Cindy Powell

Would you end it?

That’s the provocative question asked in a recent video from the END IT Movement. (Click here to see the video.)

It hit home because of a couple of conversations I had just this past week. In discussing the issue of human trafficking, we were lamenting the fact that many people really don’t want to see the issue because it is simply too “painful.”

Try offering that excuse to the over 20 million people who are actually living the nightmare.

Believe me, I understand the pain really seeing this issue causes. It has been part of an ongoing dialogue I’ve had with Jesus for years now. Because for me, when my heart is pierced with reality of this most heinous injustice …

I have to do something.

But … I also hold dearly to the value of only doing what he is leading me to do– when and where he is leading me to do it. Since this past five years or so have been a very quiet period for me “doing” wise, at least for the short term, that has meant not doing as much as I would like.

And in some ways, that’s even harder.

But regardless of the season, there is “something” we can all do:

~ We can see. We can quit hiding our heads in the sand and stop trying to protect our nice tidy existence.

~ We can ask. We can enter into a dialogue with heaven and ask the hard questions–then purpose to position our hearts, and lives, to hear.

~ We can respond. We shouldn’t do what he’s not asking us to do, but we can–and must–do what he is asking us to do.

In recent years, for me, that has meant praying for and giving to organizations and individuals on the front lines of this issue. In the past it meant going and being involved hands-on myself (particularly in SE Asia where I have long term ties).

Today, it means speaking out.

(And it will mean “going” again soon, too–but more on that another day.)

I hadn’t planned on posting this today. I hadn’t planned on posting anything today. But sometimes the Holy Spirit gives us little windows of opportunity to see, ask, and respond. They’re not usually planned. They’re rarely convenient. And they almost always come at a cost.

Because once you see–you have to do something.

What about you? If you could see it …

Would you end it?

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If you’d like more information, here are some links to organizations both local and global (because it is both a local and global issue) that are making a difference. There are *many others,  these are just a few I am personally connected to, or otherwise acquainted with in some way:

Exodus Cry – My heart so resonates with the prayer focus of Exodus Cry. They address abolition in both spiritual and practical ways. It also helps that a treasured friend heads up their Restoration department 🙂 EC has also produced an amazing documentary – Nefarious: Merchant of Souls. If you haven’t seen it, you should.

Forgotten Children – Because I live in Southern California, I love the work Forgotten Children does on the streets of San Bernardino. In addition to street outreach, they have a drop-in center and a safe house.

NightLight – NightLight has been operating in the heart of the red light districts in Bangkok for years now. In addition to outreach, they offer life skills and employment (in their own jewelry business) to those seeking refuge and freedom. If you buy their jewelry (available online) you enable them to have even greater impact.

Agape International Missions (AIM) – Agape works primarily in Cambodia (the country that, in addition to Thailand, weighs most heavily on my own heart). If you see the movie Nefarious, you won’t forget the stories told by AIM’s founder Don Brewster … ever.

The Exodus Road – This is an organization that has come to my attention several times in recent months. I’m in the process of exploring further, but they have a broad reach and seem to be particularly effective in covert rescue operations and in mobilizing volunteers. They have also produced several video clips to raise awareness. This one is particularly powerful and really hits home for those who may be paralyzed by the magnitude of the problem.

Thanks for taking the time to “see” …

Now ask …

And respond.

*Note: If you have first-hand info about additional reputable organizations making a difference in the abolishment of modern-day slavery, please leave the contact info in the comments section.