Engage

Human Trafficking and the Super Bowl

We usually think that human trafficking happens in another part of the globe- that this horrendous, tragic problem would not occur in our community.

We usually think that human trafficking happens in another part of the globe- that this horrendous, tragic problem would not occur in our community.

 

If you google Love146.org/slavery you will see all kinds of sites relating to the billion dollar industry of human trafficking. Right here in the DFW metroplex the police and the FBI are gearing up for what has happened at other super bowls…and, there are others who are gearing up by creating awareness of this issue and by giving ways to get involved.  

This is a serious issue. Please take time to look at these links and learn what you can do to help.

Get Informed
•   Visit Love146.org to find out more about the epidemic of modern slavery. Download ‘The Problem Information Pack’ (http://love146.org/resources/trafficking)
•    Check out http://www.ItsNotMyFault.org on National Human Trafficking Awareness  to find out all the details of the It’s Not My Fault Campaign
•   Attend the “It’s Not My Fault” Awareness Event at Irving Bible Church on January 28, 2011 at 7pm

•Commit to Pray


Inform Your Friends
•   Participate in our social networking efforts by following Love146DFW on Twitter and Facebook and recommend that your friends do the same
•   Post the “Fragile” music video to your Facebook profile (http://vimeo.com/14421267)
•   Send an email to friends and family telling them about your concern regarding human trafficking and pointing them to Love146.org and ItsNotMyFault.org for more information

Take Action
• Put the National Human Trafficking tip line in your cell phone 1-888-3737-888.  This is a crisis hotline number is set up for individuals to leave tips on suspicious activity that is then followed up by the authorities or if you are being trafficked call this number to get help to get out.

•    Participate in the ‘Anti-Pimp My Ride’ auto flash mob on Sunday, February 6, 2011
•   Be trained to be a part of our online presence of Love146 with both victims (telling them where to find help) and perpetrators (letting them know that they are being watched)
•    Join our teams of volunteers to hand out informational flyers in key locations and events throughout the city

Also check out http://www.Traffick911.com. Their “I’m not buying it” campaign focuses on raising awareness of the trafficking surge associated with the Super Bowl. They have designed door hangers to warn those in high-risk neighborhoods, and fold-over business cards with common traits of victims, questions you can ask suspected victims, and how to report suspected trafficking. They also are training individuals, police, and flight attendants in how to spot victims, and are planning to build a safe house for rescued victims in the DFW area.

This is a Proverbs 31:8 opportunity, “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute.” May God pour out His mercy and stem the tide of this gross evil.

 

Gail Seidel served as Mentor Advisor for Spiritual Formation in the Department of Spiritual Formation and Leadership at Dallas Theological Seminary (DTS) and as an Adjunct Professor in the D Min in Spiritual Formation in the D Min Department at Dallas Theological Seminary. She has a BA in English from the University of Texas, a Masters in Christian Education from Dallas Seminary and a D Min in Spiritual Formation from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. She is a contributor to the textbook, Foundations of Spiritual Formation, Kregel Academic. She served as co-director for Christian Women in Partnership Russia with Entrust, an international church leadership-training mission. She and her husband Andy live in Fredericksburg, Texas. They have 2 married children and 6 wonderful grandchildren--Kami, Kourtney, Katie, Mallory, Grayson, and Avery.

4 Comments

  • Carol Floch

    Gail, thanks for posting

    Gail, thanks for posting about this critical and tragic issue, and for the list of resources and action points! This is a tremendous problem, a scourge on our society; the Church needs to be on the front lines to bring healing and hope to victims!

    Blessings,

    Carol Floch (Sue Goldsmith's friend; met you last Feb at the AWMP event!) 

  • Gail Seidel

    thank you

    Thank you Carol and Teri for your support for this urgent need for awareness and action. AND May God empower us to pray.

  • Connie Herrmann

    Human Trafficking and the Super Bowl

    Gail,

     

    Praising and Thanking the Lord for people like you and all who will be brave, step out of our own comfort zones, speak up, be of help to the needs of those who cannot help themselves  and to do God's work for them with exposing the issues at hand,….exposing Dallas and the entire country to be brave in bringing down those who are choosing to do such  evil  in order to satisfy their needs.  Praying  God will intervene mightily in Dallas with stepping and crushing the human trafficking….may  it be a bigger National news article than who wins the super bowl in this year 2011. 

    Let Love be genuine, hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good. Romans 12:9

    Fight the good Fight!!