Today I attended the sentencing hearing for a local human trafficker. Over the last 2 years since his arrest, VAST (Valley Against Sex Trafficking) Coalition, has sought to work alongside law enforcement and prosecutors by providing stabilizing support for 7 of the victims. The room was glaringly empty. A newspaper reporter, and a couple…
I am preparing to teach a group of high school girls this weekend at a youth retreat. I have the privilege of talking about Deborah, a model of Biblical womanhood, and her partnership with Barak, a picture of God’s design for men and women partnering in mission as we reflect the image of our Creator. …
January 11 is designated National Human Trafficking Awareness Day. It is a day devoted to becoming more aware or making others aware that Human Trafficking is prevalent not only around our world, but in our own towns. It exists within our neighborhoods. Our initial response to learning of human trafficking is to accept its existence…
Several weeks ago I wrote a reflective response after visiting Congolese refugees in Louisville, Kentucky. Little did I know that 2 websites would choose to post this article during such a controversial week on the topic. I wrote it, considering the growing reality of refugees in our country and around our world, as a challenge…
I am thankful to Sojourners’ Online Magazine for publishing something I have written: Listening to Trafficking Survivors This piece includes some reflections of my work with human sex trafficking survivors in the Lehigh Valley, PA region. It’s not only a challenge to be aware of issues of injustice that impact our communities, but to also…