The Underground Railroad

Magic Sticks

So when I went to San Francisco in 2009 for the first ever Abolitionist Investigators' Training Academy with Not For Sale, I met this groovy minstrel named Scott McDonald (that's him leading us in song while we all froze in the wind at our crazy beach bonfire... can't be too hard on anyone. It was my idea to have a beach bonfire, after all. Silly Canadian...). He had developed the first mapping system for Not For Sale sowe could learn how to document and observe patterns of human trafficking in our own communities. Beyond being an amazing musician, he has superhero powers of rescuing tech-ignorant peasants in distress as we all peppered him with a ten thousand questions.

At the end of our 2 weeks, Scott shared an original song with us that spoke of longing, hope, chances of freedom, and plans to escape the world of slavery. Have a listen... buy the music... proceeds will go to helping efforts to end the child slave trade in Ghana, Africa. You won't regret it. Kudos, Scott! The music's awesome and the band has a tremendous sound. Thanks for your heart and soul being poured into your art!

Things You Should Know - buttonjaw

"Magic Sticks" - Scott McDonald

There lived a girl with magic sticks 
A portion of her plan to go away 
She keeps them on the bedroom floor 
The door unlocks, then she begins to play 

They're going to take her far away 
To come on back another day 
She didn't know what the love was for 
She didn't know that there's something more 

But the magic went away... 

She met a boy just out of school 
White horses and a plan to get away 
Had yet to drown the golden rule 
And he let her ride his horses for a day 

They're going to take her far away 
To come on back another day 
She didn't know what the love was for 
She didn’t know that there's something more 

But the horses ran away... 

She loves him now and then 
She loves him now and again 
She loves him now and then 

I met a girl with magic sticks 
A portion of her plan to go away

 

 

Organ trafficking: 'Her heart was missing' - Features - Al Jazeera English

Organ trafficking: 'Her heart was missing' - Features - Al Jazeera English.

How much would you pay for the life of a loved one? For yourself?

How much is your body worth when your family is starving?

The sex trade garners a lot of attention when talking abolition, and right well it ought to. The often quoted global percentage of victims being used for sexual purposes, whether they were purchased for those intentions or not, is 70%. That is obscenely high.

Yet people must also deal truthfully and fully with other faces of slavery. The organ trade is lucrative, tempting, dangerous, and quite real. When people are faced with situations where they or their loved ones are dying because of kidney or heart failure, and the waiting list for a transplant is simply too long... well... desperate times call for desperate measures. Especially for those able to cough up the cash, there is a way to take what is needed.

The above article link gives a brief snapshot into the reality of the organ trade. In my mind, after going through it (as well as some other material), it is another example again of the rich getting richer and the poor getting... death. 

You see, with sex trafficking, even lower income cultures/families can play a part in the demand side of things. Poor farmers, unable to pay workers, take children in as a 'favour' to even poorer families and make them work the land (see my blog re: resteveks).

Poor people can't pay for organ transplants, let alone basic medical care.

Whether the harvesting of organs is consensual or not by the donors, this is a blatant example of those with money taking what is not theirs to purchase. This unique face of slavery must not be overlooked in the fight against human trafficking and the pursuit of Christ's compassion and justice.

A Hopefully Loving Response to a Questioning Youth Re: Safe Grad

Here in town, there has been a tradition called 'Safe Grad' -- aka "Parents Buying Booze So Kids Can Get As Drunk As Possible In a Safe Environment'. The rationale behind the practice is that "kids are going to do it anyway, so we might as well make sure they are safe, supervised, and secure while they get gooned."

Safe Grad has always generated frantic discussion amongst people. Is it right? Is it wrong? What's too much? But it's not only parents who question Safe Grad. Sometimes, in our culture of expectations that youth WILL drink, and they WILL do drugs, and they WILL sleep around, we forget that many teenagers don't want to have any part in the party scene. They dislike being stereotyped as crazy party-ers.

So... the question that's come to me from teens I know is this: what do you think of Safe Grad? Should I go?

#1 -- What do I think?

It think the entire idea of Safe Grad is offensive to youth, adults and the entire community. Not every kid at Safe Grad is of legal drinking age, so not only is it promoting this amazing transition in your life through drunken oblivion... but it's breaking the law. By parents. Not cool. Nor has it shown itself to be entirely safe.

How many kids do you know know their liquor limits? How many attend Safe Grad "just for 1 beer"? Not many. Kids go so they can get totally wasted. Is this really how you want to remember one of the biggest nights of your life? I can understand your frustration.

The Bible is clear: having a drink or two is fine. Jesus did turn water into wine, after all. However, drunkenness is forbidden. End of story. It leads to rotten behaviour you only end regretting, and even dangerous encounters. Yes, people do make mistakes. Especially when we start trying alcohol and we don't know how it affects us, people sometimes get a bit drunk. But learning limits is a far cry from deliberately going to a party where the whole purpose is to get drunk and act stupid.

So ask yourself: is this who I really want to be remembered as? When parents are letting underage kids drink, do I really want to be a part of that? When you think of your high school graduation, do you really want a blank, fuzzy panel of memories that may or may not have happened?

