To be an advocate means to be “one who pleads the cause of another.” (1) The word ‘advocacy’ is derived from the Latin word ‘advocare’, which means ‘to call out for support’. (2) So when we are discussing advocacy, it is important to keep focused on this context of the meaning. “Pleading” and “calling out” suggest that we have opportunity to use our voices to speak up about something that we have an urgent appeal about, or for. We at the SA Foundation have seen the urgent need for advocates to arise due to the drastic numbers of women and children being sold into sex slavery, often leading to their deaths. We know this is not the life God intended for them and we want to pursue freedom for all enslaved in trafficking and sexual exploitation. This life of slavery is not their desire. Rather, it is the desire and greed of those who hold them captive, generating much profit from their repeated sexual abuse. Let’s not hide from this disturbing reality, because the truth is, they need us to see and understand, so that we can be better equipped to fight for them and meet them in their need. So in these next blog posts let’s look at the facts and the issues surrounding them.
Fact: Sex trafficking and exploitation is a growing concern, with rising numbers globally, because there is a growing demand.
Sex in our world is so far removed from God’s original intention and design. No longer regarded as a precious creation given by God to humanity, it has been treated as something trivial and light, where individual pleasure is the highest goal. There are people buying women and children for sex, because they believe they are free to do so. We live in an individualistic culture that says my need or want must be served. The solicitors desire to please themselves, without considering the other.
Is this what freedom looks like today? Has exploiting those who are weaker, more vulnerable or without a voice become acceptable?
So what is our response, our plea?
Paul writes in Galatians 5:13-14:
“You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbour as yourself.’” (3)
What a stark contrast to the ways of the world. Yes, we are free in Christ, but how does that change how we should live? We are called to use our freedom to serve humbly and in love. We are called to use our freedom to love our neighbour as ourselves. These are beautiful expressions of God’s love and grace to our broken and hurting world.
As an advocate, I want to live in a world where men and women stand up to say we will not contribute to this pandemic of sexual exploitation and trafficking; where instead of judgement, we identify with those enslaved, as if they were our neighbour, and say “if it’s not OK for me…it’s not OK for ‘her’; where the love of God compels us to look outside of ourselves and our security to see those on the margins and take action to right the wrongs done to them. It is in this place of laying down corrupt desires and choosing the life of the Spirit that we can see transformation to our lives, families, communities and nations!
So how are we using our freedom today for Gods glory and kingdom?
References:
1- Merriam Webster Online Dictionary: https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/advocate
2- What is Advocacy and How Can it Help? Anush Begloian: https://www.culturepartnership.eu/en/publishing/advocacy-course/what-is-advocacy
3- The Holy Bible- New International Version (accessible online at https://www.bible.com/bible/111/GAL.5.13-14.NIV)
SAF Life 