I was at the Big Waters United Methodist Women fall gathering yesterday in Milaca to share my story ans a victim of human trafficking. The vent was successful, they room was filled with women from various United Methodist Church. They were grateful that I shared a story that opened their eyes about the issue of human trafficking. I took several questions at the end of my presentation. Some questions and comments came as one on one. In fact, I was very happy when one of the women told me she was knitting some things for Alexandra House. In addition, my local congregation, United Methodist Church of Anoka adopted Alexandra House as the ministry of the month where donations are taken to be sent to Alexandra House.
I had a grandmother who was worried about her daughter and granddaughters. She feared that they are being sold for sex in Wisconsin. I said to her “you know, there is help for them.” But she said they don’t tell her anything and the grandchildren are in their twenties now. She suspects something is not right. She speculates that they are being sold for sex but did not know how to help them. I think she also mentioned a great-granddaughter who is eight years old. But she said that the social worker is involved with her. I am still feeling her pain as I write this piece. What do you do when you find yourself in this kind of situation? The answer is TALK TO SOMEBODY. Connect with a local organization where you can be couched on how to get the person or people you suspect are in danger to talk to you, especially when they are family members. You can also invite them to events. It is much easier when a victim can identify him or herself as a victim to reach out for help.
Please, send in your questions and comments.
Bye for now. Until next time.
