praying for Harm or Curses on Others
Another prayer to avoid is praying for harm or curses on others. Romans 12:14 tells us to bless those who persecute us, not curse them. Using prayer to curse others is a form of witchcraft and is not aligned with Christian principles. Even when Jesus was on the cross, He did not curse His enemies. Instead, He prayed for them.
4. Praying with Manipulative Intentions
Another important reminder is to stop praying with manipulative intentions. James 4:3 warns us that prayers asked with wrong motives will not be answered. Prayer should not be used to manipulate situations or people for selfish gains. Instead, align your desires with God’s will, testing them through your delight in Him.
5. Invoking Spirit Guides or Using Occult Practices
Another prayer to avoid is prayers invoking spirit guides or engaging in occult practices. Deuteronomy 18:10-12 strictly prohibits practices like divination, sorcery, and interpreting omens. Mixing occult practices with prayer is dangerous and unbiblical.
6. Seeking Signs Instead of Trusting God’s Word
Another mistake is seeking signs or omens instead of trusting God’s Word. Jesus warned that a wicked generation seeks after signs (Matthew 12:39). While God can confirm signs through His Word, our faith should be based on His promises, not on supernatural signs.
7. Using Objects as Sources of Power
Avoid using objects as sources of power in prayer. Using things like crystals, rosaries, or any other form of objects to help you connect with God or pray is not biblical and should be avoided. However, the Bible does tell us one thing that helps us to strengthen our prayer. That is fasting (Acts 19:19).
8. Praying for Material Wealth Without Seeking God’s Kingdom
Finally, stop praying for material wealth without seeking God’s Kingdom first. Matthew 6:33 reminds us to seek God’s Kingdom and righteousness before anything else. Prioritizing wealth or fame over spiritual growth leads to misguided prayers. In the Kingdom, the King cares for His citizens. He will provide for us when we prioritize Him first.
Five Short Prayers to Pray
In the Bible, we see that Jesus often prayed all night, Daniel prayed for three weeks, and Nehemiah and the Israelites prayed a lengthy confession and repentance prayer in Nehemiah chapter 9. Longer prayers are needed in our walk with the Lord and provide a lengthy set of benefits. They help us focus, deepen our relationship with God, allow us to pour out our hearts, develop persistence, and promote spiritual growth.
While I often encourage people to go further in their prayer time and to push to know the Lord more, I do want to acknowledge the power that a short and sincere prayer can have on your life.
Matthew 6:7 says, “And when you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do. For they think that they will be heard for their many words.” The heart of prayer lies in revelation, not repetition. While it’s not wrong to repeat the same prayer multiple times, because Jesus prayed the same prayer three times and so did Paul, the heart of prayer is not in repetition; it’s in revelation. In other words, a prayer’s impact lies in its heartfelt connection with God, not its length. A prayer’s value doesn’t depend on how long it is.
Here are 5 prayers that are powerful if you pray them with the sincerity of your heart
1. Lord, Help Me (Matthew 15:25)
This prayer is for the deliverance of others. A mother worshiped Jesus and then she prayed a sincere, humble, but very short prayer, “Lord, help me!” That prayer was so powerful that Jesus delivered her daughter.
2. Have Mercy on Me (Mark 10:47)
“Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” This is a prayer for a miracle. In God’s mercy, you will find your miracle. We must understand that when God extends His mercy, the miracle is on its way.
3. Lord, Save Me (Matthew 14:30)
This prayer is a plea for intervention and rescue. When you’re overwhelmed by fear or when your life feels like it’s spinning out of control, cry out to the Lord and He will intervene.
4. Show Me Your Ways, Lord (Psalm 25:4)
This prayer is for guidance. When we don’t know which way to go, this short, sincere prayer can help us lean on God’s understanding rather than our own. Prayers that align with God’s will and His purpose recognize and receive His power.
5. Not My Will Be Done But Yours (Luke 22:42)
“Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done.” This is a prayer of surrender, aligning your will with God’s will. The ultimate success of prayer is to surrender to God’s will, His plan, and His timing.
What Makes Short Prayers Powerful?
1. Faith Short prayers require faith. It’s not the shortness of the prayer that guarantees the answer, but the faith in that short prayer. The Bible emphasizes that prayers made in faith will be heard and answered by God.
2. Humility Short prayers require humility. They express the true condition of the heart without pretense. God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.
