On A More Serious Note...

"All that is necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing."-Edmund Burke


Did any of you ever see that movie a few years back with Liam Neeson called Taken? I'm not sure how you could watch that movie and not have it stir up all kinds of emotions in you to try and fight the horrible crime of human trafficking! (If you haven't seen the movie, I definitely would recommend watching it.)I know generally my blog and the contents of it's posts are very light-hearted, fun, filled with design and fashion and all things girly! Well, today I'm going to take things in a different direction.
God has placed a burden on my heart for the victims of human trafficking since before my husband I and were wed (nearly five years ago), however, I never knew of any outlet within my reach to help with this issue. About six weeks ago Mr. Williams and I were able to start attending Hillsong NYC church. There we learned of the A21 campaign, a non profit organization centered around fighting the crimes of human trafficking as well as rescuing and bringing hope to the victims of this horrible crime.

Here is a little info I pulled from their website:

"Human Trafficking is an organized criminal industry that affects every nation. Whilst the statistics can seem overwhelming, it is important to remember that every number represents the life of a victim. The A21 Campaign has recognized a significant need in the region of Europe, and is committed to combating this injustice through rescuing one life at a time.

LIFE FOR A SEX TRAFFICKING VICTIM:

After a trafficking journey that typically involves deception, rape, beatings, and constant threats, victims are often forced to live in confining and unsanitary conditions. Once formally put to work, human trafficking victims can be forced to service from 40 to 110 customers in one day. Malnutrition, sleep deprivation, as well as emotional and physical abuse become day-to-day normalities. In addition, forced abortions and the contraction of STI's, Hepatitis B & C, and AIDS are ever looming probabilities. Life for a victim of sex trafficking is hell on earth. This injustice is the reason The A21 Campaign exists.

* Human trafficking is the second largest global organized crime today, generating approximately US 31.6 billion each year. Specifically, trafficking for sexual exploitation generates US 27.8 billion per year.
* There are 1.39 million victims of commercial sexual servitude worldwide.
* Over 25 percent of sex trafficked victims are trafficked from Southern and Eastern Europe.
* 90% of victims trafficked into EU member states end up in the sex industry.
* Tragically, only 1-2 percent of victims are rescued, and only 1 in 100,000 Europeans involved in trafficking are convicted." (www.thea21campaign.org)

There are currently 27 million victims of human trafficking in our world!

Starting April 21, A21 started the BECAUSE campaign, giving everyone an opportunity to spread the word about WHY we are against human trafficking, and the chance to do something about it. Although I missed out on the launch of this month long campaign, I figure better late than never! There are many ways to fight the injustice of human trafficking. And when we join together in this fight, we greatly increase the results of our efforts. I ask that you would join me this month in praying for the victims of this horrible crime. Pick a country involved in this crime that speaks to your heart, and simply PRAY! Below I've added a link to the A21 site that has a Prayer Guide located at the bottom of the webpage you can download and use as a recommendation as for what to pray:

http://www.thea21campaign.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=320&Itemid=315&lang=en
(Ok, the actual link isn't working, so please just copy/paste it)


Raising awareness for this inconceivable crime has become my mission. I plead you to take a moment to check out the A21 website and please learn more about this issue. There you will find much more information on this issue.

The A21 Campaign stands for abolishing injustice in the 21st century. Anyone can join - everyone can make a difference. Just remember, you can be the difference you wish to see in the world. So please join with me, for I truly believe God hears the prayers of his people.

xoxo Hannah