Chatter Mag

I recently wrote an article for Chatter Magazine (A publication of Irving Bible Church)

Thanks Chatter Mag and IBC for being so faithful in partnering with us in our fight against human trafficking! Read the article here: http://www.chattermag.com/trafficking-in-the-philippines/

or here:

The facts are staggering. But the reality is much worse. The reality is there are individuals in the Philippines — women, girls, even men and boys at times — whose lives have been given so little regard that they now consider themselves worth nothing more than for what they are bought or sold. Individuals with dreams like finishing school and being happily married now believe they never have the hope of attaining their dreams.

So what about this conglomeration of more than 7,000 islands in the middle of the Pacific Ocean makes it susceptible to human trafficking? Although some of the most beautiful island destinations in the world can be found here, so can extreme amounts of abject poverty. With 26 percent of families (many of which have more than five children) living on less than $300 a year, desperation is bound to exist.

However, not all impoverished nations have such high numbers of trafficking victims. Trafficking exists where it is not prosecuted, and the Philippines have historically turned a blind eye to this atrocity. However, new efforts are arising, including a three year partnership signed on August 19, 2010, between the Philippine government and U.S. government for better investigation, prosecution and conviction of human traffickers.

However, even with the renewed efforts of the government, there is a shortage of places victims, once rescued, can go to find protection or support to start a new life. According to the Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report 2010, “The government’s capacity to provide shelter and protection is severely limited due to inadequate budgets, and there are regular instances where victims are unable to access government protection services.”

My Refuge House (MRH) started in 2008 to help meet the need for victims to experience safety in the midst of turmoil. Since that time, more than 20 young women have found hope and healing through its short term rehabilitation program. Hope for achieving their dreams again. And healing to believe they are worth more than what some person decided they should be worth.

One former victim said she liked MRH because the staff taught her how to read and she knew she would never go hungry while she was there. Another said she appreciated the staff for being so caring and understanding of her situation. Both girls have moved on, pursuing those dreams that seemed so far out of reach last year.

My Refuge House has begun construction on a new facility but is still in the process of raising money for the completion of that facility. The rental facility previously used, can no longer meet the needs of the program. Please consider partnering with this ministry and helping others, like the girls mentioned in this story, find hope and healing in their lives.