I had no idea. Absolutely no idea that sex trafficking went on at sports events. Now I am sitting here wondering where this is happening over here, and what can be done about it

@Lynne T – a closer one to home is Summernats – buses head out to Fyshwick. There have been attempts by local parliamentarians to stamp out sex trafficking to Fyshwick and Mitchell.

I can supply more links and information if you are interested. Government has been proactive about advertising publically to catch the eye of ‘johns’ who may visit a trafficked person. There seems to be peaks and troughs in interest about the situation. During a previous ‘peak?’ in maybe 2006 I remember reading a media article about how it is not difficult to identify at Customs, yet we choose to abstain from action at that crucial area. Customs is having a wee bit of a (necessary) shake-up at the moment, so perhaps there will be future action in this area.

Have you heard of the factional movie “The Jammed” ? It’s a heartbreaking account of how sex trafficking happens through the eyes of three women. The director spoke at the launch about six years ago which was well attended by government, concerned Christians and the Eros Association.

http://www.thejammed.com/

I didn’t know this either but I’m not really surprised.

“The title of this post might make you think that I am about to write something condemning of those who watch the Super Bowl, those who cancel Sunday night services for Super Bowl parties, or those who purchase Nike goods.”

Thank you – because my ex-pastor strongly implied on his FB the other day that if you watch the Superbowl when “your” team isn’t in it, you’re backsliding.

Of course, he interprets the world through the paradigm of Don’t Waste Your Life, so basically anything fun that you did instead of praying/Bible study, at any regular interval or for any length of time and that wasn’t done for church, was “frivolous.” He never called them sins, but would try his best to guilt you about them and repeatedly talk about the many things he enjoys that he no longer does because he doesn’t want to “waste his life.” (Binding the conscience, anybody?) This also applies to paying jobs, because he told my dad he should get another job without travel – when he has to go on extended trips he can’t be home to do family worship (a pretty laughable mental image to anyone who knows my dad).

He missed the fact that if you added up all these tiny “frivolities” and replaced them with prayer/Bible study, you would get something very close to the monastic life…which he would reject out of hand. Cognitive dissonance.

And it being New Orleans, there is no telling how much of the sex trafficking is being swept under the rug. Many of you just don’t realize how corrupt the New Orleans area is…
The church I attended is moving forward their church services in the evening so the people can be home for the game….Why? Neither Dallas nor Houston are playing?
Once again, we are like ancient Rome, bread and circuses.

“pray for the johns day” How do you pray for someone who doesn’t have a conscience. If you don’t have a conscience, you’re done.

Hannah, I don’t believe that the Bible tells us to pray for these type of people in such a way that they’ll become a Christian. Many Christians think that these type of people(pathological,evil who have no conscience)) CAN change but in fact, they don’t. The Bible says that “men love the darkness.” Many Christians lack an understanding of who these people really are and some would rather stay in their “christian bubble” and believe that anybody can be saved. The Bible doesn’t even say that everybody will come to know Him.

Thy Peace,

That article you linked to was very disturbing. We Christians need to teach our kids to avoid porn and using prostitutes because it encourages more trafficking like this. I think the churches that only talk about lust in relation to porn are missing the big point. Most men think the women like these jobs, so what’s the problem? If they knew how many were abused and enslaved, it would be much easier for them to resist temptation.

@ HoppyTheToad:

Hoppy, I recall reading several years ago about a small ministry in CA that was doing outreach to women and men who were involved in the “adult entertainment industry.” *

IIRC, these Christians were really really strategic, i.e. realistic and compassionate, in providing their support, understanding that there were so many issues involved including drug abuse. I remember thinking that theirs was a really unique and blessed calling for sure.

* I hate this term, I really do – it contributes to the awful phenomenon of making the “genre” sanitized and culturally normative. But I don’t wish to tempt the internet spam/tracking bot devils by typing out —–graphy. Paranoid, I know.

http://is.gd/QFhQ1g
Wade Burleson > OVERSOLD: Pastor David Cowan, Hosea and Gomer, and the Story of Crissy Moran

Dave A A wrote:

I just watched a very interesting TV episode, “Prophet or Predator” on “Dangerous Persuasions” on ID.

Dave, I just saw that program this morning and I hope I’m not being too harsh here by saying I couldn’t believe how naive that woman was to go to the extremes she did. 🙁 Very sad indeed.

“Let me clarify: Most churches seem to say that porn is bad because it incites lust. The treatment of the people involved isn’t mentioned.”

