“Why do you traffic women?”
This was a question posed by a judge to an accused human trafficker. Christine Caine, a world-renowned Christian writer and speaker, remembers the exchange in one of her A21 court cases.
“They are easier to traffic than drugs and guns,” the man replied, shrugging his shoulders. “The penalty is not as harsh, and you can kick them like an animal, and they will do what you want them to do.”
Caine is a seven-time author and co-founder of multiple organizations. She’s captivating on stage and a scripture-rooted firecracker for the Kingdom. But Caine says that nowhere in her entire experience has she seen the denigration of women clearer than through her work with A21.
As part of their mission plan, A21 dedicates themselves to raising awareness, expelling all trafficking, and providing legal action and rehabilitation services for survivors. There are 13 active offices in twelve cities, all working in tandem to stop slavery. The organization’s name stems from the volunteers’ foundational motto: “We are the abolitionists of the 21st century.”
The Caines were inspired to launch the nonprofit after discovering an overwhelming population of trafficked girls in Greece. They were at an airport at Thessaloniki in 2007 and found endless hand-drawn pictures of missing girls.
“I thought, ‘Human trafficking? That doesn’t happen, that’s ridiculous,'” Caine said in an interview with CNN. “Then I went online and did some research, and I was stunned.”
Since her discovery of 21st-century slavery, Caine’s worked alongside her A21 crew to set up national hotlines and safe harbor facilities in numerous countries. There is an action plan for each survivor that includes providing physical needs, post-trauma therapy, and a loving community. A prayer team even operates 24/7.
“We have to understand that these victims have been so traumatized that it takes time. It’s not just like one prayer, ‘You’re done,’ let’s move on. You have to be committed,” Caine shared in a YouTube featurette hosted by Jentezen Franklin. “And that’s when you discover it’s a labor. It’s a labor of love.”
In addition to each on-site location office, A21 partners with like-minded global and local community members, otherwise known as ‘A-teams.’ These abolitionist teams are individuals who wish to informally but passionately partner with A21 and help fundraise, campaign, and educate.
“We have been fortunate enough to be invited to meet with government officials to influence the education of human trafficking in our local community, as well as gaining the opportunity to teach A21’s Shinehope Program to young girls,” says Brittney Borders, an A-team member from Brandywine Maryland.
The organization is planning a global Walk for Freedom Event on Oct. 19, 2019. Anyone is welcome to host an event and become an A-team member. For more information about leading a walk in your local community, apply online at A21’s website here.
Featured Image by Kevin Laminto