Having said all of that, I must say a huge "I'm sorry" to you... and all youth. Our culture has stripped away almost every rite of passage in our lives, but the ones we still hold onto we celebrate by getting drunk. We have not set a great example for you. I can hear the upset tone in your voice... and all I can say is: I'm sorry. We all need to do better. Celebrations are certainly fun and cool and an "epic" time can be had without drunken idiocy.

#2 -- Should You Go?

Only you can answer that. I've returned some questions to you to think about. You know that when you attend parties where everyone is drinking except you, you end up really, really bored. People are puking, passing out, doing nasty things to their "friends"... but in your right mind, you sit back and wait to be the DD. Ummmm... yeah... sounds fun.

You know, too, that girls have been raped and in other ways abused during these parties. Sure, kids are dropped off at a 'designated area' afterwards, but the party doesn't end there. How many boys and girls are ill at the thought of sharing what really happened to them on grad night? You could be the safest person there, but again: do you want to be a part of that scene? Then again... if you have good friends who you think are being risky, you might see yourself as a bodyguard? While I would wish for you a happier grad night, I applaud you wanting to make sure your friends are safe. 

I agree with you: not matter how drunk anyone gets, NO means NO. A drunken girl is not an open invitation. The same goes for gay guys who've reported forced sodomy during parties. Glad we're thinking on the same lines.

Whatever you choose, you are loved. If you get drunk, you and I perhaps will be talking later on about some things, but you're loved. Bar none. If you choose to go and not drink, you are loved. If you choose not to go and find other ways to celebrate your Grade 12 grad, you're loved. Sensing a theme?

You only have one high school grad. It doesn't have to be illegal, finding you puking your guts out or leaving you with a bad idea that celebration = getting bombed.

Choosing not to drink, in my opinion, is the more courageous stand. But that's just my opinion.

The West Dare Point Fingers At Osama?

 
(Picture from Telegraph.uk)

Apparently, Osama bin Laden was a bit of a porn fiend. MSN reports his stash was extensive and pretty well stocked. See Bin Laden's Porn More Damning Than His Terrorism?

Based on polls, the article seems to suggest that Muslims would be better to damn bin Laden more for his sexual indiscretions, than his reign of terror, based on religious beliefs. If the world would seek to villify him in certain countries and religions, using his pornography collection would be better ammunition than using his terrorist agendas.

First of all, why is anyone still seeking to villify a dead man? We've all been through the rigamarole of the West dancing on his grave, the potential repercussions, and the theological stew of what God thinks. Now we have the audacity to speak to the Muslim community about this man's sexual predilictions?

In case anyone's forgotten, the US and Canada are two of the world's biggest demanders of sex, prostitution and pornography. We gobble it up because we seem to have this outrageous notion that it's our right to take what we want to take, when we want to take it, and have a feel good time at all times. Because, of course, our democratic structure means our version of sexual behaviour is based on mutual consent at all times...

Yet we dare point our crooked fingers towards Osama in efforts to paint him more evil than the world already sees him?

Jesus was clear in Matthew 7:3,4... " “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye?"

If anything, the revelation of bin Laden's sex life shows that lust, greed, and brokenness know no race, borders, religions, or cultures. Believers in the Christian church struggle with these same things, and to date the church has had an extremely difficult time deciding how to accept, disciple, forgive, and love people within our own body who engage in sexual sin.

Painting bin Laden as a pervert is calling the kettle black.

If we're going to point at other people's sin, perhaps we ought to include ourselves first since we do create much of the demand that becomes a stumbling block -- even destruction -- in the lives of others.

World Slave Prices Up?

Watching the news today and seeing prices at the pumps steadily climbing higher and higher, I couldn't help but wonder: will the inflation see greater debt bondage for slaves around the world? Or will slavery become too expensive a trade to deal in?

Just a quick recap: debt bondage is the term used to refer to the real/perceived debt a slave owes the handler (pimp, recruiter, head hunting agency, company, factory owner). When someone is taken into slavery through coercion or deception, it costs money: food, clothing, drugs (often given for 'free' as a gesture of goodwill in love bombing), cell phones, expensive gifts, airline tickets, visas, passports, and other such expenses. Make no mistake about it, however, these expenses rarely add up to the enormous debt handlers make the slaves believe they owe.

On the other than, world food prices are rising (World Food Prices Hit Record High). I live in a rather isolated town in Canada, although not so nearly as isolated as some, but it can affect prices of food and other essentials because it all needs to be transported that much further.

Fuel prices are also hitting where it hurts (Rising Fuel Prices Hurting Poor, UN Conference Told). Now, more than ever, Canadians really need to think strategically about how and when they will use their vehicles, reconsider public transportation, car-pooling, and old-fashioned walking. However, guaranteed airlines are being affected. I, myself, tried to purchase a plane ticket 2 days ago at the posted website price. Each time I clicked on the cheapest fare, it rose by $500 by the time it was verified.

