Human Trafficking, Africa, and God's Creation

I just got done reading a book called The Natashas. It is a book that is about the human sex traffic in Eastern Europe. The book was a great read and was very informative for both the good and the bad. No detail was spared, and nothing was left untouched. Even criticizing America for our lack of discipline on those who traffic woman for the sex trade. One of the most important lessons that I learned was the my lack of compassion for the girls that I see that work in bars and clubs. I always assumed that this was something that they wanted to do, and sometimes it is, but there are a lot of times that the girls are forced into prostitution--they are slaves. The book talked about situations that happened here in New York City, which made me sick to my stomach. The place I am living, working and doing ministry is a place where girls are forced in to the sex trade. It disgusts me.

Today I was talking to one of my friends from West Africa. He just finished his freshman year at Ghana Christian College. He really wants to be a pastor and serve God's people. We were just talking about school and he said his freshman year was a little rough due to peer pressure. I asked him what kind and he said pressure to sleep with girls. I was couldn't believe this. He said that he knew better so he hasn't, but the pressure was there. This just really saddened. I never would have thought that this attitude of sex would have reached a W. Africa. It breaks my heart, especially to know that this attitude toward girls is pushed by those of us in the wester world (Europe and United States). These people would not have had these desires if it was not for our wanting to colonize them and make them like us. I commended him for remaining strong and assured him that God will reward him for his faithfulness.

I just couldn't believe what he told me. We in the USA are so proud of our culture, or values and ethics even though they are really nothing to proud of. Hollywood glamourizes sex and relationships and everyone in the world sees this as the attitude of all of America. People no longer care about the covenant of marriage or serving God faithfully by following his ethics and values (I know that there are exceptions to this, but that is how America is perceived by the world). What makes this even worse is that people associate these attitudes with Christianity.

I wish that we could press rewind and see where we went wrong, but we can't. So what are we to do?

God, please be with all of those in the world that have been forced in the sex trade. Let them know that you are not disgusted with them, that you still love them as your creation. Let the women know that you have turned away from them. And Father please be with those men who are studying to go into ministry in W. Africa. Please move their hearts closer to yours. May they not see women as something to get, but as people whom you love. Please be my friend as he continues to study. Help him remain faithful to this call on his life. Amen.