Good point. This is a statement worthy of a deeper convo. I am noticing this in many venues more and more. The focus seems to be on personal sin as in pray for the Johns was above. Let us worry about the Johns when they are behind bars. Let us pray they are caught! In fact, what am I to pray for them? That they change their hearts? Then what? Will they turn themselves in and serve time? (I think some of this is part of the determinist god paradigm. Johns have volition. They chose. They know right from wrong…but many Calvinists do not believe they do because of total depravity/total inability thinking and that makes it harder to hold people accountable both those saved or not saved when you think about it)

What is missing is how sin affects others. Our responsibility to others. Porn devalues other humans. Sex trafficing ruins the victims life is cruel and heinous and a form of slavery.

It is getting old to be asked to feel sorry for cruel brutes, molesters, etc. We have time for that when they are caught and serving time.

@ singleman: I don’t know about now, but when I lived in NoVA, there *were* serious problems – brothels in private homes run by Thai gangsters and the like. Some very near where I lived, just streets away.

There is such a thing as bribery, and there are ways to hide people who are being abused by organized crime.

Don’t kid yourself about it. (Obviously, I have no idea what was going on in this case, but those “facts” sound highly suspect to me.)

@ numo:
I’m aware there have been past problems with massage parlors, not just in Northern Virginia but in the District and the Maryland suburbs as well. One of the local daily newspapers used to print numerous ads for such parlors. However, authorities began cracking down in the late 1990’s and early 2000’s, closing numerous establishments. I’m not denying there may still be a few illegitimate massage businesses operating under the radar, but the local situation is much different from what it was 10-15 years ago.

@ singleman: I meant brothels – in houses, so that they were not “obvious.” (of course, the neighbors all knew…)

I used to get calls for some of those women, and had to have the phone company put call trace (and other legal surveillance methods) into effect for my line.

@ singleman: In my city, prostitution seems to be well hidden and mostly ignored. Mormons are very influential here, FWIW. I can't think of seeing even one obvious streetwalker ever. So I searched the local news for prostitution arrests. The ONLY stories which came up were Asian spas. Last summer police conducted a one day sting after "citizen complaints" and arrested 6 women, ages 47-60. As far as I can see, the spas remained open. According to the police spokeswoman, "The unit that enforces this also enforces major drug crimes, and, quite honestly, they've got their hands full with that," she says. "[Prostitution] could be out there and could be happening on a daily basis, but officers go where the problems are that attract citizen complaints." I looked back further and found a story from 2010, VIRTUALLY IDENTICAL except the names. The city where I used to work was a little different. There was an "Avenue" where the streetwalkers were always out in force. I parked not far away, and one evening a desperate woman folllowed me as I walked to my car after work. She called to me, asking how I was doing. "Fine!" (quickly got in car and drove off) I felt so sad for her– was she in need of drugs? Would her pimp beat her if she didn't make a quota? At this same time, a serial killer was working the "Avenue" and had made over a dozen women disappear… 🙁 🙁 Turned out the women had trusted him because he was a regular (and a *good* family man, to boot)!

anon 1:

It is getting old to be asked to feel sorry for cruel brutes, molesters, etc. We have time for that when they are caught and serving time.

My thoughts exactly.

At the federal level and in most states, a vehicle used in a crime, such as drug transport, can be seized and forfeited. Since a lot of “john” activity occurs in vehicles, I believe that this would be an effective deterrent if it were used and publicized. While some females are working on their own, that is fairly rare, except forthe high end.

What is more disturbing to me are those who traffic children and teenagers under age 18. We need to change the law so that a parent must carry an ID for their child, which could be a notation on the adult’s driver license or ID. That way it would be easier for a police officer to determine whether a particular child belonged with that adult.

@ Hester:
I don’t know how many people here will read that article that Thy Peace and Numo linked. It’s long, and hard to stomach. But this was just one of the most distressing stories:

“Andrea told me she was transported to Juarez dozens of times. During one visit, when she was about 7 years old, the trafficker took her to the . . . Hotel, where there was a john waiting in a room. The john was an older American man, and he read Bible passages to her before and after having sex with her.”

I think it’s too easy to think of the johns as being miscreants of society. They may likely be the kind, family man who lives next door. Or one who sits next to you in the pew at church.

@ numo:
I was thinking exactly what you’re speculating. The Mexican authorities are very forthright in pointing out the corruption in their government. But I suspect it’s not just Mexico.

@ BeenThereDoneThat: I think it’s a bit of a joke (a bad one), really. Mexican government and law enforcement is extremely corrupt, but then… so is much of ours. How else can the Mexican drug cartels – the most lawless and murderous – be so well-established in both Mexico and in the US?

People taking money and turning a deliberately blind eye is how.

