Missie, from Hidden Valley Simplicity, actually introduced me to Make Way Partners; she had been reading Kimberly L. Smith’s book, Passport through Darkness. Make Way Partners was co-founded by Kimberly and is an organization seeking to prevent and combat human trafficking in the darkest corners of our planet. They work in Sudan, DR Congo, Romania, and Peru.They actually partner with indigenous leadership, meaning people from each region are in leadership, rather than a long-term missionary coming in from another country or region. You can actually read about each of their anti-trafficking networks to learn more about what they do.Who could imagine that even in the most isolated corners of the world, human trafficking/sex slavery thrives? Who could imagine exploiting the plight of orphans for monetary/sexual gain? I can not imagine the individual ordeals of each and every trafficking victim. I cannot imagine what they each must have gone through before they were taken in by Make Way Partners.We’ve all read about the situation in Darfur and Sudan, but I don’t think we fully understand the complete picture of the violence that has taken place and is still taking place. Orphans and widows are amongst the “most vulnerable.” Through the work of their indigenous network, Make Way Partners builds orphanages, so that these precious children can be kept safe and receive the care they need and deserve. Right now, on the border of Darfur, they have an orphanage in which over 500 children are housed and cared for. 500….a number to consider….These words particularly stuck out to me, as I read through Make Way Partner’s website….please let this sink in….

The United States of America is the #1 country of destination for trafficked victims. The USA is a receiving country for sex-slaves and forced manual workers from around the world. Within our own borders, run-away or kidnapped children are also sold and exploited. Much internet child pornography and/or solicitation comes at the expense of these children. A child goes missing every 40 seconds in the USA.

Hidden In Plain View – Some of these victims come to the USA with dreams of a new life but instead enter into a living nightmare. They are hidden right in front of us as we live our daily lives. They may be working in fields you pass. They may be hidden in vans driving down the highway. They may be the women dancing in strip clubs you think are there by choice. They may be children locked away in quiet neighborhoods near where you live waiting in dark basements for the next customer to knock at the door.

In the USA trafficking rings have been discovered in trailer parks, massage parlors, suburban homes, farms, working in major employment companies, in mansions… Human trafficking affects all of us.

Read more here.

In fact, I am in shock over this article about Atlanta. It truly makes me sick to my stomach. Atlanta isn’t the only destination for these sick, twisted people, though. Their destination may be the house down the street. Thanks to organizations like Make Way Partners, awareness is rising. However, it takes individuals like you and me to help spread the word, to support the endeavors of these organizations and individuals who are working hard to put a stop to this horrific crime against humanity.There is so much more that I could write. I could tell you stories of victims who have been rescued. I could give you more statistics and numbers. What I’ll leave you with is the option to make a difference. Pray for those who are suffering and those who are working to prevent and combat this crime. You can sponsor a child or make a donation. In fact, you can get involved.Just don’t let it stop here….together, we can shine a light into the darkness of human trafficking.

(Disclosure: Photos used with permission of Kimberly L. Smith.)