The article in the Westword starts off innocent enough untill the second page.  At the top left corner on page 16 there is an Editor note.  A little while ago there was a movement to put an end to the sale of underage kids on Craigslist. There was another organization affected by the movement called Village Voice Media.  The Editor note brings this up and also says and I quote ” Villager Voice has run adult classifieds.  Today, those classifieds are hosted online at…” 

When you read the article it is debating the facts that anti-trafficking organizations are using.  Who did the research to start debating and fighting against those of us trying to make a difference, you guessed it, Villager Voice.   This just makes my stomach turn.  A orgainzation that is benefiting from sex trafficking is now fighting against us and writing up pompous articles in my local newspaper. 

The truth is no one really knows the numbers because the laws are not there to properly convict.  When we are out there fighting this crime we try to get them on what ever we can to get the traffickers off the street.  Also, in a true case of sex trafficking the underage child is hopefully not charged so the numbers they are quoting are incorrect.  They were only counting children charged as prostitutes.  I noticed they didn’t ask Rachel from Gems for any information who works directly with underage prostitutes an exploited children.  We in the anti-traffciking movement know we need to get more concise numbers and information.  Also, they went off on how much money the anti-trafficking organizations are getting.  I can tell you that it is nowhere near the amount anti-drug organizations get and it is no where near enough.  It is expensive and difficult to fight an under ground illegal crime that is brining in billions of illegal dollars a year.

After reading this is does bring up the issue that I am in the process of trying to solve.  I am working on a business plan right now that will hopefully bring the anti-traffciking organizations together.  Human Trafficking, Modern Day Slavery is a crime that has been around for a very long time and with today’s advancements in technology slavery is not what it looked liked 100 years ago.  We must be on watch and start fighting back.  The truth is there are children out there today that are in slavery.  Some are in sex slavery and as young as5  years old being forced to perform sexually and there are other children who are being forced to labor in horrible conditions with no rest in sight.  The numbers should not matter as much as the fact that there are children out there suffering.

What will you do about it?

It is going on here in the United States… What are you going to do about?

While I am out there I will be working with at an orphanage and with rescued women from trafficking.  If you would like more information on my trip check out this webpage: India Trip

For the last year I have had to battle things in my own life and discover where I am going.  Fighting human trafficking has not been in action as it has in the past but, in heart.  In life I believe God shows you where you are going and gives you a taste of it.  Then he pulls you back to work on the things that could hold you back and in that time helps you get your house in order.  Last summer I suffered illness after illness and then during the school year was in battle for my children.  I never forgot those who ever day were suffering in more ways than I could imagine. I never stopped praying for them.  I believe I am now coming out of house cleaning and back into going to war.  I know this trip to India is my launching pad.  Time after time again God has showed me his blessing and how His will is for me to go on this trip.  My heart and eyes are open for his calling and direction.  I pray while I am out there I will be able to bless the women by teaching them valuable trades such as haircutting or sewing.  But, most of all I am so excited to share God’s love.

Please pray for me and let me know you are doing so.  I am wanting a strong prayer team around me as I venture into this next phase of life.   If you feel lead to help financially you can go to: www.denverunited.com   (give online, missions, India, Amanda Foltz)

Thank you so much for all your support and prayers.

Sincerly

Amanda Foltz