3. Urgency Short prayers often arise in moments of great need or urgency, reflecting a deep dependence on God.
4. According to God’s Will Powerful prayers align with God’s will and purpose, recognizing His sovereignty.
Remember that short prayers can be as dynamic and powerful as long ones because the heart of prayer is in its revelation, not in its repetition.
Final Thoughts
We need to be mindful of the prayers we offer to God. I encourage you to avoid prayers that are unbiblical, manipulative, or focused on material gain without spiritual growth. Instead, focus on prayers that align with God’s will, seek His Kingdom, and come from a sincere heart.
God blesses things that are in line with God’s Word.
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***By Got Questions + Vladimir Savchuk at HungryGen / Photo by Faizi Ali at Pexels
Sadly there are many false believers who will be expecting to go to Heaven and will be denied entrance. The best way to avoid being one is to make sure you have truly put your trust in Christ alone for salvation.
When you have repented and put your faith in Christ that will lead to a change of life. Follow God and educate yourself with his Word.
Many people follow false teachings from the Bible given by false preachers or they just refuse to obey instructions from God and follow their own minds.
There are many people who throw on the Christian name tag and think by just going to church they will be granted Heaven, which is false. You know there are people like that in your church and especially in the youth today.
You know there are people still having sex outside of marriage, still going to clubs, they still have a continuous willful potty mouth. Hell will be worse for these people than atheists. They are just Sunday Christians and they don’t care about Christ. Am I saying that a Christian is perfect? No. Can a Christian backslide? Yes, but there will be growth and maturity in a true believers life because it is God working in them. They won’t just remain in darkness if they are the Lord’s sheep because God will discipline them and also His sheep hear His voice.
Fake Christians quotes
Laurence J Peter – “Going to church doesn’t make you a Christian any more than going to the garage makes you a car.”
“Don’t let your lips and your lives preach two different messages.”
“Your most powerful testimony is how you treat others after the church service is over.”
“What a heartbreak it would be to live an “almost” Christian life, then “almost” get into heaven.”
Beware, there are many fake Christians
1. Matthew 15:8 These people honour me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me.
2. Isaiah 29:13 And so the Lord says, “These people say they are mine. They honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. And their worship of me is nothing but man-made rules learned by rote.
3. James 1:26 If a person thinks that he is religious but can’t control his tongue, he is fooling himself. That person’s religion is worthless.
4 1 John 2:9 Those who say that they are in the light but hate other believers are still in the dark.
5. Titus 1:16 They claim to know God, but they deny him by what they do. They are detestable, disobedient, and unfit to do anything good.
Fake Christians don’t care about God’s Word
Fake Christians sin on purpose saying, “I’ll just repent later” and disobey God’s teachings. Even though we are all sinners and we still struggle with sin, Christians don’t live a lifestyle of willfully and deliberately sin.
6. 1 John 2:4 Whoever says, “I know him,” but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in that person.
7. 1 John 3:6 Those who live in Christ don’t go on sinning. Those who go on sinning haven’t seen or known Christ.
8. 1 John 3:8-10 The person who practices sin belongs to the evil one, because the Devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason that the Son of God was revealed was to destroy what the Devil has been doing. No one who has been born from God practices sin, because God’s seed abides in him. Indeed, he cannot go on sinning, because he has been born from God. This is how God’s children and the Devil’s children are distinguished. No person who fails to practice righteousness and to love his brother is from God.
9. 3 John 1:11 Dear friend, do not imitate what is evil but what is good. Anyone who does what is good is from God. Anyone who does what is evil has not seen God.
10. Luke 6:46 Why do you call me Lord but don’t do what I tell you?
Fake Christians think that there is another way to get into heaven besides Jesus.
11. John 14:6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
True Christians love Jesus and have new desires and affection for Him.
12. John 14:23-24 Jesus replied, “Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them. Whoever does not love me does not keep my words. And the word that you hear is not mine but the Father’s who sent me.”
13. 1 John 2:3 We know that we have come to know him if we keep his commands.
14. 2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.
Fake Christians are hypocrites
Even though the Bible says we are to lovingly, kindly, and gently go to our brothers and sisters alone to correct them of their sins, how can you do that, but you’re doing the same thing as them just as much or even more than them? People who do things for show such as give to the poor and other acts of kindness to be seen by others are also hypocrites.
15. Matthew 7:3-5 Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when there is the log in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye.