All this to say: if we're feeling the pinch, then I'm wondering if those trafficking people are too (or at least using it as an excuse to raise debts)? If it's costing the rest of the world more for food, fuel, living expenses, travel and identity documents, then just how much more will debts be raised? How much longer will people have to slave for nothing in order to buy their freedom?

I don't want to discount the possibility that some traffickers will not have found the flesh trade as lucrative as before, and will leave the racket entirely. However... I have my doubts. With rising prices, companies will be looking for ways to cut costs and pimps will have another exuse to raise their prices. Sadly, people will pay them. Increases in poverty will also exacerbate vulnerability to the slave, opening up the supply side of the market.

This is just one gal's opinion, but from where I stand it would seem the potential for longer terms of debt and increased slavery is more than a hypthetical situation. It would appear to be a dangerous reality.

 

So A Missionary and a Beggar Walked into a Bar...

... and she turned out to be one person, and she said "Ouch!"

Okay, readers, that was my sad attempt at humour-with-depth. But I do tend to be somewhat clumsy, and walking into a bar/wall/light post/chest of drawers/car/corner/alien-from-outer-space is never far out of the question.

If you've been following this blog, you'll know my passion and calling to serve those in slavery, empower those who can do something about it, and to glorify God above all things in this journey. Part of my journey right now is taking me to Olongapo City in the Philippines for 5 weeks with YWAM.

And this missionary/beggar needs a bit of help to make it happen.

I'll be assisting YWAM as the staff empower women exiting the sex trade, engaging in red light district evangelism, building social and spiritual capital, and learning to live in intentional community (a lesson, I believe, will be vital to our Canadian way of life upon return).

I estimated the total cost of the trip to be $5000.00 CDN, but today there was an unforeseen rise in airline tickets so I need raise the needed amount to $5700.00. Members of my church have been gracious in helping me out, as well as family and friends. If God's leading you to lend a hand to this missionary gal, email me privately with your information. Know up front that I am going as a guest of YWAM, meaning I cannot give you a tax-deductible receipt. 

Ahhh... the best part of being a missionary/NPO worker: financial humility. 

The updates about the trip will far more interesting, I assure you!

Olongapo Bound!

Well everybody, I am excited to announce that I will be going to the Philippines this summer (July 16-August 20) -- to Olongapo City to be precise. Lovely picture, isn't it?!

As part of my grad degree, I am required to complete a practicum, preferably in my area of passion/calling/thesis development. My blog is pretty clear about where my area of calling lies (ha!), but finding a suitable place to do a practicum has been difficult. 

Enter: YWAM (Youth With A Mission).

It has a Mercy Ministry in Olongapo City assisting female victims out of the sex trade. YWAM is a great organization (we took our youth on an urban plunge in Vancouver last summer, in fact!), and it's doing great work around the world.

But there's more. Oh yes, there's more!

YWAM Olongapo lives in intentional community.

The staff share life, Christ and journeys with the women coming to live with them. Coming from a largely independent, compartmentalized, and often institutionalized mindset in Canada, this aspect is probably the one that will stretch me most, and is also most exciting for me.

So for 5 weeks I will likewise share life and Christ with those around me -- staff, participants, volunteers, kids -- all equal in the loving eyes of Christ. My personal space will be threatened, my stomach will certainly have a thing or two to say about the change in diet, and I have no idea what the shower facilities are like. Stretching... stretching... stretching... and excitement.

What if...

What if...!!!

What if intentional community could be learned here in Canada for child victims of trafficking?

What if discipleship and mentorship became a lifestyle of love, rather than a book or program?

Oh so many things to be learned in Olongapo... I will keep you all posted!

If You're Going to Dance On A Grave, Leave God Alone

May 01, 2011... Osama bin Laden is killed by a US military operation and his body dumped at sea.

I've not bothered to hide my pacifism. I believe in non-violence over war, and bringing people together rather than tearing them apart.

I have to say, it has been more difficult to love and understand fellow believers abusing Scripture and making derogatory remarks about a man's death, than it has been to love and understand 'the enemy'. Even children have wondered why adults are so happy because someone has been shot.

Believer claim that because God told David to kill Goliath (the bin Laden of the day), it justifies what we did.

No.

Since when has the US, Canada, the UK pledged love and allegiance to YAWEH?

They haven't.

Other passages out of Proverbs, Ezekiel, Romans and Revelation have come out, but the fact of the matter is: we killed a man. Whether you agree with pacifism or not, the man was assassinated in cold blood and mysteriously dropped into the sea. And the killing has not ceased, nor has the war. Even those who stand for Just War cannot look at what has happened and be happy. Justice was not served.

God loves Osama bin Laden. Enough to die for him. I am in no way in a position to judge where he is now, since the Bible is clear who judges eternal destiny: Christ. And Jesus I am not. I know what he did and I understand the anger. I think of Josef Kony and what he's done to hundreds of thousands of small children... of Mubarek... of Obama... of Harper. If we are going to claim God divinely places governments into power (as some have based on Romans 13:1-5), then all leaders are on an equal playing field. Ouch.

If you are a believer, I implore you to seek the love we claim we believe in. This super-nationalism disguised as spiritual "God is on our side" attitude is showing only a sad testament to believers around the world.