National Human Trafficking Awareness Day 2013

For the last few years, I have attempted to dedicate a post on my blog to National Human Trafficking Awareness Day. The reason for this is simple. I know about the issue, and I want to insure that I am doing some small part to keep this issue on other people’s radars.

You see part of the reason modern day slavery and human trafficking not only exist but thrive is because many people don’t know or don’t care. The problem is made worse by a number of factors including demand by slave traders as well as desperation on the part of many of the poorest people on the planet. People in desperate situations do desperate things like sell themselves or their family members into slavery. And because of the fact that few people realize that slavery still exists (even in the United States), slavers and traffickers continue to do their nefarious work.

What hurts is that without exposing this problem, more and more people will continue to suffer. People forget about issues if they aren’t brought to confront them. Just this past Congressional session, the TraffickingVictims Protection Reauthorization Act (which was initially passd in 2000 and reauthorized unanimously by Congress three separate times) did not get passed. Three senators put anonymous ‘holds’ on the bill, preventing it from moving forward.  In spite of this set-back, it has been largely the efforts of concerned citizens that have kept this issue in the forefront of Congressional work as something that people can agree on regardless of their partisan persuasions. 

So what can you do as part of National Human Trafficking Awareness Day? Here are just a few ideas to consider.

• Support an anti-slavery or anti-trafficking organization like International Justice Mission, Not For Sale, orPolaris Project.
• Write your congressional representatives and encourage them to support the TVPRA and other anti-slavery and anti-trafficking legislation.
• Commit to learn more about the issue. There are tons of resources on the web, and if you can make time to visit, I highly recommend a trip to the Freedom Center in Cincinnati, OH.
• Also, if you suspect a potential slavery or trafficking operation happening in your community, report it to the National Human Trafficking Hotline

Thanks for taking time to make your voice heard and contribute to making a difference.  And may we all look forward to a day when we don’t have to worry about legislation like TVPRA getting passed because we will have pushed back the darkness together!

"Nefarious: Merchant of Souls" Tour Screening at Chestnut Ridge Church

Last night Jamie and I were invited to watch a documentary called Nefarious at Chestnut Ridge Church in Morgantown. We were unsure whether we would go as we were both pretty tired and we are both a fairly well informed on the subject. Jamie and I have both served with ministries in the Red LightDistrict in Amsterdam, and we even went into a facility in the states to try to gather evidence of a suspected illegal operation. We keep our eyes peeled any time we travel for signs of potential trafficking or slaving operations existing even here in the US.  We also have a good friend who is legal counsel for the Freedom Center in Cincinnati,OH and a few friends at International Justice Mission.

 As the start time approached, we decided to go to watch the documentary because we knew from the trailer that it talked about Amsterdam’s Red Light District, and because we like to show support for initiatives to raise awareness of the issue of human trafficking. As I mentioned, the film was being shown at Chestnut Ridge Church, so we had a bit of a drive to get there (30 minutes), but the trip was definitely worth it.

I was really impressed that the church was choosing to get involved in modern day abolition activities, and the organizer, Karen Haring, had told me that she was trying to take steps to get more involved personally in issues like this. We saw a number of friends in attendance at the event, including another couple with whom I had traveled to Amsterdam for a short-term service/mission trip in 2005. So the event also served as a reunion of sorts.

As far as the film is concerned, it is fairly graphic in its portrayal of sex slavery, sex trafficking, and prostitution, and is filled with heartbreaking statistics and stories, but in the end shares hope and some success stories. Benjamin Nolot, the founder of a group called Exodus Cry which was started by members of the International House of Prayer in Kansas City, created the film, and it documents four years of his travels to learn more about and bring awareness to this multi-billion dollar industry that is destroying millions of lives.

My own journey with Nuru has been launched because I see extreme poverty as a strong catalyst for trafficking in some parts of the world. Desperate people do some pretty horrific things in an effort to survive sometimes. It’s also true that wicked people do some very wicked things in the name of greed or lust. The world needs more passionate, results-oriented activists working to break the bonds of injustuce in our world.

Whether or not the film comes your way, I highly recommend that you learn more about modern day slavery and human trafficking. GaryHaugen, the founder of International Justice Mission has written a couple of great books on the issue that document what people can do about it Good NewsAbout Injustice and Just Courage). Another great book is called, Not ForSale by David Batstone.  Get informed and get involved.

This world needs more people who are willing to move past talking about issues to start taking tangible action to make it a better place. Will you take a step?