And not just near the US-Mexico border, either.

the same is true in the case of people who are being used by traffickers and their “people” in the US. (Also in the many, many cases of horrific abuses of people who are trying to enter the US – cf. the Golden Venture and operations that go on all the time down on the US-Mexican border, where so many trying to cross the border end up suffering terribly; dying is a given there and in too many other cases.)

And yes, I really am sympathetic toward illegal immigrants. Most are trying to get here to take jobs Americans don’t want… trying to escape desperate poverty and ensure a better life (including decent health care and education) for themselves and their families.)

@ numo:
“People taking money and turning a deliberately blind eye is how.”
Exactly. America has become an “enabler” for drug and sex trafficking.

I live in a state bordering Mexico. My husband employs three Latinos, two of which were raised here. One just returned from Mexico to bring his mother back to live with him. He’s worked with CPS to regain custody of his three boys (long story) which entailed anger management classes, Alcoholic Anonymous, a breath analyzer device in his car . . . A lot of people probably wouldn’t go through what he has to try and pull his life together. I have nothing but respect for them. They have been so generous to us. (One man’s mother makes the best tamales you have ever tasted!)

@ BeenThereDoneThat: Way back in the early 80s, I was an assistant to a “survival english” teacher. We gave lessons at an apple farm that employed migrant workers, most of them Mexicans who had come here illegally and who followed the various harvest seasons around the country. (A lot of them went to FL for the vegetable harvests during the winter.) Some were Puerto Rican, but they were in the minority.

This camp was far better than most, but still, the conditions were pretty primitive. (Though they did have indoor plumbing and flush toilets.) This is FAR better than most camps.

We have been involved long-term in a kind of virtual slavery/peonage re. migrant farmworkers from Mexico and the Caribbean. It’s all too easy for farm owners to bribe officials; in many cases, officials are owners/part-owners of the farms that exploit migrant workers.

I believe that our country has a lot to answer for before God and man. Sadly, the exploitation of migrant laborers is largely ignore. (It goes on in urban areas, like NYC, as well – though there is a large illegal Chinese immigrant component to that; people sharing bunk beds in flophouses and sleeping in shifts, mostly employed in restaurant work.)

@ Beakerj:
The Jimmy Saville story was just heartbreaking. And those poor victims probably felt voiceless to speak up.

@ BeenThereDoneThat: Oh gosh, thanks – but that was a while ago! (Too long, really.)

I am grateful for getting to know the late Sister Benita Repasky back in the early 1970s. She was raised on a small farm and went into social work. When I knew her, she was working with a city population, but she spent years going to migrant labor camps in the Erie, PA area – really, REALLY horrible ones.

A lot of my awareness of these issues came from her, as well as from some other lay folks whom I knew and worked with back in the early 80s, right after I graduated from college.

@ numo:
That’ article is a very touching tribute. Was Sister Benita one of the nuns that you wrote about on a previous thread? The Catholics in my city are instrumental in running the soup kitchens here. Their efforts have provided services to a lot of needy people.

@ numo:
And isn’t that really the heritage of most Americans, though we often forget? Most of our ancestors were immigrants at some point. How easily we forget . . .

@ numo:
That makes her all the more amazing to be able to bring various believers together like that. I think that’s how the church should operate.

@ BeenThereDoneThat: As for “how the church should operate,” I couldn’t agree more!

And Sr. Benita had to fight hard to be allowed to go to the Sharon, PA area and start that soup kitchen in the 1st place. Her order (Sisters of St. Joseph) was/is diocesan, which means that at that time, all missions and new ventures had to be approved by the bishop or by his assistants.

The Erie diocese was VERY conservative (might be still) and I do not think they liked the idea of a woman like Benita proposing a mission AT ALL. It was hard for the sisters to be able to make any changes at that time, even much-needed ones, because the final appeal – and approval – was in the hands of whoever was bishop.

Many religious orders are papal, which means that approval ultimately comes from Rome; also that they’re much, much freer to start projects like the soup kitchen. orders that taught in schools, did/still do hospital work and the like are largely diocesan in structure and administration.

