Human Trafficking Head On // November Update

Dearest Friends and Family,

Apologies for the lack of updates from America! My first three months of mission have been very intense and now I am in the UK for a short break to organize some things for the rest of my stay.

In August 2014, I started my 6-month placement in Downtown Los Angeles, working on the frontline with victims of human trafficking. Currently, it is estimated that 27 million people are trapped in human trafficking (slavery) of some description. I have previously supported and researched organizations that deal mainly with victims of international trafficking, people who are kidnapped, sold or tricked into a life that they have no choice over: filled with brutality, poverty and cruelty that is way beyond the scope of what you and I could imagine. The demographic that I work with falls prey to the same shocking and terrifying brutality, cruelty and devastation, but with some crucial differences…

The victims that I work with and help to rescue are not usually those international victims that we are used to hearing about: the ones who went to another country, seeking better employment and opportunities. No, these girls and women that I work with are very different…

Their stories tend to start the same: their father/ grandfather/ uncle/ cousin/ brother (or a more than one of them) raped and abused them when they were very young. Step 1 in the breaking down of their self worth; in the normalization of abusive relationships and the realization that they will never loved, valued or protected any better than they were in that moment. Step 2: their mother/ grandmother/ aunt/ sister/ cousin (or all of the above) tells them that they are a liar, or that they are not special, that this happens to everyone and this is real life, so why do they think anyone should feel sorry for them or help them? - they learn that they should not reach out for help because they will be rejected and ridiculed and their hearts will be broken again by the crushing realization that they are not loved, valued or protected by the people who should be their safety. So they harden their hearts to that hope and open them to a future of ‘normal’ abuse, violence and sexual exploitation…

The average age that one of these girls is ‘turned out’ to sell herself and earn money for her pimp..? Twelve. 12. Not even a teenager yet. Whether she is courted by a ‘boyfriend’ (read ‘pimp’) who then forces her to work, sold by her parents (or often foster parents), turned out by her family to earn money for them, or kidnapped as a runaway who has nowhere else to go, these girls become slaves before their childhood is even over.

So where do I come into this horrific picture..? I am fortunate enough to be able to help manage and work in a safe house / shelter about 40 minutes outside of Los Angeles where these women can come and find safety, rest, love and an opportunity (if they choose to take it) to begin a new life. It is heartbreaking and amazing all at the same time and there is no ‘typical day’ at the shelter, but here are some examples of days that I have lived through with some of these girls already…

On Monday, I might be the ‘house mum’: cooking, cleaning, doing laundry, taking the girls out for ice cream or a walk at the beach.

Tuesday, I could be breaking up fights or arguments in the house, or helping a girl to come to terms with the devastation she has suffered, or the overwhelming choices she now faces.

On Wednesday, I might get a call at 2am to our 24 hour hotline from a girl who is terrified and hiding from her pimp who has threatened to kill her; or a call from a social worker who has a girl in the Emergency Room who has jumped out of a moving vehicle, or was beaten her within an inch of her life..

Thursday, I may be at the police station, going on a sting operation with LAPD (yes, sometimes we even get to wear bullet proof vests!), or working alongside the FBI to help a girl to be strong enough to identify her pimp and help to uncover huge prostitution rings.

Friday, I could be collecting a newborn baby from court- already ‘in the system’ within the first week of her life because her teenage mother is the victim of this life she never chose (but has fortunately managed to escape from).

On Saturday, I might be driving the familiar ‘tracks’ of LA where these girls (some as young as 12) walk and wait for men to stop and buy them… We drive around, handing out gifts (including our hotline number) to these girls who are ‘in the game’ and telling them to call us any time. 12am – 3am is the worst shift… the girls and women walk around in literally lingerie and heels in plain sight and I always have to fight back the tears when we see a girl who has chosen to return to the life after being with us in the shelter…

On Sunday, I might be blessed enough to take the girls to church and for one of them to ask for prayer and feel for maybe the first time God’s love, or any love at all..

There is no typical day, or week, and no way to describe the pain that I witness on a daily basis… but there is also nothing that compares to seeing God reach in, or for these girls to finally make the choice to start their lives again: to see them go into a program, be reunited with their children, finish their education and get a job and a life that they can be proud of and feel valued in.

What we do in this ministry is difficult, but it is such an unbelievable blessing! So when my manager asked me to extend my contract to 12 months, I was absolutely thrilled!

My position is completely voluntary. That means that I will not earn anything for 12 months and will also have to support myself while I am there, including $4,000 for a year’s accommodation, some meals and any necessary training. This is currently where I need your support the most. I absolutely hate asking for money, but I have realized that, in order for this to be possible, I have to.