16. Matthew 6:1-2 Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven. Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward.
17. Matthew 12:34 You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.
18. Matthew 7:21-23 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’
19. 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.
20. Revelation 22:15 Outside are the dogs, those who practice magic arts, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idolaters and everyone who loves and practices falsehood.
Fake Christians are false preachers and false prophets just like the cast of Preachers of LA.
21. 2 Corinthians 11:13-15 For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. So it is no surprise if his servants, also, disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their deeds.
22. Jude 1:4 For certain people have crept in unnoticed who long ago were designated for this condemnation, ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God into sensuality and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.
23. 2 Peter 2:1 But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.
24. Romans 16:18 For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.
Reminders
25. 2 Timothy 4:3-4 For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths.
It isn’t just the numbers that are shocking – 1,200 lives lost and rising. It’s the horrific details. Hamas terrorists stormed a music festival in southern Israel, firing indiscriminately. Reports of teenagers gunned down came amid the news that an elderly Holocaust survivor was among the hostages. And then, as if it were possible, everything got worse. I won’t repeat the details of the massacre at Kfar Aza, it’s too harrowing. But if you want to know, you can see here.
I’ve visited the region many times. Spoken to people on both sides of the divide. And every time, I’ve come away with the realisation that this conflict is far more complicated than I’d thought before.
But some things aren’t complicated, and that’s why Western governments have rightly flown the flag for Israel. This is not because they have no sympathy with the Palestinian cause, as some have mistakenly thought. Just as the civilized world were united in their condemnation of the Islamist hatred that led to 9/11, so the atrocities committed by Hamas have rightly been condemned.
As Christians, we are called to pray for everyone in these lands. The Bible says the God of Israel neither slumbers nor sleeps (Psalm 121). Here’s how we can use the scriptures to call on him:
1. Pray for the peace of Jerusalem
“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem. ‘May those who love you be secure. May there be peace within your walls and security within your citadels.’” (Psalm 122:6-7)
Jerusalem is the only city in scripture which God’s people are specifically instructed to pray for by name. There are historical reasons for this (the Bible was written almost entirely by Jewish people, who had and have a natural love for the holy city). But today, when we pray for Jerusalem, we are praying for those on allsides of the conflict. Jews, Christians and Muslims live in Jerusalem, with Palestinians and Israelis alike calling this city home. We are to pray there would be “peace within [its] walls”. That peacebuilding initiatives which bring Jews and Arabs together would flourish. Pray that the next generation will not be taught to hate the other, but to love.
2. Pray for the protection of innocent civilians
“A voice is heard in Ramah, weeping and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children and refusing to be comforted, because they are no more.” (Matthew 2:18)
We have already seen heartbreaking images of innocent families in Gaza who have lost loved ones. The strip is densely populated, and Hamas use human shields, often basing themselves in mosques, schools and hospitals. We must therefore pray for Palestinians – whether Muslim or Christian – that their families will be protected from what is about to unfold. We must pray that even in their just anger, Israel’s army will make wise and godly decisions, so that innocent Palestinians will be allowed to live in safety. Pray that Israel would heed the Old Testament command: “The foreigner residing among you must be treated as your native-born. Love them as yourself” (Leviticus 19:34). Civilian Palestinians are not the enemy, and must be protected.
3. Pray that evil ideologies will be exposed and gospel truth will prevail
“For there is nothing covered that will not be revealed, nor hidden that will not be known. Therefore whatever you have spoken in the dark will be heard in the light, and what you have spoken in the ear in inner rooms will be proclaimed on the housetops.” (Luke 12:2-3)
The evil ideology of Hamas (“Israel will exist until Islam obliterates it”) must be exposed and confronted.
But as the West has discovered during past conflicts, bombs don’t work when it comes to destroying ideologies. That’s why we must pray that the truth of the gospel will break into hard hearts.
On the road to Damascus, a violent man full of hate was overwhelmed by the love of God. The same God who saved Saul and turned him into Paul is able to reach today’s terrorists.
4. Pray for the Church
“For [Jesus] himself is our peace, who has made the two groups [Jew and Gentile] one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility…His purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace,and in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility.” (Ephesians 2:14-16)
This scripture explains how Jesus’ death on the cross has ended the ethnic hostility between Jews and Gentiles. This is apparent today in churches where Israelis and Palestinians worship alongside one another in peace.
