January is Human Trafficking Awareness Month

Did you know, that human trafficking is the Globe's fastest growing crime?
​That there are approximately 30 Million slaves in the world today?
That this is not just some faraway thing going on only in other countries, but a huge problem that is in our own backyard?
It's true. Read this report from the Ohio Attorney General regarding trafficking in Ohio. "Human trafficking is an estimated multi-billion a year international enterprise that forces the most vulnerable among us into the horrors of modern-day slavery. Criminals who are involved in trafficking other human beings prey upon those already at risk in our society, often our children.  In fact, a preliminary report on the scope of the problem in Ohio cited 13 years old as the most common age in Ohio for youth to become victims of child sex trafficking. From the study's sample of 207 individuals, 49 percent were under 18 when they were first trafficked. Nationally, over 100,000 children are thought to be involved in the sex trade."
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Since January is Human Trafficking Awareness Month, and January 11th is National Human Trafficking Awareness Day, I wanted to write a blog post to help bring awareness. Because if we aren't aware of a problem, then how are we supposed to fix it? 
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Remember when I wrote an article about finding out what your passion is? Well, ending human trafficking is one of my passions. And so, ​I am a proud member of P.A.T.H.S, that is, Partners Against the Trafficking of Humans Stark (Stark County, Ohio). This is a group of people, from all walks of life, that care, and that want to help right a tremendous wrong. If you would like to learn more, you can come to our next meeting!Email us! Visit our facebook page! Get involved.
Sometimes when fighting such a huge giant, it can be almost too overwhelming! "Where do I start? What can I even do, I'm just one person!" You might be thinking to yourself. Well don't let that thought stop you, there are so many things you can do in this fight against modern slavery! ​Here are some other organizations, and some ways that you can help.
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RAHAB Ministries

RAHAB Ministries is a great organization that I got to learn about through P.A.T.H.S. 
Here is a little bit about RAHAB Ministries, in their own words.
"Over the past fourteen years, thousands of individuals have come together to share the hope found in Jesus Christ with broken women in our city. RAHAB Ministries isn't a group of employees. It's not a church and it's not a denomination. RAHAB Ministries is the belief that every woman stuck in sexual exploitation has value and deserves freedom.
In 2002, armed with nothing but homemade business cards and prayers, Becky Moreland headed out to the streets of some of the roughest areas of Akron, Ohio to share the love of Jesus with the women she'd meet. Since then, RAHAB Ministries has served tens of thousands of female victims of human trafficking and sexual exploitation. Whether it's through providing basic necessities, mentoring, or safe housing, RAHAB is a constant example of the Gospel to the women we serve."

Here are some of the ways you can join with RAHAB, and help make a difference, right here in Ohio!

Penpal
Develop a mentoring/discipling relationship by consistently writing to women in jail

RAHAB Drop-In Center 
Prepare and serve meals at weekly programming. Supporting/facilitating Bible studies and prayer times.

Correctional Facility
Bring the light of Jesus into local correctional facilities through mentoring, fellowship and Bible studies. (Requires background check and federal clearance.)

Mentoring
Commit to spending time every week with a minor or adult victim of human trafficking to build a relationship that points them toward Christ.

Safe House
Serving in various ways at our residential program for victims of human trafficking. (Requires background check and alternate application.)
 
or, you can

Donate:
Personal Care items (new or unused full sized items only)
Shampoo/Conditioner
Deodorant
Body Wash
Toothbrushes
Plain Crest or Colgate Toothpaste
Disposable razors
Lotions
Tampons/Pads
Hair Brushes/Combs
Hair bands
Hair styling products
Lip gloss/Chapstick
Makeup
Clothing
Clean, gently used, and in style womens clothig only; all sizes appreciated
Bibles
Journals
Reading Glasses
Coffee/Creamer/Sugar

The donations may be dropped off Monday-Friday, 9-5 at their office, 3480 W. Market Street, Suite 203 B Fairlawn
For questions please call 3308193326
Monetary Donations
​Make checks payable to Rahab Ministries and mail to Rahab Ministries PO Box 13866
​Akron, Ohio 44334

www.rahab-ministries.org

Eden Ministry

I have written about Eden Ministry several times before.
Eden is an incredible organization that I got to see close up when I was living in Asia. Eden serves to restore freedom for the captives of Asia’s red light districts through holistic programs- transforming body, mind and spirit. Using their international jewelry business as a platform, they provide career and skill training- empowering women for a new life and future. They continually innovate prevention and outreach programs- transforming entire communities. Eden is a voice to the oppressed, a light to the darkness.
I am now selling the jewelry that these girls make, enabling them to live better lives!

These are some of the beautiful pieces of jewelry that the girls rescued from prostitution make with their own hands! They are not only making a living, but are proving to themselves that they have worth, and value.
If you would like to get involved with Eden Ministries, all you need to do is buy jewelry! Beautiful jewelry that is restoring and saving lives! I am now an Eden advocate and sell their jewelry here in the United States. If you live in the Canton Ohio area we can meet up! 
And last but not least, visit Eden's website. Read their mission. Watch their powerful video. Read the true stories of how they have changed the lives of trafficking victims. Host a jewelry party. Like them on facebook. Then share with others.

Ensure that you, and the women and girls around you know their worth!
When any woman or little girl knows their worth, it is much easier to keep away from the dangers of human trafficking. My friend Kayleigh Hanlin's J.O.Y (Just Own You) Journal is designed for girls to discover their unique self through engaging and guided activities. In this creative journal, through kid-friendly illustrations and innovative activities, you will discover self-acceptance and self-love at your own pace. Purchase a copy for yourself and any woman or girl you know!

With more knowledge of what trafficking actually is, there have been great strides in the arena of prosecuting traffickers. But! In order to prosecute those who are preying upon the vulnerable populations, we need to keep our eyes open, and report any information that we might have about human trafficking! Call 1-888-373-7888 with any suspicions you might have. You could save a life!
Here are some warning signs of human trafficking to watch for!

• If you are going into a nail salon, for example, look for sleeping bags that indicate employees are living in the same place where they work and that backrooms appear to be living space. You might notice workers at this salon are driven to the store in groups all at once.
• When a worker answers casual questions, those answers seem scripted or rehearsed.
• Workers may appear exceptionally young or fearful or particularly submissive.
• If you are staying in a hotel or if you work at a hotel, you might see an older male checking in with a young female or females. You might see a young girl refer to that older man as her boyfriend or as "daddy," sometimes street slang for pimp. Look for a tattoo of a man's name, a slang name, or "daddy" on the girl's neck, leg, or shoulder. Does the guest have multiple cell phones, laptops, etc.?
• Are the guests at the hotel frequent customers on weekends, but have a local address and identification?
• Small children serving in a family restaurant.
• Security measures that appear to keep people inside an establishment - barbed wire inside of a fence, bars covering the insides of windows.
• Not allowing people to go into public alone, or speak for themselves.

To end today's post, here are a couple stories about human trafficking. Trafficking, whether labor trafficking or sex trafficking, is happening everywhere. The stories, and the victims are endless. Use this knowledge today as power. Power to keep yourself, your little sisters, brothers, cousins, nieces, or the strangers you might see on the street, safe!

"Old Mark of Slavery is being Used on Sex Trafficking Victims" on CNN.

"Sex Slavery in Tracy" in the Tracy Papers.

"Bronx Couple Busted for Running Sex Ring out of Apartment, Pimping out Underage Girl" on NY Daily News.

Peace Love and Awareness
Jess <3

Don't forget to share this post around to help bring awareness!