Help International Justice Mission and Write President Obama

Hey there!  As you probably know, I'm a big fan of International Justice Mission.  They are a great organization who are dedicated to fighting slavery, trafficking, and other forms of injustice.  Will you consider visiting this link and signing their online petition?  Or, taking the content of the letter below and drafting your own letter to the president or to your congressional representatives.  Thanks so much!  By the way, as a reminder, January is anti-trafficking month--this could be your one significant gesture to reduce human trafficking this month. :)

We Urge You To Help End Modern-Day Slavery

Dear President Obama:

We applaud the words of your proclamation of January 2011 as anti-trafficking month, when you stated: "From every corner of our nation to every part of the globe, we must stand firm in defense of freedom and bear witness for those exploited by modern slavery." As you know, millions of men, women and children remain in slavery around the world, and we appeal to you to make the eradication of modern-day slavery a priority of your Administration at home and abroad.

We urge you to strengthen our government's anti-slavery policies, institutions and diplomatic tools, including the following specific steps:

- Provide funding and full-time staff to the State Department's Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons (TIP) to allow it to scale up and replicate projects that have successfully reduced the prevalence of labor or sex trafficking abroad.

- Increase funding for victim relief and perpetrator accountability, and provide tangible support for police, prosecutors, and courts to deter this crime and secure relief for victims.

- Urge Congress to include additional resources for the TIP Office when the Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act is considered in 2011.

- Insist that TIP Office diplomacy is amplified throughout the State Department and U.S. Embassies, and the concerns reflected in the annual TIP Report are raised at the highest levels.

- Provide adequate funding in your budget not only for fighting slavery abroad but also for confronting the crime at home. Increased resources to support survivors of labor or sex trafficking as well as for police, prosecutors and investigators, should be included in your forthcoming budget.

- Enforce current law that prohibits the importation of slave or child-made goods into the U.S.

- Strengthen the TIP Office by making its coordinator, Ambassador Lou CdeBaca, the equivalent of an Assistant Secretary of State.

We appreciate your stated commitment to protecting freedom and look to you for leadership in eradicating slavery at home and around the world.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State ZIP]

Thanks again for visiting my blog, and for pursuing justice. May you see lasting change in the world as a result of your efforts to be the best version of yourself you can be today!

Reflecting On 2010

I’ve tried to make it a habit to take a little bit of time at the end of each year to look back on the past and prepare for the coming year.  Interestingly, over the last several days, I’ve filled my time with connecting with friends and family, and although it has been incredibly enjoyable, it has left little room for reflection.  In an effort to change that, I have committed myself to take time to steal away a regular time of solitude in 2011.  (More on that in a future post!)  Also, I just realized that this is the first time in three years that I have blogged this annual reflection.

The year started with a frantic rush to facilitate Nuru’s first nation wide tour making a drive around the country to tell Nuru’s Story, and to host a nationwide mobilization event called Be Hope To Her that encouraged college students and young professionals around the country to grow in empathy for the daily challenges for women living in extreme poverty.

As the year progressed, I found myself meeting more and more wonderful people in cities all over the country who were passionate about advocacy and service.  Folks like Charles Lee, Jeff Shinabarger, Daniel Li, Mark Brinkmoeller, and Nicky Yates are among the many who inspire and encourage me with their lives on a regular basis.  These folks are amazing! I discovered and shared some really incredible causes, organizations and events through this blog, and that is a trend I hope to continue.  I believe that our hearts become more fully awakened to what we were made for when we begin serving others, and I hope that as you read this today, you will consider some small way that you might be able to serve another person (and will you DO it?)?

Of course, time with friends and family never seems adequate, but I was fortunate enough to see my brother in California on three separate occasions this year.  We were able to commiserate WVU’s final four loss to Duke, and celebrate an early season hoops win over Oakland this fall.  I was also able to visit my dad and sister on at least a dozen occasions this past year.  In my travels over the year, I was able to see many friends too, and I’m hopeful to visit and catch up with even more folks in 2011.

This summer also was a major step for me.  On the 147^th anniversary of West Virginia’s Statehood, Father’s Day, and Mission Sunday at South Ridge, Church, I asked Jamie Reaser to marry me, and she said yes.  Here’s her telling of the story. (In some future blog posts I’ll share a little more detail about some decisions we made with the ring, etc., so stay tuned.)  I am humbled and amazed that God would be so gracious as to allow such an amazing woman to say yes to marrying me.  She is absolutely incredible!

