"Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves,
       for the rights of all who are destitute.
 Speak up and judge fairly;
       defend the rights of the poor and needy." -- Proverbs 31:8-9

We’ve posted a lot about human trafficking recently. And we’ve also posted about how child sponsorship can combat the desperation that leads to this terrible situation.

In addition to sponsorship, Mission of Mercy is involved in a different area of the fight against trafficking. On a major island in the Philippines, the rates of human trafficking into the sex trade are skyrocketing. Hundreds of girls and boys, most under the age of 18, are spirited into the dark corners of the city to be offered to tourists for a price.

This despicable practice requires a response. Mission of Mercy partners with International Justice Mission, a human rights organization that works within the local justice system to rescue victims of sexual exploitation and prosecute their perpetrators. With IJM’s help, girls are freed from forced prostitution and other abusive situations.

Mission of Mercy’s other partner, the Philippines Child Rescue Home, provides a safe haven for the long road to recovery. Many organizations are good at rescuing children out of the sex trade, but few are willing to walk alongside through the emotional and physical healing that needs to take place.

With the help of counselors and social workers, girls (it is almost exclusively girls) can work through their emotions, fears, and anger. They build self-esteem with vocational activities like cooking and sewing while learning business skills. They can also restart their education at one of the Mission of Mercy sponsored schools. The PCRH staff also work to help girls reintegrate with their families, if possible.

One of the most significant contributors to a trafficking victim’s healing is the invitation to learn about Jesus – a man wholly innocent and crushed for the sins of others. Jesus’ ministry, the one he announced in Luke 4 by reading from the prophet Isaiah, is very much in effect at PCRH. “He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,” Jesus said, “to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners.” Our staff see Jesus at work every day, redeeming the hearts and lives of those trapped in despair.

The girls and boys rescued out of the sex trade are not available for sponsorship, but you can support the ministry that walks along side of them. You can learn more about the Philippines Child Rescue Home here. Please continue to support this effort in prayer. And please ask yourself, as the verse in Proverbs reminds us, how you can speak up.