I don’t mean to disregard the horror of sexual abuse and crime that is always happening in our culture, but the “10,000 sex worker’s brought into cities in connection with large sporting events” is really gross hyperbole, and has not been proven by hard data–it just get’s a lot of readers to buy copies of newspapers and magazines. I fear that elevating this issue, sans hard data, will simply make it what it appears to be: a cause de jour; simply this year’s popular Christian issue, soon to be forgotten when the next “shocking issue” comes along.
Portland, Oregon was cited as a hub of sex-trafficking a few years ago, and became the focus of attention in the churches, and through justice conferences, etc. Our own mayor claimed it was so, esp. after Dan Rather did a special piece in which Portland was referred to as “Porn-land.’
But in actuality, the Portland Police stated that the numbers cited by news reporters (and Dan Rather, and our mayor) simply did not add up to the actual police enforcement statistics, which found a very small number of people who were actually being “trafficked” according to the definition provided by the United Nations. The hype, and inflated numbers, I fear, will cause the loss of credibility in fighting this crime in the long run. The law enforcement agencies of other cities, particularly one’s that have hosted a Superbowl, have reported the same. We need to be clear, honest, and have our facts straight if we’re really going to be effective in addressing sexual abuse and crime.
For more: http://www.snopes.com/sports/football/escort.asp, http://www.oregonlive.com/portland/index.ssf/2011/01/portland_child_sex_trafficking.html

OOps…meant to ask Hester for the source…

Her quote: I have heard before that many hotels have some of their highest numbers of “pay-per-view” porn rentals during Christian conventions. I wish I could be shocked.

” is ironic that Americans are glued to their boob-tubes to watch grown men engage in activities that result in massive brain damage, while the young women are trafficked to supply American men’s sexual needs.”

Thy Peace, Are there any such inconsistencies in your native culture or is it just America that has them?

I have lived in US for over thirty years. Only a month ago, I moved to India. Yes, India has lots of delusions. But Americans have the most of the delusions and they are consistently sold lies in the main stream media (MSM). And this is organized so that the people are kept in the dark.

Ken Garrett,

I understand your cynicism. We Christians sometimes use hyperbole in combating real issues.

If, however, these five women who were rescued this week, and these eight men who were put behind bars, represent the extent of the human sex traffic in NOLA this week, then I’m almost of the opinion that a focus on this issue has been worth it.

@ BeenThereDoneThat: Yes, we do forget. Me too.

Thank you for replying, Wade! I’m not cynical, and care very deeply about this issue, living in the middle of downtown Portland. I simply want to avoid the charge that our claims don’t stand up to the truth, but were instead used to gain attention to the issue, that’s all. Blessings to you, and may your church have a GREAT worship and Souper Bowl tomorrow!
@ Wade Burleson:

dee wrote:

Sex trafficking is a problem but we do have to be careful to vet sources.

I agree with Ken. The 10,000 number makes no sense. Unless we assume that 1/2 of the people at the game are buying sex somewhere. And I doubt that no matter how bad it is it is not THAT bad.

But sex “workers” are attracted to things like the Superb Owl. And conventions. Anytime you have a large male population away from home (and their families), especially if the event is high cost then the statistics say there will be a better than normal supply of “johns” to be found.

BUt I have to wonder how many men travel to the Superb Orb without their families?

Anyway, sex trafficking and forced (most of it I think) prostitution is a bad thing. And treating the “johns” to public display is a big step to solving the problem.

@ Fontyla:

I was told this by a Christian dad we know, who got it from the manager of the hotel he stayed in when he went to a Christian men’s conference. The manager said their porn rentals skyrocket during those events.

@ Haitch: No, I hadn’t seen it! Good one.

I do not believe Thy Peace is the person in question, though I can see why you might think so…

Jeanette, My God! I pray for you, dear one. I pray for God to heap courage, love, peace on you. And I pray for justice to be done.

So, that’s Thy Peace’s fault?!

Fast, Furious, N’ Flushed?

16.4 trillion? Forget da Johns, Wade -Isn’t the American ‘Super’ bowl party ‘ really’ about over?

Evil getz a ‘winged victory’?

hmmm…

bring in the clowns?

oh!  …their already here.

(sadface)

Da proverbial ‘Rapture’ prior to ‘Rupture’ ?!?

hmmm…

letz rock N’ roll!…

(grin)

hahahahaha

S“㋡”py

@ anon 1: Poverty and desperation are quite visible in India, unlike in the US.

So… although I can’t speak for Thy Peace, I would have to say that Indians are likely far less “delusional” about poverty, suffering, and much more.

I’m sitting in a nice house as I type – one that would seem unimaginably luxurious to most Indians, even those who have good housing. The appliances, plumbing, etc. are light years ahead of what most people in the developing world can ever hope for.

It is easy to assume that others in this world have a similar standard of living, and that they are not trapped in a grinding cycle of poverty.

But that would be – is – a delusion.

A good summation (though very difficult to read): http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/2011/jan/21/devadasi-india-sex-work-religion

Thank you Deb/Dee for tackling this issue in 2013! This is such a huge issue, that many are simply unaware of. The more awareness the better!!