The year also had its share of challenges.  I lost another relative to cancer late this summer, my uncle Bob, and I took time to reflect on losing my mom in 2007.  My Uncle Bill and Aunt Rosemary both had surgeries that while painful in the moment have led to a better quality of life for each of them.  And, I’ve been in PT for the last few weeks myself because of injuries sustained by not taking care of my own physical fitness.  (A goal for 2011 for sure!)

As the year wrapped up, I was traveling again and spent time enjoying friends and family, and participating in service.  Jamie and her family welcomed me into their family and into a Christmas tradition of service, that you may have read about last week.  Jamie got on TV too!

So what are some of the highlights of your 2010?

Another World Is Possible 2010

I’m a little bummed that I’m writing this post after the fact, but I’m really excited to be able to share this with you. Last week, for the third year in a row, a group of ministries, churches, and individuals on the campus of West Virginia University hosted a week of events called Another World Is Possible. You can read previous blog entries to find out more about the event if you like, but the essence of the event is this.
Each night features an issue that deals with brokenness, injustice, and the great needs of this world. We all agree that we live in a broken world, but this series of events seeks to mobilize people to make a difference and contribute to being part of the solution in some small way.
In the past organizations such as Invisible Children, Nuru International, One Voice To End Slavery, Eleho, and others have been part of the event. What’s really cool is that each event gives people not only exposure to issues in our world, but also opportunities to do something about it.
The blurry photo above (I think I just have a dirty lens) was taken at a screening of International Justice Mission’s new documentary film At The End of Slavery. If you have the opportunity, I would highly recommend watching this film. International Justice Mission works to rescue slaves, free trafficked individuals, and work toward justice on behalf of people being oppressed.
It’s cool to see so many people coming out to learn more about these issues. At the end of the event, people were given an opportunity to write a letter to their congressional representative to support a piece of legislation working toward the end of child slavery. Here’s a link to the letter.
I love the title of the series of events, and I love the thought of people being mobilized toward action. Another world IS Possible. And we have an opportunity to be a sign of that world to come. I believe there will come a day when every injustice in the world will be put to rights by the Creator of the universe, and I look forward to that day. In the meantime, I’m grateful for the opportunity to work toward being a sign of the time to come.
Wherever you are, I hope you will take time today to consider how to be part of the solution and maybe you will check out some of the organizations I listed above. Whatever you do, get involved. Life is too short to just be a spectator, and maybe there’s some unique contribution that only you can bring—so bring it!

The Idea Camp

ICDC Behind the Scenes from The Idea Camp on Vimeo.


A few weeks ago, I had an awesome privilege of participating in a really cool idea that was created by my recently made friend, Charles Lee along with many, many others. The Idea, a FREE conference that would bring together some of the top minds in non-profits, churches, and social ventures to share ideas, to create, and to collaborate. The idea camp's tagline is "a collaborative movement of idea makers" and the conference experience is dissimilar to any conference in which I've ever participated. The theme for the idea camp conference in Washington DC I attended/participated in was "Compassion and Justice" and was hosted by a group called International Justice Mission

During the conference a group from Nuru International participated, and then Nicole Scott and myself "led" an idea session. The session was called Lessons from Silicon Valley: Innovation and Collaboration with "Competitors", and the discussion was centered around the idea of partnering with other organizations in one's area of focus to accomplish more and to do so in a better way. Click the link to find out more about the session, and some of the ideas that were generated during it.

That's one of the cool and different concepts around the idea camp. Rather than listening to a person talk for an hour and fifteen minutes, the facilitators share a brief introduction to the topic and then open the room up for questions and discussion from the entire group. This allows for people who are "attending" a session to participate, and to hear from each other. Not only that, but new ideas and collaborations form as people discuss an idea or concept in the session or beyond a session.

I understand that there is another Idea Camp forming in Portland Oregon on November 20-21st. The theme will be "Being Present with the City" If you want to find out more, check out the idea camp website.

I think there is a lot to be said about collaborating with other idea makers, dreaming big, and seeing ideas become implemented.

Just Courage

Over Thanksgiving break, I read a few books. One of them was Just Courage by Gary Haugen. Gary Haugen is a former Trial Attorney for the United States Department of Justice, and the founder of a nonprofit called International Justice Mission. If you haven’t heard much about the organization, I suggest you check them out. They are dedicated to things like ending slavery and human trafficking. Noble causes for sure and causes we should care about.