Whether predominantly Messianic, Arab, or mixed, these churches need our prayers. Pray for their leaders, that they would model the fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5), especially love, peace and goodness. Pray that the unity of these churches would be protected. Pray that forgiveness would flow and justice would roll on like a river (Amos 5:24).
5. Pray for the Jewish community in the UK and around the world
“The Lord is a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.” (Psalm 9:9)
In the aftermath of Hamas’ terror attack, a Jewish bakery in north London was smashed, and the word “free Palestine” strewn across it. Reports of anti-semitic incidents in the UK have trebled. Videos have circulated online of a Palestinian activist in Manchester saying, in response to the Hamas atrocities: “we are full of pride and joy for what has happened”.
Such events, not to mention similar scenes in Australia (chants of “gas the Jews”) and the US, mean our Jewish friends are deeply worried for their own safety. British Synagogues and Jewish schools have long had airport-style security on their doors, and tensions will be running high.
As Christians, we must be aware of our history. Many of our past leaders were anti-semitic, and their theology paved the way for the Holocaust. We must not commit the same crimes of our forbearers. We must not hesitate when it comes to standing up for our Jewish brothers and sisters. Pray that their places of worship and education will be protected. Pray that justice will prevail, and those guilty of religious hate crimes will be brought to swift justice.
And ultimately, as our hearts break for the people of Gaza and the people of Israel, you may wish to pray the last prayer we find in scripture. Revelation 21:20. “Come, Lord Jesus.”
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*** Sam Hailes is the editor of Premier Christianity, the UK’s leading Christian magazine / Alamy Stock Photo: Source Daniren
Human trafficking is closer than you think, the film ‘Sound of Freedom’ opens the pandora’s box by raising awareness to the general public of a dark, underground $150 billion dollar industry. This incredible true story is about federal agent Tim Ballard, played by Jim Caviezel, who quit his job and put his life on the line to rescue trafficked children from sexual exploitation, this has been tastefully done and brings light to this heinous activity. Seeing the film is the first step in spreading awareness about child trafficking, see the trailer above and more information can be found here: Visit angel.com/blog/sound-of-freedom to read more abouthow you can join the fight to end child trafficking. Please support the movement, the only thing necessary for evil to triumph is that good men stand by and do nothing, be the voice of those who have none.
“It would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were thrown into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones.” ~ Luke 17:2
What is human trafficking?
Human trafficking is a nefarious practice that many thought had been abolished years ago. However, slavery is alive and kicking in the 21st century and is the fastest growing criminal enterprise in the world, it is big business worth $150 billion dollars! It covers an array of ways to exploit another human being for profit, whether it be slave labor, sex slavery, organ harvesting or drug trafficking, the list goes on and gets darker.
There are 27 million enslaved, 7 million of them children and increasing. So many of us aren’t aware of how wide spread this issue is, because it’s not at the forefront of the media, and we think it doesn’t happen where we live. But this is the closet crime that is exploding and rising all around us at astronomical rates. There are more people enslaved today than any time in history, even when it was legal!
Where is this taking place?
The subject matter is too dark for polite conversation, but burying your head in the sand won’t make it go away. This evil is prevalent worldwide and according to the charity organization ‘save the children’ statistics, children make up 27% of all human trafficking victims worldwide, and two out of every three identified child victims are girls. The United States is the largest consumer of child rape videos and one of the largest producers worldwide.
MYTH: Traffickers target victims they don’t know
FACT: Even though this is true, a majority of the time, victims are trafficked by someone they know, such as a friend, family member, family friend, a person esteemed in the local community or a romantic partner.
MYTH: Only girls and women are victims of human trafficking
FACT: Boys and men are just as likely to be victims of human trafficking as girls and women. However, they are less likely to be identified and reported. Girls and boys are often subject to different types of trafficking, for instance, girls may be trafficked for forced marriage and sexual exploitation, boys for sexual exploitation also, but more likely to be trafficked for forced labor or recruitment into armed groups.
MYTH: All human trafficking involves sex or prostitution
FACT: Human trafficking can include forced labor, domestic servitude, organ trafficking, debt bondage, recruitment of children as child soldiers, and/or sex trafficking and forced prostitution.
