Victim’s Story Highlights Anti-Trafficking Forum
Sep. 11, 2009
Marty, a victim of human trafficking, gave a stirring account of her ordeal to a large crowd at The Wesleyan Church's Stand Against Trafficking community forum, September 9, 2009, in Indianapolis, Indiana. Marty, a Christian who was a former dancer and comedian, spoke for the first time in public about being enslaved and trafficked during a visit to Japan.
Audience members wept with her as she told of being raped, tortured, isolated, and then forced into prostitution. Now a substance abuse counselor and free from her horrific past, Marty testified of living homeless under a bridge and crying out to God, "Whoever You are, and wherever You are." It was obvious from her story that God heard her cry.
Natural fit for The Wesleyan Church
The forum, conducted by community and church volunteers, was the first Stand Against Trafficking (StAT) event since its organization by The Wesleyan Church's department of Wesleyan Women. Seeking to abolish what has been called modern day slavery, and the nation's fasting growing criminal industry, the forum was a natural fit for the Church, since its roots are in the anti-slavery movement of the 19th Century. Wesleyan Women has been asked by the Church to launch a nation-wide movement against human trafficking.
The parking lot of the local Heartland Church was filled with cars, vans, and busses bringing attendees to learn more about slavery prevention and victim care-giving. The department's first Stand Against Trafficking (StAT) public forum exceeded the expectations of organizers and volunteers. Martha Blackburn, General Director of Wesleyan Women and StAT Coordinator, commented on the miraculous way the gifts of volunteers came together for the forum. She added, "This is just the beginning of what God wants to do for this movement."
Waiting list prompts future "Hands of Hope" events
Speakers included Dr. Jo Anne Lyon, member of The Wesleyan Church's Board of General Superintendents; Lisa Thompson, liaison for the Salvation Army USA headquarters' Abolition of Sexual Trafficking; Sgt. Jon Daggy, Indiana vice squad detective; and Jeff Sparks (pictured with attendees), CEO of Heartland Films and activist in human trafficking victim prevention and rescue. WPH publisher, Don Cady, and Indianapolis radio personality, Kevin Freeman, emceed the forum, which also included movie clips and videos, and a song about trafficking sung by Kristy Sloan.
Visitors from Africa, Barbados, Jamaica, as well as from across North America, were among the 167 registrants at a "Hands of Hope" training event held Thursday through Saturday (following the Wednesday forum) at The Wesleyan Church World Headquarters in Fishers, Indiana. Since there was a waiting list for this first "Hands of Hope" training, other training events, as well as public forums, will be announced.
