“You may choose to look the other way, but you may never again choose to say you didn’t know.” —William Wilberforce
Confession: I used to tell my husband if I wasn’t married and a mother, I’d be a spy. Maybe it was the draw of glittery dresses, fast cars, or one too many, late night viewings of The Borne Identity, but top-secret adventure seemed alluring. However, you know how accurately Hollywood depicts life, right? Envision me shaking my fist at the sky over the loss of sassy, red dresses and romantic far away places.
The truth is undercover work is a dirty, gritty, and lonely job. I know this because I gobble up accounts put out by The Exodus Road, an organization developed to empower those trapped in sexual slavery.
It’s through the Exodus Road I hear stories like Sarah’s.
It’s also through the Exodus Road that I learn statistics which make me suck in my breath for a few moments.
-There are 27 million modern day slaves.
-Every 60 seconds, a child is sold for sex worldwide.
-Human trafficking is the 3rd largest global industry, behind drugs and guns.
The Exodus Road investigators engage in covert operations in order to save girls from sexual slavery. In short, they pair action with conviction.
So, what can you do to assist those working for The Exodus Road?
Encourage them with your words.
From now until January 5th, The Exodus Road is collecting letters of support for the investigators who work tirelessly at a virtually thankless job. These investigators are the people who collect evidence in extremely dark places and who experience consistent discouragement and dispare.
Should you want to thank an investigator mail your letter to the following address:
The Exodus Road PO Box 7591 Woodland Park, Colorado 80863
Or use this snazzy online form to submit a quick note of thanks.
Should you just want to learn more about a network of surveillance teams and individuals committed to fight human trafficking, check out The Exodus Road on Facebook or Twitter.
Thanks for reading, you world changers, you. I love your hearts, your ideas, and your refusal to turn the other direction.
I’m hand delivering these to our undercover investigators in just a few weeks. I can’t tell you how excited I am to bring a big pile when I go. It’s going to make their day!
Justin,
I feel as if I read there is a certain number of letters you are shooting for, but now I can’t remember what it is…
Ohhh, and for anyone reading, the goal is 300!
Amen! Thank you for letting us know Amy and Justin. Definitely will be sharing this.
Thanks, Heather! Appreciate you sharing.
Every. Sixty. Seconds.
God bless those investigators.
Sandra, Amen. Even imagining the things these people have seen hunts me.
Love what Exodus Road is doing. Joining you in the journey — being a voice for those who have none. So thankful to investigators on the ground!!!
Alene,
Thank you for joining us. I am thankful for the investigators too.
I don’t think human trafficking is getting near enough media coverage. It is just horrific…Thank you so much for sharing this tiny way to help.
Mindy Sue,
You know, for awhile, I felt as if ideas about human trafficking were everywhere. It does seem to have slowed down. I wonder why…
Great idea, Amy…Thanks for sharing! Just wrote my online letter, tweeted and shared on FB, now that I am finally on…if I don’t “see” you…wishing you and yours a very blessed Christmas.
Dolly,
Thank you for writing a letter! I totally appreciate it, and sharing on FB, well, girl, welcome to the dark side…ha, ha!
You WOULD make a marvelous spy, friend. And love this way to encourage those working in the dark. You are IN THE KNOW! Blessings!
Alicia, Considering I have the attention span of a gnat, I’m not sure undercover work is for me! There are so many cool things you can do with letters. This just happens to be something cool that’s happening right now! Thanks for reading.
Thanks for letting me know about the Exodus Road. I’ve never heard of them before.
Thanks, Jeff! If you get a chance, take a peek at their site.
This is the real deal what Exodus Road does. To be honest, I think I want to look away sometimes because it’s so awful. When I really allow myself to think about all that is happening, I want to save them all now. I suppose it’s just important to do something. Nothing vs. Everything isn’t the only way to see this battle. Thanks for sharing!
Lori,
Agreed, friend. It’s too hard to look at things head on sometimes…this one is tough to imagine. Thankful someone is brave enough to tackle it head on. Thanks for reading.
Out of sight,out of mind.Those that take the risk, mentally as well as emotionally and physically need to know they are not forgotten as they campaign for the freedom of those who are victims of the 21st century slave trade.
Agreed…the mental and emotional risks taken by these investigators scare me.