by
Sylvia Dooling
This was an edition of Horizons that immediately got my attention! Human
Trafficking is an issue about which Voices of Orthodox Women is deeply
concerned, and one of only a handful of social concerns upon which we
have publicly taken a stand.[i] So, I was keenly interested in what
Presbyterian Women had to say.
I wasn t disappointed. This is one of those issues that will stay on my
desk, close at hand. It s full of helpful information on this very
important issue. Beginning with the devotion inside the front cover, I was
drawn in. When faced with issues of human suffering, there are questions
that immediately come to my mind, similar to the author s. Where is God
amidst this bondage? How are Christians to respond to such horror? I wasn
t disappointed to hear Ms. Mills conclusions as to how Christians should
respond. I pray we remember that we cannot do this alone. We must begin
with prayer and an open heart for God to show us how to respond. For me,
this set just the right tone for everything that follows.
Noelle Damico provides the reader with helpful information. Her article is
titled Human Trafficking 101. From defining the issue, to providing a
list of myths and facts, to suggesting what to do and what not to do, this
is an article to share with others. Another article written by Kacie
Macdonald gives the reader information on how to recognize trafficking.
Whether we live in big cities or small towns, this kind of human slavery can
be found within the neighborhood s, downtown centers, and industrial areas
in which we live. Kacie gives us the signs to look for, and a reminder to
stay alert. And, she encourages Presbyterian Women to be ready to act,
because this is an issue that we can do something about.
Sara Friedman, in Joining the Battle Against Sexual Exploitation of
Children gives us some important information about the federal law that
helps prevent human trafficking within the borders of United States. It was
passed by Congress in 2000, and has been reauthorized in 2003, 2005, and
2008. In this article I discovered that PW has been speaking to this issue
for many years. For example, a Thank Offering in l992 helped give ECPAT (End
Child Prostitution in Asian Tourism) it s start in the United States. This
is an example of a grant worthy of women s offerings.
In sum, I found this edition of Horizons to be very worthwhile, and
encourage Presbyterian women use it to educate themselves on the issue. Keep
this magazine and read it carefully. Use it as educational material in your
Presbytery and congregation. Make sure that your church library has a copy
readily available.
I especially appreciated the reminder contained in several of the articles
that we shouldn t just charge out into the world thinking that we can solve
this problem on our own. It s important to take time to learn, to pray, and
to discern God s direction as we, the church, join with others outside the
church to combat human slavery. May this be our prayer, O LORD, you will
hear the desire of the meek; you will strengthen their heart, you will
incline your ear to do justice for the orphan and the oppressed, so that
those from earth may strike terror no more. Psalm 10:17-18
Thank you editors of Horizons for providing this resource.
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[i] See
http://layman.wpengine.com/Documents/Doc0324.aspx?type=35&name=Human%20Trafficking ,
http://layman.wpengine.com/Documents/Doc0321.aspx?type=35&name=Human%20Trafficking,
and
http://layman.wpengine.com/Documents/Doc0323.aspx?type=35&name=Human%20Trafficking