I have calculated that it will cost me $500 per month to live and volunteer in this ministry. That is roughly £350. If 10 people committed to £35 per month (until August 2014), that would cover my monthly costs and allow me to continue to do this work.

For one off donations and gifts, please either donate via PayPal:

(£) http://www.youcaring.com/SupportRonell

($) http://www.youcaring.com/SponsorRonell

Please feel free to pass on this information to others who may be interested in supporting me in the work that I am fortunate enough to do.

Thank you for your support in prayer, encouragement and finances. I could not do this without you!

Blessings,

Ronell x

12 Years A Slave

I went to watch 12 Years A Slave tonight.. Well, it is hard to put into words! (Thank you Steve McQueen & all other contributors for making this heart wrenching, essential film!)

Sobering; horrifying; sickening; inspiring and beautiful all at the same time... but the most sobering part of the film..? Sitting in a cinema where people actually laughed at it as if it was there for their entertainment...

This is not fiction! This is not a thing of the past! There are more slaves today than in the days of Solomon Northup! We have a duty to stand for world change; to demand it; and together we can!

What are you doing with your freedom??

Stand together with organisations like The A21 Campaign who are trailblazing and actively fighting this fight for freedom!

Nobody can do everything, but EVERYBODY can do SOMETHING!

Blessings!

Ronell x


{photo credit: http://www.imdb.com/media/rm3711556096/tt2024544?ref_=tt_ov_i}

IJM // Kids fighting against Slavery!

For those of us (myself included) who think they have nothing of real value to offer in the fight against modern day slavery, watch this: http://bit.ly/17p9LJL! Kayleigh and Hannah (two little girls from America) are taking initiative by using what they have and starting where they are to fight against modern day slavery! What a challenge to us all!!! 

So... what will you do to stand up for those who cannot stand up for themselves? How will you raise money and awareness and fight to free over 27 million people that are trapped in modern day slavery? It can be as simple as going door to door and spreading the word/asking for change (like Hannah), or setting up a regular lemonade stand (like Kayleigh). 

What can/will you do?

Blessings!

Ronell x

{photo credit: https://www.facebook.com/UN.GIFTVienna?hc_location=stream}

You Can Literally Save a Life On The Bus

You could literally save a life on the bus, or a train, plane, etc... you just have to be willing to be available and approachable rather than hiding away behind your book, your newspaper, your magazine, your music or your phone! I am SUCH a big culprit of this!!! I always avoid eye contact and just try to get on with my own thing, but God has really challenged me on this point and today I read an amazing post by Walk Free that just confirmed the value of being available and approachable on the bus (or wherever else)! Here is the post below:


While most people avoid eye contact on the bus, one woman's conversation with a fellow passenger led to the arrest of a Saudi Arabian princess now facing charges of human trafficking.

Believing she was a victim of modern slavery, "Jane Doe" hailed a bus when she fled the home where her employer held her passport to prevent her escape. An everyday hero - a fellow passenger - listened to Jane's story and helped her contact the police. 

Would you do be ready to help if a victim of modern slavery was right in front of you? 

SHARE to raise awareness that we can all play a part in helping to end modern slavery - one case at a time.

Source: http://cbsn.ws/19mwuLk



So make a difference! Be available; be approachable; don't avoid eye contact! You might be someone's only hope and the only one who could save them from a life of unimaginable anguish!

Blessings!

Ronell x

Only ONE in 714...

'A mere fraction' of the victims of modern slavery throughout the world have been recognised by governments, meaning the majority aren't able to access the protection and support they deserve -http://1.usa.gov/19T78Vp

SHARE this graphic if you believe governments need to do more to recognise and rehabilitate victims of modern slavery.

Morden vicar set to cycle across Europe for anti-slavery charity

Did you know that human trafficking is the second-fastest growing criminal industry in the world? Now is the time to abolish slavery, in all its many forms, once and for all. (US TIP Report)

The A21 Campaign promoted the following article today:

A vicar will cycle across Europe in a bid to raise thousands for an anti-slavery charity.

Rev Gav Murray, minister of Morden Baptist Church, in Crown Lane, Morden, will be pedalling 2,500km across mainland Europe for the Zoe Challenge.

The challenge is named after one of the first girls rescued by British anti-human trafficking charity Hope for Justice.

Zoe was trafficked into the UK for sexual exploitation, suffering from violence at the hands of her controllers.

Mr Murray will be joined by CEO of the charity Ben Cooley and former Emmerdale star Tom Lister.

The team will cross six countries, taking on a gruelling trip from Riga, Latvia to the Dutch port of Rotterdam.

Church members Tim Pollen, Andrew Sadler and Sam Young will join in the ride from Hull to Southampton, arriving in June 1 for an end party.

