January 11, 2016

End Human Trafficking... Together, we can!




I know... I know it can seem like such a huge issue.  So overwhelming and we can oh so easily be lulled back to sleep because, well-- what can I do, right?

Only here's the thing... you can do a lot.  You can be the change that is needed and you can release freedom and encourage and equip. You can help raise awareness. You can change the world, one life at a time!

Practically speaking, you can pray, of course. 

I hope that you do... that you are. I believe 1000% in the power of prayer and in how it changes the world.  

But I hope you also know of some other practical ways that you can jump in and raise awareness and help bring an end to Human Trafficking...  

Let's all start with prayer... but then let's put our faith to action - locally, and globally! 

(Wait... what? Do you think this is just a third world problem? Well --if you think that, you are sadly mistaken.)

Putting action to our faith can start out as easily as simply changing our language. Let's call the trafficked --the women and children (both boys and girls) caught up in trafficking... let's call them what they are: Victims.

Whether they were taken, tricked, or trapped - no one dreams of growing up and being enslaved. Let's bring freedom and hope and link up with Jesus, who came to break every chain and set the captives free!



Changing our language reveals our level of grace and love and how far we are willing to go for these who are often invisible and lost... so often misunderstood and mislabeled. Love wins... let's let our words wrap them in grace and mercy, instead of slapping them with judgment and disdain.  

There are all kinds of great ministries, organizations, and foundations that are hands-on-and-hearts-open... doing the work of finding and bringing hope and opportunity for change and for freedom.  These are the hands and feet of Jesus, roaming the backstreets and dark alleyways... in Africa and Thailand and India, yes - but also in Atlanta and Hollywood and {insert your own hometown here.}  

There are several ministries that my Honey and I, and now our church, support.  They are doing a holy work and they make it so easy to sow in to and help make a difference!  

Two of those ministries are MercyHouse of Kenya and Fair Trade Friday.

In fact, on Saturday I was honored to be the speaker at a local women's event and we set up a table of Fair Trade Friday products on the side and encouraged the women to shop with a purpose and to love and support girls and women from around the world by buying handmade items that help to support and keep them out of the traps of Human Trafficking!

The more awareness we raise, the bigger the issue appears to be... and the harder it can be to feel like you can make a difference... but we can --and we are!

One of my favorite things about ministries like Women At Risk, JOYN India, and Fair Trade Friday is that the items often come with a tag giving the name of the woman or women who made the product. I don't know about you, but for me? Well - that personal touch reminds me that these are real individual people... with names... and my purchase and my prayers make a huge difference in their freedom.


I encourage you to sign up to be a member of one of the Fair Trade Friday clubs (where you receive either a box, a pair of earrings, or a bracelet every month... Fun, right?) and/or sign up to host a Party in your home or at your next church event. 

Let's partner with those who have paved the way and paid a price we do not know... and let's be the hands and feet of Jesus, too.  Let's make a difference and be the change that is so desperately needed! 

Let's be the voice for those who have been told over and over and over again that they don't have a voice.

And always, let's:


CLICK TO TWEET: "Whether they were taken, tricked, or trapped - no one dreams of growing up and being enslaved." @KarrileeA #HumanTraffickingAwarenessDay

CLICK TO TWEET: "Let's bring freedom and hope and link up with Jesus, who came to break every chain and set the captives free!" @KarrileeA #HumanTraffickingAwarenessDay

CLICK TO TWEET: Join Organizations & Ministries like @MercyHouseKenya @A21 & @FTFClub to help raise awareness #HumanTraffickingAwarenessDay & #BeTheChange

P.S.  I'm linking up with these lovely writers:

The Community over at #SmallWonders

Laura Boggess over at #ChasingtheBlueFlower


Kelly Balarie for #RaRaLinkUp


Holly Barrett over at #TestimonyTuesday
Holly Barrett















Here is a brief list of some of the Human Trafficking ministries that we support:

Are you connected to or involved in any other Human Trafficking organizations? If so, which ones? I'd love to hear!

8 comments :

  1. So blessed again to be next door at Kelly's #smallwonder. These are wonderful ministries! I have a heart for this issue, too! Will keep these wonderful groups in mind and will be tweeting this!! I know San Diego has a huge issue with trafficking! I love these groups!

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    1. It's amazing how many, many, (MANY!) small towns have a huge issue with human trafficking and yet so many (many, many) people think it is only a third world problem! Thanks so much for your support and for helping to spread the word! Let Freedom reign!

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  2. Love--Gods love---always wins! I need to check out these organizations. I sadly don't know much about them. I want to learn more. Reminds me of the quote "Be the change you wish to see in the world!" I will pray for the victims of human trafficking. Sadly it is a problem in the oil field areas here in ND too. My heart breaks for all of those who have been victims of human trafficking. Love your heart for helping others friend!

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    1. Oh yes... I think often we think of Human and/or Sex Trafficking issues as only third world problems or huge cities... but it really is a small town issue as well and yes - I am sure the oil fields are full of trafficking victims! Love you friend! xoxo

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  3. Karrilee,I'm next to you at the #raralinkup! This is an area where I know very little, but I want to pray and help where I can. Blessings!

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    1. Gayl, happy to be neighbors! You are not alone, my friend! Many have never heard of this issue - or, as I said above, think it is only an issue in other nations! I do thank you for praying and encourage you to look into some of the ministries listed above as well as looking into any local organizations in your area that is doing the hard work of reaching out in love and offering hope!

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  4. I feel like it's been forever since we visited! How are you? I think the new year is coming in like a boss and we're all just trying to keep up! (((xo)))

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    1. LOL! Oh boy... that is truth, right there! We added going back to school to our plates this year so that *just might* mean(s) backing away a little from this space. However, you know how I love words and have plenty of them... I hope and intend to post a couple of times per week still! Hello "Change" and how it is bossing me around already! ;) Love you, friend!

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Thanks so much for stopping by! I always love to hear your thoughts! Remember to: Speak Life - Be Love - Shine On!
~Karrilee~

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