6.03.2011

Something Worth Standing For

There are some things in life that are worth standing for.

Life, liberty, the pursuit of happiness. 
Psych on Friday nights. 
Kit kats that cost less than 1.59. 

But more seriously, there are things worth standing for. I'm sure you could name a few off the top of your head. Some that I think are worth standing for is a world where young women and girls aren't sold into slavery. 

I know it might be hard to believe, but right now, human trafficking happens all the time and it happens all around you. Right now, in the UNITED STATES, the average age for a girl to enter prostitution is between 12-14 years old. (Statistic according to the Polaris Project). Let that sink in. You must know someone that's 12-14 years old. I don't have kids, but I have babysat kids... dear, beautiful, precious, innocent little girls, some of which are nearing that age right now.

Human trafficking is something worth standing against. On behalf of those girls I've babysat- on behalf of your children or future children, please, continue to read. 

My friend Megan is so passionate about this. She will be going to Cambodia from August 7-21st. According to humantrafficking.org, "Cambodia has internal trafficking of women and children from rural to urban areas for sexual exploitation. Many victims believe they will be working as domestic servants but are later coerced into sexual exploitation. 

The point? There are men, women, and children in Cambodia that are being TRICKED into sexual exploitation. This is not their fault. This is not something they chose or something they can get out of on their own. 

So how can you help? Learn. I would suggest checking out Rapha House to learn more about this. Something else you can do is help Megan get there. She is still between $1000-1500 from being able to make this trip. Why is it so important for her to be there? Check out what she has to say about it below:

"The simplest way to explain why I'm passionate about the work that Rapha House does is this: Love came down for the least of these. I believe that as a Christ-follower, it is my responsibility and privilege to plead the case of the widow, defend the cause of the fatherless, and seek justice. Not only that, but I know for a fact that God is a God of justice, mercy, love, and grace: we see this throughout the bible leading right up to Christ's death on the cross for the sins of the world -- including the sins of the rapist. I also know that God is a God of healing, redemption, and restoration, which is shown in Christ's resurrection from the grave. If all this is true, which I believe it to be 100%, then no human being should ever be treated as mere means to an ends. Rapha House shows the love of Christ to girls who have been treated as sub-human. Rapha House provides ways for the girls in their care to heal the wounds the world has dealt them and find the beauty in their scars. Rapha House has given the hope of new life to girls who had theirs stripped away from them."

You are welcome to contact Megan and help her financially, with prayers, letters, whatever you can. Another way you can help is through Brittany Long Photography. For every print sold from the "Sunny Florida" album, all money (with the exception of cost for having it made) will go to Megan for this trip. There will also be more pictures up in there after this weekend, so be sure to check back. I will also give $10 off a photoshoot to anyone who buys at least one print, 8x10 or higher. 

The costs are as follows:

4x6- $4
5x7- $8
8x10- $12

Packages:
2 4x6
1 5x7
1 8x10
_________
$24 instead of $28

4 4x6
2 5x7
2 8x10
___________ 
$44 instead of $56

Other packages can be made custom.  

Please ask for other sizes. These prints would be excellent to put up in your home. I would even suggest putting it in a place that would remind you to pray for those still being trafficked today. It can serve as a reminder to pray for them- pray for their health, their mind, and pray that they will be rescued from their captors. 

If you have a chance, take a moment to check out more about Rapha House at: http://www.raphahouse.org/#/who-we-are

"Rapha House exists to love, rescue, and heal children who have been rescued out of slavery and sexual exploitation. Operating as a 501(c)3, Rapha House began in 2003 to permeate cultures with love that heals and leads to restoration. Rapha House does this by providing safehomes and aftercare programs for young girls who have been rescued out of slavery and exploitative situations. All Rapha House homes are currently located in Southeast Asia, with the goal of expanding globally.  Slavery still exists in every culture. Rapha House is constantly partnering with advocates in an effort to build communities that extend unconditional love, physical rescue, and transformational healing. 
(taken directly from www.freedomforgirls.org)"