The gang involved are in prison, but the extent of their crimes seems to have been much wider than first believed.
But news from around the world reveals that the sale and exploitation of young girls for sex and other forms of slavery is a massive industry. It is hard to imagine what life must be like for those trapped by this exploitation.
While our focus is usually on those being exploited, it is worth remembering that oppression and exploitation is also destructive for those in the role of oppressor or exploiter.
No one wins in this degrading cycle of inhuman behaviour.
The words of Jesus, boldly proclaimed in the Nazareth synagogue, ring out down the years, bringing hope of release to all who are exploited. 'Jesus unrolled the scroll and found the place where this was written:
“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, for he has anointed me to bring Good News to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim that captives will be released, that the blind will see,
that the oppressed will be set free, and that the time of the Lord’s favour has come.”
He rolled up the scroll, handed it back to the attendant, and sat down. All eyes in the synagogue looked at him intently. Then he began to speak to them. “The Scripture you’ve just heard has been fulfilled this very day!” (Luke 4.17-21)
Most of us may think we will never encounter people trapped in this sort of exploitation.
My observation is that there are many in our own area and community who are exploited and degraded, because they are trapped by others, or their own habits, which leave them feeling hopeless and worthless.
The same Jesus who spoke in Nazareth, and who was rejected there and later in Jerusalem, is the Living One who can bring hope and rescue for such victims. We, his followers, are the means by which lives can be transformed. Let us pray that we bring hope and help today to others.
Best wishes,
Richard
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