I have used the following website as a resource to learn more about this issue and connect with other organizations who are at the helm of trying to put an end to this very serious problem.

http://268generation.com/passion2013/freedom/

When you click on “learn” on the website, it illustrates many of the organizations who are trying to put an end to human slavery.

One of the websites through that link that I found interesting was this:

http://slaverymap.org/

Looking forward to you bringing this situation to light!

Another Website that has a video you can share on social media if you want..(or on here)..

Obviously geared for a younger crowd but good none-the-less!

http://www.enditmovement.com/

There is grinding poverty and desperation in the United States. In my city of over 100,000 people, almost all of the school children are eligible for free or reduce price lunch and breakfast. Most of the jobs are minimum wage, a small house or two bedroom apartment will cost $500 a month rent, plus utilities. There is a bus system that runs from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm every hour, which does not accommodate getting to and from work. The food pantries will provide once a month for a family and usually run out, b/c over 1/4 of the households qualify, and the constabulary, district attorney, and courts seem intent on getting a felony conviction for almost any offense, imagined or real, which prevents people from qualifying for most jobs and bars any benefits for themselves or their family, unless they abandon the family. And for many who have left the family, child support will take 1/2 of their earnings.

That makes for extreme poverty and desperation. And the State is in the process of cutting out much of the education and reentry programs for convicts, is blocking the expansion of medicaid, and cutting school and social services budgets.

For many, unless you can get and keep a job, while missing work 2 days a month to go to the probation office, probation is only a temporary delay on way to prison. Many probation staff see their job as getting a revocation on as many people as possible.

So. Desperate people do desperate things. It is a dangerous way to treat people.

@ Arce: I agree, Arce. I live in a rural area, and a thread or so back, there was a fair amount of discussion on rural poverty.

the thing is, I can’t go out on the street and actually see poverty and its effects here in the way that I might in Bolivia or Haiti or India.

We try to hide it; there, it’s ubiquitous and there is no escape.

@ Arce: I think that’s exactly what people do – avoid and also go everywhere with (to steal a film title) eyes wide shut.

Me, too…

Arce & numo,
And the really sad part about it is that it doesn’t have to be this way.

@ Thy Peace:
Thank you for your graciousness. I tend to push on sore spots, too.

“It is easy to assume that others in this world have a similar standard of living, and that they are not trapped in a grinding cycle of poverty.”

How do you know I do not come from horrible poverty? Speaking of the US, why is it that people think there is no way out? Are there are NO opportunities which our government spends a ton on if people have the will to seek it out and do the work?

What I see is an terrible arrogance toward the poor in the US from many quarters that people think is “helping”. I saw it on another thread when it came to sex…that we should not judge because that is what these people do and we should expect nothing less. As if they are animals and we should treat them as such and pay for the consequences. not that they are image bearers and CAN love themselves as God loves them. The arrogant subtle discrimination is sad.

That they are not capable of improving their lives. That attitude is what keeps them in that cycle because that attitude is in our schools and institutions. It is nothing less than the subtle discrimination of low expectations. The “help” becomes a life long prison sentence and more people who get to feel good about themselves for “caring” enough to keep people there.

We all have delusions.

Jeanette, My opinion which is worthless is this: Stick only with “safe people”. I am big into victims sticking with safe people IF they can find them. I hope you have found that here. I have seen what “well meaning” people can do with blowing such heinous things off because they do not want to deal with it or face truths. It infuriates me. History is full of people who “looked the other way”.

Numo, You got it! I am glad you are willing to allow differing views!

“It’s not a new thing for me by any means.”

My experience is that you are passive agressive with it.

Word: “Jesus Promised”

“All of us have our delusions. For me, it used to be that the church was a place and refuge and love for everyone. ” -Dee

Bad churches not withstanding…

HowDee,

Yet, how wonderful it is that:

Jesus fully satisfies the Father’s requirement for righteousness.  It means the full requirement (or penalty) has been made on behalf of those who believe Jesus’ words.

That the Father has sent His Spirit for all those who abide in Jesus.

That Jesus promised to return for us.

That in the mean time Jesus has gone to prepare us a place in His Father’s house.

All because He wanted to; because He cares.

The degradation of Christianity in this country is a stark reality. To those who are acquainted with the entire influence of superstition over the minds which it once pervades, and the ingenious policy of interested pastors and para-church organizations in supporting and propagating it. 

Never the less, Jesus is the vine. Only he can bring life.

don’t forget that where ever you are!

You Mater!

He is mighty to save you!
He has conquered the grave.
His body was broken for us.

