This past weekend I was with some friends from one of the newly affiliated congregations with the SBTC. One of the men at the table is in law enforcement and works in the area of human trafficking.
Even though I have served as a police officer and am somewhat familiar with the subject, I was appalled to hear what really goes on. Let me hasten to add that his comments were very brief and in response to my direct questions. This man certainly was not the center of attention nor were his answers much more than generalities. But even that was appalling.
So what can the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ do? What should we do?
We must be informed. Local law enforcement agencies can assist with education in this area.
We must be a welcoming, loving, and inviting people. People do not join "churches". They join people. The Church is the Body of Christ and each of us are members in particular. This is one reason I continue to emphasize the need for true Community. For victims of these crimes, their relatives and friends who live in fear of those who do traffic in the human person, and others, we are to in the words of Jude, "save..by snatching them from the fire;" (Jude 23, HCSB). It is biblical truth that outsiders will see our unity in Christ and realize that God loves them (John 17:23). This is Community in its fullest expression...Loving God, Loving People, Living in harmony with Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
We must be a people of prayer. As we begin this new school year, are you praying for the teachers, children, and workers in the school system? Drive around the property. Ask God to build a spiritual hedge of protection for the children. Pray that God will expose any inside the system who would sexually abuse our children and ask that God would separate anything Satan would desire and reconcile all that takes place to His own person and will.
When you pass by what my father would call a "dive", pray for the waitresses inside. Many illegals are brought here with the promise of work only to find it is slavery to the sensual appetites of evil people. Pray God will give them an escape, protect them, and bring them to Jesus.
We must also equip many of our people in Biblical Counseling. Not everyone needs a therapist. Think of it as discipleship if you will. God's Word is sufficient and superior. Only God has the answer for a broken life. Many can be used of God to help others if only they are equipped. If you do not know where to begin, contact the Pastoral Ministry office at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. They can help.
I am certainly no authority in this area. However, I do believe there is a vast number of families affected by human trafficking, and the people of God have a ministry opportunity. Let's not default to a program centered, building centered "fuzzy" that is comfortable. Let's read the Gospels, see how Jesus ministered and to whom, and go and do likewise...in the power of the Holy Spirit.
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