Luke, age 15, grew up in a Christian family and environment. Having been confused about his sexuality for a while, he finally summons all his courage and tells his parents how he feels. Their response: “Get out!”

Luke grabs his backpack and leaves. As his parents’ words ring in his ears, he remembers his pastor saying: “I don’t ever want you to be afraid to come to me.” Yet shame and insecurity win the inner battle, convincing him he should not reach out to the pastor. Unsure what to do next, he roams the streets of downtown. He feels lonely, rejected, misunderstood. He longs for acceptance and love, uncertain where to go or whether he can go back home tonight – perfect vulnerabilities for traffickers to exploit. [1]

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“Human trafficking involves the use of force, fraud, or coercion to obtain some type of labor or commercial sex act.” [2] Traffickers are clever in finding their victims. Individuals’ vulnerabilities are detected and exploited. Contrary to popular belief, children kidnapped by men in vans is not the norm. Instead, traffickers use vulnerabilities to gain trust and build relationships using false promises. Once this sense of trust is established, emotional abuse, isolation, intimidation, threats, drugs, physical violence, and more follow. Social media, online games, and apps offer new possibilities to gather information, connect with, threaten, or exploit potential victims. Imagine a young boy or girl being convinced to send one nude picture. Afterwards they are threatened that, unless they continue to comply, the picture will be sent to their parents, friends, teachers, and church. What would you have done when you were a teenager?

Why should YOU care about human trafficking? Because victims include men, women, and children of all ages, races, and nationalities – possibly your church members, neighbors, friends, and family members. And it can happen anywhere.

Human trafficking is estimated to be a $150 billion global industry. The average age of first-time victims is 12-14 years.

How can you recognize it? Human trafficking takes many forms but is most easily divided into two types: sex trafficking and labor trafficking.

Red flags include someone not being free to come and go or to speak as they wish, being controlled by others, working excessively long or unusual hours with very little pay, having unexplained injuries or signs of physical abuse, and expressing behavior of feeling fearful, anxious, depressed, submissive, hyper-vigilant, or paranoid. Youth may also exhibit changes in behavior at school and in attendance, inappropriate clothing, possession of hotel keycards, reloadable gift cards, or luxury items. A more detailed list can be found on the Texas Attorney General’s website. [3]

Luke’s story shows some possible risk factors. Other factors can include abuse and trauma, involvement with the criminal justice or the foster care system, poverty, and the general lack of awareness and misinformation of human trafficking.

How can churches be a safe harbor to people at risk? First, ask yourselves these questions: In our church, are we only concerned with people getting theology right, or also with addressing each individual’s struggles and needs? How does a person’s well-being play into their faith formation? How did Jesus balance people’s spiritual and personal needs?

As Christians, we strive to be more Christlike: to see marginalized people in their pain and vulnerability. To listen to them and their stories. To give them the kind of love that Jesus showed the outcasts. To show everyone equal love and compassion regardless of lifestyle, doubts, struggles, or behavior. To show them Jesus by meeting them where they are and by creating a safe harbor, one that Luke would have known he could turn to despite his shame and insecurity.

What should you do when you suspect human trafficking? Create a safe environment. Speak to potential victims alone and ask specifically about their safety. Monitor your word choices, avoiding words like victim or trafficking, as victims may not realize that this is what is happening to them. Do not expect them to tell you everything immediately. They will often deny multiple times that anything is happening or will not be able to tell you everything in chronological order due to the effects trauma has on the brain.

Most importantly, call experts for assistance. You don’t need to investigate or have all the information to do so. However, one phone call to report a suspicion might save someone’s life. If someone is in immediate danger, call 911. In all other cases, you can contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888.

“Jesus, friend of sinners, … let our hearts be led by mercy. Help us reach with open hearts and open doors. Jesus, friend of sinners, break our hearts for what breaks yours.” [4]

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[1] Luke’s story is fictional, inspired by true stories.

[2] “What Is Human Trafficking?” from the Department of Homeland Security

[3] “Human Trafficking Red Flags” handout (PDF download) from the Texas Attorney General’s office

[4] “Jesus, Friend of Sinners” by Casting Crowns