Human trafficking is one of the fastest-growing crimes in the nation. It is a crime committed in secret, shrouded in darkness, and too often remains hidden from the public eye. This heinous crime involves many deceitful layers that inflict unimaginable pain on millions of people. Its effects ripple outward, not only devastating the victims but also deeply impacting their families and loved ones.
I want to share a testimony recently recounted to me. This horrific crime happened to someone close to the individual who shared it. For privacy reasons, names have been changed.
The year was 2004. Catherine was looking to escape her abusive boyfriend. She and her best friend, Lila, came across a job advertisement that read: “Travel the country, sell magazine subscriptions, make good money, and go home anytime you want!” Tempted by the promise of freedom and opportunity, the two friends decided to board a bus to Seattle.
That night, Catherine’s mom received a phone call around 11 p.m. She immediately sensed that something was wrong. Catherine wouldn’t say much, but her tone betrayed her unease. An hour later, Catherine and Lila called again, this time from a bus station. Catherine’s voice was trembling as she explained their terrifying situation.
She said, “Mom, we’re at the bus station. If we go outside to smoke, we’re followed and watched. If we try to leave the motel room, someone is guarding our door and tells us to go back inside. There’s even a person from this ‘company’ staying in our room with us!”
Catherine described how this person monitored them and even took Lila’s special blanket, rolled it up, and used it as a pillow. She believed this was done intentionally so that if she tried to retrieve it, the guard would wake up and catch them attempting to leave.
Later that night, while everyone else was asleep, Catherine cracked open the door. Noticing the guard was absent, she and Lila seized the moment and ran to the bus station. Catherine’s mom worked quickly, contacting Lila’s dad to help the girls get bus tickets home and notifying the police.
When authorities arrived at the motel, they discovered the company had packed up and fled during the night. Upon interviewing the girls, police learned that the company operated under multiple aliases. The name advertised in the newspaper was different from the name they used in Seattle, and the motel’s records showed yet another name. Sadly, none of these aliases were remembered.
This story is a chilling reminder of how human trafficking hides in plain sight. As one professor pointed out in an article: “You can only sell a pile of drugs once, only sell guns once, and only sell stolen or counterfeit property once. But with human trafficking, you can re-victimize a person every day, every hour.”
Hearing this story reminded me that there is a God who intervenes, even in seemingly impossible situations. I am so thankful that these two women were saved and that they allowed me to share their story.
You may feel powerless to make a difference, but every effort—big or small—can help raise awareness about human trafficking. Sharing information on social media, volunteering with organizations, or simply discussing the issue with family and friends are all meaningful ways to contribute.
In Spokane, one organization, Helping Captives, has been making a significant impact since its founding in 2015. They’ve partnered with Rescue America, a national hotline dedicated to helping women escape “the life.” Women who call the hotline often express gratitude, saying they didn’t realize such a way out existed.
In conclusion, while circumstances may not always seem ideal, we serve a God who prevails and cares for His children. Thank you for taking the time to read this story and for your willingness to be part of the fight against human trafficking.
— Hannah
Sources:
Virginia Commonwealth University. (n.d.). Commitment to Privacy. Retrieved from VCU News
Helping Captives. (n.d.). Home. Retrieved from Helping Captives