But enough about IJM for now. I recommend you check out the book. The big theme is the idea of living courageously. The big theme is that God has a great purpose for Christians. God is what this world needs, and He has called us to be His hands and feet. God’s big plan is to use us for the redemption of the world. We live in a world of safety and control, and perhaps God is calling us to take risks.

Here’s a thought/excerpt from the book based on a statement Mother Theresa once made. She said that she couldn’t go 30 minutes in her work without prayer. Check this thought out.

Do you and I have a work that we can imagine doing for thirty minutes without prayer?
If not, perhaps we need a new life’s work. Or perhaps we need to do an old life’s work in a new way.
I won’t need to be in prayer every thirty minutes in my work if I don’t really need God’s power to get it done, or if it’s work that God doesn’t really need done because it has nothing to do with his kingdom.

As I think about that quote, I realize there is a lot we do with very little prayer. One of my hopes for this year is that you and I would live so courageously that we would find ourselves in regular prayer that our Father would help us to walk in paths that are blessed, and that He would come through in ways that defy explanation in our lives.

May 2009 be a year of living courageously for you and I.

International Justice Mission

Last night, we hosted our second event of the week as part of our Another World is Possible week of events. A band called, The War played a concert at sozo, our downtown coffeehouse last night, and a portion of the revenue from ticket sales went to support an organization called International Justice Mission.

When I watched this video the first time (and the second time) I was moved to tears. Sometimes I think its easy to forget when we live in a privileged part of the world, with privileged opportunities, just how much hurting and suffering is out there. It's funny (in a sad sort of pathetic way), just how easily we can get bent out of shape when we get stuck in traffic, or we have to wait a little longer for our food in a restaurant when there is suffering beyond our imagination happening every day. Don't get me wrong, it is frustrating to have to wait, or to be stuck in traffic, but sometimes I think I lack a little perspective on just how truly blessed I really am.

A few years ago, one of my old roommates found out about International Justice Mission, and it was this organization that led to God clarifying his call to pursue a law degree and work for the cause of justice in God's world. When I see a video like this, or hear about an organization like IJM, while I become sad about the state of our world, I also become hopeful and excited.

Why am I so sad? It's not just because problems like injustice exist. It's not simply because there is suffering and slavery and hurt and brokenness all over this planet. It's because it is so easy to feel completely helpless to do anything about problems of such scale.

But then I become hopeful. I become hopeful because I know that one day, all of these wrongs will one day be put to right. There will truly be justice one day when the great King of Kings returns to wipe away every tear from our eye.

I also get excited. I get excited because I realize that I'm not completely helpless. It's in my own confession and realization of my own personal helplessness that God can use me to do something about the hurting and suffering in this world. He can use me to be a sign of the hope that I have that one day He's going to make everything right. He can use me to be His hands and His feet until the day that I go to be with Him or the day He returns.

And you know what else? He can use YOU too! Will you take the time to consider how God may want you to take action to bring His healing to this broken world? And one step beyond thinking about it . . .will you take action?

You really do have a part to play in God's unfolding story on this earth. Will you be the hero you've been called to be?

International Justice Mission

Autumn in Tiltonsville, originally uploaded by chanchanchepon.

Over the last couple of weeks, I have frequently been hearing about this group called the International Justice Mission. I highly recommend you look into this group, and take a look at their website.

After asking my old roommate about this group, I found out that they played a major part in his call to study and practice law. I also found out that his office used to be the office of the president of IJM, Gary Haugen. Honestly, I am blown away by the overlap there. (Reminds me of another friend who lived in a house where I think VIncent Van Gogh used to lead a Bible study in Amsterdam.)

So, I could write a bunch about IJM, but you can find out about them on their website. So go check it out!!!

In the meantime, as you are reading this blog, consider this. God made you for a purpose. In fact if you read Ephesians 2.8-10, you find out that God redeemed you based on nothing you have to offer Him (i. e. nobody is "good enough" to earn God's favor). But He also redeemed you for a purpose. We were made to live out a calling that God has uniquely made each one of us for.

What is yours? Are you living out your calling? Have you deeply considered what God wants you to do with your life? What is stopping you from living out your call if you aren't doing it? As the lenten season commences, I think it offers us a great time to examine our lives, and to be reminded of God's call on our lives. How do we change the atmosphere of the places where we live work and play? How do we live out our calling in such a way that we reflect God's will being done on earth as it is in heaven. What does God want you to do with the life He has given you?