He offers the ‘best’ hope in a fallen world.

“I came thy they might have life…” Jesus said.

Please, please, stop listening to those who say otherwise. Unfortunately, it is they who are ‘suffering delusions’…

(sadface)

Sopy

Anon 1–YES YES YES to remarks re the subtle put downs among those dedicated to “helping” at times. There is so often the assumption those who are poor can do absolutely nothing to improve their lives, and the corresponding assumption those helping are so noble and Christian.

Maybe. Sometimes. But many times it is just so much rot. We get lots of short term mission trips here in my town. Folks send their teens to paint or clean or help out since we have so many trapped in poverty and drugs and gangs.

You know what would really help? Send the money for supplies and to pay hourly wages and let us hire the poor to do the work on their facilities.

Same assumptions re the porn and sex industries. Some indeed get forced into it by extreme poverty. But for others it is simply a choice among many choices.

The “help” we give needs to recognize that and help realistically.

Sopy,
There’s lots you and I probably won’t agree upon, but with this one (sex slavery), I’m on board.

Oh my God – http://www.sgmsurvivors.com/2013/02/04/anons-story/

just when you think it can’t get worse, it does.

Eagle wrote:

I mean consider…I would suggest that when Hustler or other porn compnaies make porn they are producing something more healthy than what Mark Driscoll or CJ Mahnaey have said or taught. Many guys will know that porn is fanatsy and that its made by consenting adults in southern California.

Eagle, I have debated about answering on this. Please don’t take this as a personal attack on you – but here goes. WARNING: This may get a little graphic.

This concept that it is between two consenting adults makes me want to cry. I have thought about this all afternoon, and am actually fighting back tears as I write this. For me, What celeb hypocrites, I mean preachers, say and do is not even the issue. I have no verses to throw at you because this is not about the Bible or religion.

This is coming purely from someone who has been on the receiving end of the camera lens. Those involved with this industry in front of the camera are not all there because they want to be. I am going to be blunt. To suggest that it is between two consenting adults is like slapping me in the face. I did NOT want to be filmed like that. Of course, I was not an adult and I will concede that is different, however, many of those women (and young men in the gay stuff) got started as children…under coercion. How do you know which ones are of ‘consenting’ adults and which ones are those being coerced? They don’t label them. Are you absolutely sure that what you are looking at is of someone who did it willingly? What if you found out they didn’t? How would that affect how you look at it? I guarantee that there is no woman who likes having a picture taken of her crotch. I can’t even describe to you what it does to her.

I understand that it can be ‘fun’ and even addicting. I’ve seen addictions to this stuff devastate marriages – consume lives. But from someone with experience, I cannot let the statement stand that it is consensual. Most of it is not and there is no way to tell which is which. For me, it has no redeeming value. There is nothing good about it that I can see. I can only see the lives that are devastated by it.

Sopy,

Thanks for your clarification! I think I did not fully comprehend your point from earlier… Personally, I don’t blame the Superbowl…It is a nationally televised event like you say and a good one at that! I don’t think anyone should feel guilty or shame in watching the Superbowl—I agree with Wade that we need to keep our eye on the big picture, but I believe one can watch the Superbowl and still be focused on the big picture (I don’t think Wade would disagree).

I think the thrust of Wade’s message rings true—We need to be cautious at our big celebrations in America and realize there could be some ugliness that lies underneath….The Superbowl rings of fun and entertainment, but desperate/hurting people could be exploited moreso than normal due to a sporting event such as this..

Not really the Superbowl’s fault, but awareness at what may be happening may give us pause to the sobering reality behind this fun event, and hopefully, turn us to prayer and action to end it.

I would love to see some big name people like Oprah take a bigger stand toward this…They could influence these matters in ways that you or I could never dream of…As I said earlier, I wish some money could have been given towards a SuperBowl Commercial to reveal some more “serious” issues like Human Slavery/Sex Trafficking. The Paul Harvey commercial about farmers was on the serious side and it gained a lot of attention. I think a simple add revealing Sex Trafficking in America and around the world could go a long way to help matters!

Thanks again for the discussion!

That is, upset along with you, Jeannette…

“Sports Game Absence Makes For Better ‘Sex Trafficking’ Awareness?”

“…awareness at what may be happening may give us pause to the sobering reality behind this fun event, and hopefully, turn us to prayer and action to end it (sextrafficking) .” – Seeker

HowDee,

This article implies that Super Bowl is not really a fun event for 10,000 alleged victims of this heinous sex trafficking crime of which it speaks.

I will more than likely limit my viewing of these types of televised sports games in the future.

(Just because the association is so gross.)

