Sex Trafficking Lures....do your children know the signs? From Mirror Ministries blog posted 9/11/18 by Amber Bruce
/"Blanca is a dedicated mother of three. When her pre-teen and two young teens starting making some new friends – usually a process that would delight a mother – Blanca became concerned. She heard stories of parties these friends had been to. Parties where sketchy things were happening and Blanca didn’t know for sure what these friends were up to. What she did know for sure was that warning signs were flaring.
Blanca reached out to Mirror Ministries, where an advocate spoke with her to find out the whole story. After having her concerns brushed off by others, Blanca finally felt like someone was taking her seriously and was going to be with her every step of the way while she guided her children. Our Mirror Ministries advocate also spoke with all three children to let them know the red flags to recognize a pimp and how easily kids can be swept up into sex trafficking. Blanca was very grateful, and she is hopeful that the message got through to her children and it will help keep them safe."
Mirror Ministries provides services to victims of trafficking in the Tri-Cities area of Eastern Washington. They are tireless, wonderful, dedicated people making a difference in this world. Please keep them in your prayers.
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Want to learn more about the face of modern-day slavery? Visit http://www.hope4justice.org/the-facts/
HAPPENINGS IN
WHATCOM COUNTY
What: Freedom & Worship Night featuring special guest worship leader, Shawn McDonald and Joshua Parriera speaking on: "Connecting the Dots: Porn to Trafficking."
When: Saturday, Sept. 29, 2018; 6:30 PM
Where: Immanuel Bible Church, 2000 West North St., Bellingham, WA.
(Event is free. Click here for more information.)
What: Stand Against Slavery, a night of Worship and Prayer as we take a united stand with other believers in the fight against sexual exploitation. Sponsored by Engedi Refuge Ministries.
When: October 7, 2018, 6:00-8:00 pm
Where: New Song Church, 4600 Guide Meridian, Bellingham, WA
What: Hope4Justice Quarterly Public Meeting
When: 10/16/18.
(Details in adjacent column about special law enforcement guests)
JOIN US FOR SPECIAL LAW ENFORCEMENT GUESTS!
Sheriff Bill Elfo, Detective Chris Johnston and Sgt. Jay Hart from the Bellingham Police Dept., and Officers from the Lynden Police Dept. will share local information about trafficking at the Hope4Justice Public Meeting on October 16 from 7:00-8:30 pm.
Location: Family Room of North County Christ the King, 1816 18th St., Lynden, WA.
LEARN MORE
(Courtesy of Mirror Ministries)
The following are warning signs that an individual may be victimized by sex trafficking. Just one sign doesn’t mean a person is being trafficked, but two or more indicates a high probability:
Current/history of physical, mental, sexual abuse
Ongoing STDs
Self-harm/suicide attempts
Low confidence
Violent or aggressive temper
Secretive behavior
Change in appearance
Secretive relationship with significantly older/younger person
Gang activity
Teen pregnancy
Seen walking in known high risk areas