Miami On High Alert For Human Trafficking
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Droves of people arrived in South Florida for the F1 Miami Grand Prix. But not all who arrived in Miami were there to watch the big race.
Taking To The Streets
Many local, state and nationally based organizations were on hand to raise awareness of the issue of human trafficking.
According to the Polaris Project and the International Human Trafficking Institute, there is not enough evidence to support the claim that major sporting events contribute to an increase in sex trafficking. However, major events create a prime atmosphere for prostitution demand. This presents an opportunity to create awareness and make a dent in the worldwide problem.
- Leading up to the 2019 Super Bowl in Atlanta, the FBI made 169 arrests related to human trafficking.
- Ahead of Super Bowl 2018, more than 110 arrests were made in Minneapolis.
These people engaged in conversations, offered prayer, and kept their eyes peeled for warning signs of trafficking.
In advance of the weekend, several advertisements were posted around the city which encouraged people to report suspicious behavior. Security personnel, those working in the hotel industry, and ride-sharing drivers were placed on high alert, as they are the ones most likely to encounter those victimized by trafficking and their perpetrators.
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Fighting Human Trafficking
Katherine Fernandez Rundle, Miami-Dade State Attorney, shared, “This is a highly coordinated rapid response capable to recover victims and arrest offenders, including buyers and traffickers, and engage the local community to help victims escape and report trafficking.”
Rodney Barreto, chairman of the 2020 Super Bowl LIV committee, also chaired both the 2007 and 2010 committees of South Florida Super Bowls in the past. In regards to human trafficking, he shares, “Ten years ago, we didn’t talk about it…We’ve evolved as a community. This is a problem that prevails whether there’s a Super Bowl or not. We’re being responsible.”
Responsibility in advance of a major sporting event is commendable. However, if you want to stop fueling the ever-growing problem of human trafficking, you must resolve to take action now that will prohibit future growth of such a vile industry.
Furthermore, you have to begin to recognize what fuels trafficking and how to reverse its impact.
What Fuels Human Trafficking
One of the biggest accelerators for trafficking is pornography. An FBI employee working with sex trafficking victims daily told End Sexual Exploitation,
Related Article: This Is How Porn And Sex Trafficking Are Linked
“If pornography was removed from the equation, sex trafficking would disappear.”
Christine Caine, the founder of A21, an organization seeking to abolish human trafficking, warns that many types of pornography are actually products of sex trafficking. She shares, “Nothing is free…Porn costs somebody.”
Studies have shown that pornography is an increasing problem with both men and women alike.
- According to the Barna Group, the following percentages of men admit to viewing pornography at least once per month: 79% of 18-30 year olds; 67% of 31-49 year olds; 49% of 50-68 year olds.
- In the same study, the following percentages of women responded that they too seek out pornography monthly: 76% of 18-30 year olds; 16% of 31-49 year olds; 4% of 50-68 year olds.
- Pure Desire Ministries reports that 68% of church-going men view pornography regularly.
- Webroot Cybersecurity reported that 40 million Americans regularly visit porn sites.
Though these numbers may be shocking, what is even more alarming is the low number of churches who offer programs that will help individuals who are struggling to find freedom.
Related Article: 15 Mind-Blowing Statistics About Pornography And The Church
Equipping The Church To Fight Human Trafficking
The Barna Group released a study in 2016 titled The Porn Phenomenon. They reported that 93% of pastors believe porn is a bigger problem today than it ever has been. However, it is estimated that only about 7% of churches have programs specifically designed to assist those struggling with porn.
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Often, church leaders don’t know how to begin the conversation. As a result, they may brush over it quickly in a sermon, conduct an altar call, and move on. For some caught in bondage to sexual sin, they may experience miraculous healing.
The majority, however, will be encouraged only until stress arises or another reminder of their painful childhood resurfaces. This means that the Church will continue to lack in power as a result of the crippling effects of sin that so many are dealing with.
A battle of this size cannot be won in isolation. And thankfully, churches do not have to figure it out on their own.
Related Article: Church Enlists 10% of Town to Battle Against Porn
Empowering People To Find Freedom
Churches all around the world are disciplining men and women in regard to sexual integrity through the use of the Conquer Series. The Conquer Series is a powerful cinematic study that combines Scripture and science to help individuals understand why trying harder does not work.
You’ll learn how the brain has been changed through the viewing of pornography, and you’ll be guided in the process of identifying painful moments in your life that are likely contributing to your struggle. Beyond that, as you walk out this journey with the members of your Conquer Group, you’ll clearly begin to see who you are in Christ.
John 8:32 emphasizes this, “Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."
Now is the time to do something about the human trafficking epidemic. It’s going to require you to tackle the issues of pornography and sexual addiction within the Church. But as men and women are released from the grip of sexual sin, the fire that fuels trafficking will begin to die out.
Don’t wait another minute. Make the choice to help become part of the solution to end human trafficking around the world.