MYTH: Trafficking involves traveling, transporting or moving a person across borders
FACT: Human trafficking is not the same thing as smuggling, which are two terms that are commonly confused. Trafficking does not always require movement across borders. In fact, in some cases, a child could be trafficked and exploited from their own home or community. In the U.S., trafficking most frequently occurs at hotels, motels, truck stops and online.
MYTH: People being trafficked are physically unable to leave or held against their will
FACT: Trafficking can involve force, but people can also be trafficked through threats, coercion, or deception. People in trafficking situations can be controlled through drug addiction, violent relationships, manipulation, lack of financial independence, or isolation from family or friends, in addition to physical restraint or harm.
MYTH: Trafficking primarily occurs in developing countries
FACT: Trafficking occurs all over the world, though the most common forms of trafficking can differ by country. The United States is one of the most active sex trafficking countries in the world, where exploitation of trafficking victims occurs in cities, suburban and rural areas. Labor trafficking occurs in the U.S., but at lower rates than most developing countries.
DO YOU SUSPECT SOMEONE IS BEING TRAFFICKED?
Spot The Signs
Identifying trafficking is the first step to stopping it. Understanding the signs to look out for could help the most vulnerable people within your community.
Significant Signs
Stop the traffic organisation Stop the traffic states, that there are a number of signs that are common across all types of exploitation. Including, if a person:
acts as if instructed by another, as though they are forced or coerced to carry out specific activities
demonstrates signs of physical or psychological abuse, such as lacking self esteem, seeming anxious, bruising or untreated medical conditions
seems to be bonded by debt or has money deducted from their salary
has little or no contact with family or loved ones
is distrustful of authorities
has threats made against themselves or family members
is not in possession of their own legal documents
SAVE THE CHILDREN: If you suspect someone is a victim of trafficking, contact the National Human Trafficking Resource Center at 1-800-373-7888. The confidential hotline is open 24 hours a day, every day, and helps identify, protect and serve victims of trafficking.
Identifying trafficking is the first step to stopping it. Understanding the signs to look out for could help the most vulnerable people within your community.
Specific Signs
Many of the main types of exploitation have significant signs that are specific to them.
Children who are trafficked are intentionally hidden and isolated from the services and communities who can identify and protect them. If you’re worried about a child, you can take steps to keep them safe.
If you think a child or young person is in danger, contact the police on 999.
Contact your local child protection services. You can find their contact details on the website for the local authority the child lives in.
Contact the Modern Slavery Helpline to get help, report a suspicion or seek advice. Call 0800 012 1700 or fill in their online form.
Living in the end times
We live in a fallen world with entitled individuals who think they have a right to do what they want, when they want and to whomever they want without accountability. There has been a major attack on our children from every side because they are the new generation that is supposed to be an arrow in the bow for God’s Kingdom and this attack starts in the womb. (I will do a separate article on this important subject). It’s easy to become discouraged when we focus on the news today, but there is goodness and hope in a broken world, look to God’s promises and don’t be mere hearers, but doers of the Word. There are many brave heroic individuals who have been doing just that, and one walking in their calling is a man called Victor Marx, a victim of abuse himself, on the frontline defending and being the voice of those who cannot defend themselves, shares what we need to know about child trafficking. He’s an abolitionist, NGO specialist, activist and philanthropist, and is the founder and president of ‘All Things Possible’ that rescues children from child sex trafficking and sexual exploitation and has assisted in the arrested of thousands of predators.
Quotes
“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” -John 16:33 (ESV)
“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” -Matthew 5:14-16 (ESV)
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.” -Romans 15:13 (ESV)
Here are a few ideas on how to be a light in your sphere of influence:
Start and end your day reading the Word of God.
Memorize God’s promises.
Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.
Love your neighbor.
Pray for people in your life.
Pray for the world. Pray for our leaders.
Pray for people who are oppressed.
Share God’s love with others.
Give to those in need.
Get involved in meeting a need.
Show acts of kindness.
Encourage those who are discouraged.
Give the gift of love, peace, gentleness, patience, grace, kindness. (navigators.org)
How to get involved?
Please start by watching and supporting the film the sound of Freedom, there are numerous ways to support the individuals on the front line, but to get a flavor of what’s going on, I urge you to watch sound of freedom, it’s a dark subject matter that has been tastefully done, but punches you right in your stomach and at the end of the film, you can either choose to bury your head in the sand or stand up and do something about it.
Support the non-profit organisations fighting human trafficking:
The Sisterhood Hub 