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Why should you take the time and effort to educate yourself on the issue of human trafficking? I don’t know if there’s anything that I can say better than the great Abolitionist himself:

You may choose to look the other way but you can never say again that you did not know.

William Wilberforce

Looking into the darkness that others live in can be gut-wrenching. I understand why people do not want to let their minds go there. But here’s the thing…

If these precious individuals (man, woman and child) don’t have any choice but to live in this hell, then why should we get a choice as to whether or not we should have to hear about it?

Let your sensibilities be offended. It is nothing compared to the horror that over 40 million people are living in this very moment! (For more statistics, read my post “There Are More Slaves Today Than in Any Other Time in History.“

When we are intentional about educating ourselves, a recalibration of our perspective takes place. From there, we have the opportunity to be ushered into a state of genuine gratitude.

Through the gain of discernment and thanksgiving, we are empowered to be of service to others in need. And it won’t be a drudgery, it will be a source of joy!

So, how do we educate ourselves on human trafficking?

As it is a huge problem, it is an equally huge subject to dive into. And as fortunate as it is to have a vast number of educational resources available, it can be a fairly exhaustive list to tackle.

To simplify things, I have condensed it all into 5 simple steps that you can take today with my top recommendation for each category.

1) Watch Documentaries

This is often one of the most impactful ways to learn information because it is a multi-sensory experience. You can watch full-length documentaries on this subject, or view shorter info videos and/or interviews.

Watch this documentary, “Missing Persons: 10-Year Film” from A21. It covers the journey how Christine Caine went from noticing a missing person’s sign in an airport in Greece, to launching a modern abolitionist’s movement called A21.

2) Listen to Podcasts

Podcasts have become one of my favourite ways to intake information. You can easily listen while tackling other tasks and, when interrupted, you can pick up right where you left off.

There are great podcasts devoted to this topic, as well as compelling interviews of operators who have in the trenches experience.

Start out by subscribing to the Talk for Freedom Podcast, hosted by Chuck Paul LLC and A21 Freedom Chasers, as they discuss “various topics about human trafficking and shining a light on this crime.“

3) Read Books

This one is fairly obvious. Taking the time to read non-fiction books that document true stories is a powerful way to educate ourselves. If you aren’t an avid reader, these titles are often available in audio book form, too.

You must read Slave Stealers: True Accounts of Slave Rescues – Then and Now by Timothy Ballard. This was the best book I read in 2019! The stories are so compelling and inspiring. It is a great historical resource, as well.

“Follow two abolitionists who fought one of the most shockingly persistent evils of the world:  human trafficking and sexual exploitation of slaves. Told in alternating chapters from perspectives spanning more than a century apart, read the riveting 19th century first-hand account of Harriet Jacobs and the modern-day eyewitness account of Timothy Ballard.”

Slave Stealers

4) Sign-Up for Online Training Programs

We really are very fortunate that we have resources like this available for FREE.

One of the greatest benefits to these programs is that they not only educate on the problem, but they train how to recognize the signs that someone is being trafficked. This can legitimately save lives!

There is a wide variety of courses designed specifically for students, the general public, and specific job sectors. You can even take courses that will earn you college credit.

My challenge to you is to add this to your goals list for 2020 to take at least one course!

As a place to start, Operation Underground Railroad has a “Signs of Trafficking Training Course” available for free in English and in Spanish.

This online training takes approximately 1 hour to complete. However, you can save the progress you make in the course, enabling you to stop and sart at your own pace.

5) Follow Instagram Accounts that Educate & Advocate

A year ago, I did a lot of “editing” to my Following List.

I curated a selection of accounts from individuals and organizations that would keep my perspective grounded in truth. Not only did I want to hear the enlightening truth of the Word of God, but I also sought the grounding heavy truth of things going on in the world (the good and the bad).

So do a little editing of your own! Curate a list of family, friends, influencers and advocates that will motivate you to:

• pursue a closer relationship with Christ
• choose intentional gratitude
• step out in faith and service

Want some suggestions to get you started? Check out my post, “10 Instagram Accounts Advocating to End Human Trafficking.“

Ready to become an Abolitionist now? Read this post to see “10 Organizations Fighting Human Trafficking that Need Your Support Now.“