Mr Murray said: "Hearing Zoe’s shocking story and realising this goes on in the UK inspired me to help Hope for Justice rescue victims of human trafficking. 

"That’s why I’m going through the pain barrier for three weeks to raise £15,000."

To make a donation visit justgiving.com/Gavin-Murray2

I was really challenged again by this story that it really is not simply in sympathy, but through action that we can actually change the world! I am helping my friend Sharmila with her Run3KForFreedom event on 6th July in support of The A21 Campaign- support this online by donating here or get involved! Research local events in your area and get involved with fundraising and raising awareness today!

Blessings!

Ronell x


"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." {Margaret Mead}

A21 Campaign // Run 3K for Freedom

One of my absolute favourite (if not my favourite) charities/organisations is The A21 Campaign, founded by Christine Caine (author of Undaunted), a Christian organisation fighting for freedom from modern day slavery and a an end to human trafficking.

I recently ordered my wristband to show my support of the campaign, which has been a great conversation started (I recommend it as an easy 'in' for sharing about the amazing work that they do!), in the run up for a charity event that my friend Sharmila is organising. It is called Run 3K for Freedom and it is a 3km run on 6th July 2013 (12pm), in Pages Wood, Harold Wood, RM14 1JT.

There are more slaves in the world today than at any other point in human history, with an estimated 27 MILLION in bondage across the globe. Men, women and children are being exploited for manual and sexual labour, against their will. 

No one can do everything but everyone can do something.

TAKE ACTION NOW and raise awareness of human trafficking by running 3K! 

Tell everyone what you are doing and why + help make a difference! 


Entry Information: 
£5 entry fee. Entries in advance: Apply now - Send your name and your email address to run3kforfreedom@gmail.com and you will receive more information...You will also receive a race pack (including a t-shirt!) before the day!



The aim is to raise awareness of this issue, but to also raise money.
Please aim to raise a minimum of £50! All sponsorship money is going towards The A21 Campaign - A Christian organisation with a mission to abolish injustice in the 21st century! 

For more information check out (www.thea21campaign.org) and all donations can be made at http://www.justgiving.com/run3kforfreedom 

Any enquiries please contact: run3kforfreedom@gmail.com

Blessings!

Ronell x

Sevenly & Polaris Project: Against Human Trafficking

THIS WEEK'S CHARITY ON SEVENLY

Polaris Project

Polaris Project is a leading organization in the global fight against human trafficking and modern-day slavery. Named after the North Star "Polaris" that guided slaves to freedom along the Underground Railroad, Polaris Project is transforming the way that individuals and communities respond to human trafficking, in the U.S. and globally.

You can help Polaris to support and free those who have been trapped in slavery this week particularly by buying clothing and accessories on Sevenly to donate to the cause. You can also donate to them directly on their site.

Blessings!

Ronell x

Lemon-aid: Ending Child Slavery- One Bottle at a Time

I read this story on facebook tonight and was really challenged. So many of us complain about circumstances holding us back, but this little 9 year old abolitionist proves that if we just start where we are and do what we can do, we can make an actual tangible difference in the world. Hope you are challenged and inspired to do something incredible! Remember, it doesn’t happen over night, just take the baby steps and it will grow!

Blessings!

Ronell x

Ending Child Slavery — One Bottle at a Time

on may 5, 2012, i saw a picture of two enslaved boys with big rocks strapped across their heads. to feel better, they were holding hands. i never knew about slavery, but i knew it was wrong. i decided to make a stand for them.

my quote is: “compassion is not compassion without action.” so, i decided to make a stand and sell my lemon-aid every day rain or shine to help end child slavery. the world stood with me. (you can see my entire journey right here!) on day #173, i reached my goal. when i woke up the next day i wanted to do more. so, i am!

i decided to bottle up my organic, fair-trade, dee-licious lemon-aid and give net profits to end child slavery. when you enjoy this best-ever-made lemonade, you are helping us end child slavery in our lifetime —one bottle at a time.

thank you with my whole heart.

with love,

vivienne, 9

http://www.makeastandlemonade.com/

Stop the Traffik: People Shouldn’t be Bought and Sold

Men, women and children are trafficked within their own countries and across international borders. Trafficking affects every continent and every country, whether it's an origin country where people are trafficked from; a transit country where people are trafficked through; or a destination country where people are trafficked to. Often a country will be all three.

Due to the hidden and illegal nature of human trafficking, gathering statistics on the scale of the problem is difficult. The UN Office on Drugs and Crime stated that “People trafficking is the fastest growing means by which people are enslaved, the fastest growing international crime, and one of the largest sources of income for organised crime”.