Guilt by association?

hmmm…

…johns paying for sex from someone who was abducted against their will to perform this act?

euuuuuuu!

(are sports viewers indirectly paying for this type of behavior to occur? 

What?

Maybe this is what the sponsors of such events, where these monstrosities occur, need to hear, i.e. those limiting their sports game involvement because sex trafficking is present. Moral responsibility would dictate that not attending or viewing these events is possibly the responsible citizen’s only real option to getting some type of point across, i.e. ‘stop this madness’.

Sopy

“And it is not a religious thing….it is a physical thing…an emotional thing…it is a psyche thing…..when I hear people trying to legitimize this stuff, whether its films, magazines or live and in person, I want to scream, “Your pleasure is not more important than their pain!”

Jeanette, You are right. Please know that you are right.

Jeannette,

There is so much I want to say to you and I have no idea how to say any of it. There are many times when I can relate to your comments and feelings… Your stomach and mine…and the hurt, shame, feeling of being ruined. Yes…ditto. God may not see us that way…but I still feel like a whore, like no one could ever love me.

I may never have been photographed or filmed, but porn was a factor in the abuse I went through starting at age three. From then on, no pornographic video tape or magazine that I came across around the house ever survived my wrath. I cut or tore them right up with no regrets. Then in my teen years, before even learning the truth about porn, seeing or hearing it automatically sent me into a quiet rage, a world of intense emotional pain. The mere mention of porn hurts, it hurts like nothing else!

I am told sex is supposed to be an expression of love, or mingled with love. Call me cynical but that seems like nothing more than a naive and imaginative fairy tale, fabricated to sell wedding rings, Valentine’s Day cards etc. Yet, even if I could somehow understand that to be true, when it comes to porn, the facts remain the same. There is no love in porn, only abuse. It does not matter if one “consents” to porn or not, abuse is abuse. It’s an abuse of women, men, and is very often used as a tool to further abuse others.

There is no such thing as a mentally healthy person in the porn industry. To watch porn is to watch mentally ill, diseased people, usually victims of abuse in childhood, acting out their previous traumas for the cameras. This is after they’ve been fed enough drugs and/or alcohol, of course, to help them actually get through the scenes. Do not be fooled by their smiling faces or lies to interviewers. Those who have been there know those things are part of the money-making scheme.

I watched the movie “the whistle blower” on Netflix streaming. It’s about sex trafficking in Bosnia after the war. It is not for the faint of heart. It will make your blood boil.

Dee and Deb, once again you tackle issues that matter. You shame the so called gospel movement, who ignore all manner of abuse. Well…it’s hard to care much when people’s misery is a pre-determined course ordained by God. After all, just because God has a “plan” for everyone, doesn’t mean it won’t involve sex trafficking for some underaged minors. At least they aren’t getting what they really “deserve”. No, that will come later for the ones who aren’t elect. Then they’ll long for the days of some slave sex, right?

Wade, you are too rare a breed. It is wonderful…and yet appalling.

“Sudden Impact: Shaken But Not ‘Stirred’?!?”

“What action, if any, have we done to help the victims in this situation, and do we really believe an impact can be made?” -Seeker

HowDee,

…shocking apathy?

What?

…shocking behavior?

huh?

…shocking corruptions in the church?

…shocking corruptions in society?

hmmm…

When face to face with corruptions in the church along with the corruptions in society, one might find them a bit overwhelming to say the least…

Try harder?

What?

If first you don’t succeed…

try, try, try, try, try, try, try, again?

Apparently, they have legalized ‘insanity’ in all fifty states…

What more do you want?

(grin)

hahahahaha

Sopy

The best preventative measure to curb and minimize the sexual exploitation of grown men and women is to first protect them as children. A significant proportion of those exploited as adults were first abused as children. When the perpetrators are the ones who receive the protection, it is no wonder the subsequent unprotected victims may end up abusing drugs or alcohol and as adults living out the risky self damaging/degrading behaviors they were never protected from to begin with. Protect the children – protect the future.

Sopy,

You said,

“When face to face with corruptions in the church along with the corruptions in society, one might find them a bit overwhelming to say the least…

Try harder?

What?

If first you don’t succeed…

try, try, try, try, try, try, try, again?

Apparently, they have legalized ‘insanity’ in all fifty states…”

Yes, I believe it is overwhelming to look at how deep this problem goes in our churches and society, and I am well aware there is no quick and easy fix to any of this…but we have to try, we have to pray, we have to hope. Maybe that is insane, but I rather be called insane and try than sit back and do nothing at all (I am sure you are not saying we should do nothing, but having a hard time following (again) what you are really trying to say)..

