New Around the Mission
Coffeehouse Conversation Confronts Trafficking of Women and Girls
June 29, 2011
Plenty of conversation takes place over coffee at quaint Summit Coffeehouse in Charlotte, North Carolina. But on Thursday, June 7, a group of 33 people gathered to discuss an unusual topic, “Trafficking of Women and Girls: What Can Be Done?” Church of the Good Shepherd in nearby Davidson sponsored the event, purchasing coffee and desserts for all attendees.
Conor Mooney, youth pastor at Church of the Good Shepherd, arranged for Alexandra Robinson of Tiny Hands International and Jeff Blom, former VP of Investigations for International Justice Mission (IJM), to share about their work with his congregation and the community.
“Alex Robinson went to Davidson College with my wife and me,” Conor says. “Even as a preteen, she always had a heart for victimized women—‘I’m going to be one of those people who stop that.’ She’s 22 or 23 now, and she’s in the thick of it.”
Alex worked with IJM in Thailand and Asia for several years after college and now lives in Nepal doing analysis, research and anti-trafficking operations for Tiny Hands, an organization focused on aiding women and children—particularly street children and victims of sex trafficking. Rather than moving from brothel to brothel, Tiny Hands learns the location of distribution centers and tries to nab sex trafficking kingpins to systematically hit the industry where it hurts the most.
During the discussion, Alex shared her story, as well as plans to get her law degree and become a prosecutor against sex traffickers. Jeff told his story of moving from local law enforcement to investigative work for IJM, and the recent partnership between IJM and Tiny Hands to prevent Nepalese girls from being trafficked into India. Jeff and Alex also shared with attendees—half from Good Shepherd, half from the surrounding community—how they could contribute through prayer, donations, raising awareness and more.
“I heard three or four people kind of awestruck at the work these organizations are doing,” Conor says. “One of the guys in my youth group came up to me afterward and said, ‘Wow, let’s get her back to talk to our youth group.’ Other people wanted to be on her support team and make a tangible difference. I think it really opened people’s eyes.”
While sex trafficking can seem far away, Conor hopes churches realize it’s closer than they think and take a stand.
“It would be interesting for churches to investigate how horrific it is in their own area. In the big cities especially, I know it exists. The church should have a heart for persecution—to rescue, go into the trenches and help people out.”
Learn more about Tiny Hands International or IJM.
Posted By: Cynthia P. Brust
Categories: Faith in Action