Find out more about the scale of human trafficking and read some real life stories.

Today’s post is about an organization called STOP THE TRAFFIK. Stop the Traffik is a global movement of individuals, communities and organisations fighting to prevent human trafficking around the world.

Every instance of trafficking involves a person being trafficked from a community into a community. Therefore the community must work together to prevent it. Stop the Traffik are turning communities into places where it is harder for traffickers to hide their activities and their victims. They work to inspire, inform, equip and mobilise communities to:

•               Know what trafficking is and how to identify it

•               Know how to protect themselves and others

•               Know how to respond

They aim unite people around the world through our global campaigns and promote the motto that we are stronger and can create greater change when we work together.

Stop the Traffik campaigns to:

•  Target decision makers to exert their influence to prevent human trafficking

•  Build the global movement by continually reaching out to new people 

•  Raise money for projects that protect those who are most vulnerable

•  Gather information from the community to develop up-to-date information to rival the trafficker's network

STOP THE TRAFFIK was set up in 2006 and has over 45, 000 members in 257 countries around the world.

To get involved, visit the Take action section of their site. You can also

find groups, activists and campaigns near you to get involved with!

Blessings!

Ronell x

“The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me,
Because the Lord has anointed Me
To preach good tidings to the poor;
He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted,
To proclaim liberty to the captives,
And the opening of the prison to those who are bound;” {Isaiah 61v1}

unseen

unseen was established in 2008 after a disturbing visit to Ukraine by its founder.

Whilst working in an orphanage, the question was asked: 'Where do the children go once they leave here?'. The response was both shocking and heart-breaking. It was discovered that many children, once they reach 16 and are ready to leave the orphanage, become involved in crime, gangs, prostitution or will be trafficked.

Here are some Ukraine trafficking statistics (source: 2008)

•       80% of all unemployed people in Ukraine are women.

•  Ukraine is a source, transit and destination country for trafficked persons for the purpose of sexual exploitation.

•       Up to half a million Ukrainian women have been trapped and enslaved and trafficked into the West.

•      Of Ukrainian women who go abroad for a better chance to work, 80% end up working in the sex industry.

•   In 2008, Ukraine was one of the largest exporters of women to the international sex industry.

As more extensive research began the founders of unseen realised this was not a problem unique to Ukraine but that, the world over, countries were sending and receiving trafficked people. Even in the UK, women were and still are being bought, sold and traded to be exploited for sexual services.

They were compelled to act, and unseen was formed to help battle this. Their purpose is to work towards the eradication of slavery wherever it is found, providing survivors with safety, hope and choice.

unseen believes that the most effective way of achieving their goal is to tackle the issue holistically and operate in the following three arenas:

1.) Prevention: To support and develop frontline projects that actively seek to help vulnerable people from becoming enslaved both here in the UK as a destination country and in source countries. To raise awareness of human trafficking and deliver training courses to inform and equip people to spot the signs of trafficking and subsequently know how to act. (Training and consultancy)

2.) Survivors support: To initiate and lead projects that will directly help survivors re-establish their lives, begin the process of recovering from the horrific ordeals they have been subjected to and avoid becoming re-enslaved. (Support Services, Projects in development)

3.) Working with others: To work with government at all levels, its agencies, other NGOs and commercial businesses to raise awareness, gather information and act to prevent slavery and support survivors. (Centre for Social Justice, Partnerships)

Donate to unseen to make a difference. Your generous support, fundraising and financial donations mean that they are a step closer to ending modern-day slavery. Your generous support means:

·      unseen can continue to help restore the lives of more women who have been trafficked by providing increased access to the right support services

·      unseen can develop better support and protection for vulnerable children identified as being trafficked

·      unseen can help inform and equip those who encounter potential victims to quickly spot the signs of exploitation and know how to act

·      unseen can continue to influence policy and practices being developed to support survivors of trafficking

You can donate in the following ways (see link for details of each):

·      Donate Directly

·      Donate via PayPal

·      Donate via CAF

·      Donate via JustGiving

·      Donate via Virgin Money Giving

·      Download a Gift aid form or Sponsorship form

Alternatively, unseen has an opportunity to Sponsor a Room. This programme gives you the opportunity to play a direct part in supporting unseen’s work with survivors of human trafficking and, more importantly, provide them with the safety, hope and choice they deserve. Your regular gift will help to provide survivors with 24-hour specialist care and enable them to move forward with their lives.

If you would rather donate goods, why not send a Care Package directly to one of the survivors? It makes such a difference if survivors can receive something of their own, to keep, as the first step in their rehabilitation.

Blessings!

Ronell x

“It's not how much we give but how much love we put into giving.” {Mother Teresa}