I know that full restoration is coming….I look to a future hope, a future promise, a New Heaven and a New Earth where Human Trafficking will be buried in history forever. Thank God that day is coming, yet if we can do a small part to help the least of these, then I say we do it. We can’t save the world (Jesus has done that), but we might can give some money, offer some prayers, or educate others to try to put an end to this problem. Maybe this has the implication of being too radical, maybe the “ultimate end” will never arrive until New Heavens and New Earth…However, instead of looking at ALL the statistics, I put my hope that one or two girls can be saved from this nightmare…and for me, that is worth it!

Eagle, there is also a lot of illegal stuff going on in the industry. But legal or not, there are people trapped in porn and prostitution etc. who need help escaping and starting over in life. They need to know they are loved and made for better things than porn. They need help breaking the patterns they were taught earlier in life.

Could not agree with you more about the approach to take. In fact, many people involved in porn only begin to see beyond the horizon once they are shown that love. That is why I linked to Pink Cross. Shelley and her gang are doing just that, stepping out into the fire, loving both addicts and sex workers, helping them rebuild their lives.

I was lurking back when you were in the hospital and had no idea who you were, but was still so compelled to pray for you. I do remember how our glamorous blog queens showed you such genuine love, and I am so proud of them, so incredibly happy that they were there for you when it really mattered. I hope nothing I said made you feel condemned, that was definitely not my intention. And I understand why you became frustrated with the focus. Porn addiction is for sure not anywhere near being the only vice.

Eagle, you’re probably right…and glad you’re not angry! I’m used to ticking people off, but they’re usually Piper or Driscoll fanboys, come to think of it…which means you gave me a great laugh. Thanks! 😀

@ Muff Potter:
@ dee:
@ Trina:

Thank you.

@ Oasis:
It was a factor in my abuse that started around 2 1/2. I understand. There really are no words adequate – consider yourself hugged….

@ Eagle:

Thank you. I appreciate your words and your offer. 2000 miles, though… 😉

As to your other comments: I wholeheartedly agree on the approach you outline. That is the only way that will work – and it isn’t easy. It’s gut-wrenching. I’m glad Oasis posted about some groups who are doing exactly that.

I also agree that the Christian Industrial Complex that arrogantly calls itself the church handles this issue with a level of hypocrisy that can leave you dumbfounded that no-one inside the bubble sees it.

I also agree that the other things you listed can become addictive behaviors that destroy lives. Here’s the thing, though, for me. Let’s leave the addiction element aside for the moment. The thing that stabs in my heart the hardest is the ‘casual’ viewer with the attitude that ‘its legal and no one is getting hurt, what’s the big deal?’ Back to one of the things I said in an earlier comment…many (if not most) of these things are produced using people in front of the lens who really don’t want to be there. There is absolutely no way to know if the movie being watched didn’t have someone off camera with a gun to keep the ‘actors’ in line.

This is a general question to everyone: How can you know that the movie you’re watching isn’t of someone actually getting raped? If you did know that it was, how would that affect how you felt about it?

@ Eagle:
Eagle, thank you. Truly.
I think highly of you and care about you, as well. From the first time I read your comments over at iMonk about your father, you have been in my thoughts.

Hester wrote:

Personally, I suspect God mourned both for George Tiller AND the babies he helped abort. But in a contest between God’s word and Doug’s, you know whose word usually wins. These are patriarchs, after all, closely connected to the folks who brought us imprecatory prayer.

“Imprecatory prayer” as in “O GREAT CHEMOSH! O GREAT BAAL! RAIN DEATH AND DESTRUCTION DOWN UPON THESE *MY* ENEMIES!!!!!”?

@ Eagle: One thing that jumped out at me in reading the comments – the number of posters who believe that women in porn are, basically “consenting adults” who are being “well-compensated.”

I’m stunned by these kinds of assertions. (No offense, Eagle, but…)

“God’s door is always open to hear our heartfelt cries.da righteous need not beg for bread…

(His eye is ever upon da sparrow.)

b bless’d.

S“㋡”py”

Amen! You as well!

@ Eagle: Hey, I was referring to some of the male commenters on imonk who are convinced that nobody’s being abused in the porn industry. (In the link you posted.)

the thing is, even if a person is doing it of their own free will, it’s degrading. And there is very often alcohol and drug abuse involved, partly to numb the physical and emotional pain…

@ dee: I thought so… it’s an evil “trade.”

I’ve actually seen some young guys (not here!) saying – and believing – things like “Prostitution empowers women.”

NOT.

The amount of stupidity and self-deception out here is just staggering.