France (MNN) — Human trafficking occurs all over the world, and France is no exception.
In fact, according to the most recent Trafficking in Persons Report for France by the U.S. Department of State, "France is a destination and transit country for men, women, and children from Eastern Europe, West Africa, and Asia, as well as the Caribbean and Brazil, subjected to sex trafficking and forced labor."
Just like other melting pot nations, women and children from all over the world are forced into domestic service and the commercial sex trade in France. Paris, Marseille, Lyon, and Grenoble are all French cities abounding with women enslaved by human trafficking.
In one of France's largest cities, a small team of Operation Mobilization workers and local believers have come together to help as many of the women as they can. The project began two years ago and demands huge investment from those involved. After a break at the end of last year, the team has returned to the streets at night to share the Truth with these women.
"The women have really welcomed our presence," shares one OM worker. "However, it's very difficult to make them see that they don't have to stay working on the streets."
Many women tell OM team members they have no choice and stay on the streets. But other women have already left the lifestyle and have chosen to trust God will change their lives. Several women have been quite open in OM Bible studies.
Members from local churches stand alongside the ministry. An intercessory prayer group has recently started, and another group wants to help the women–mainly single mothers–in practical ways.
Yet, the needs remain overwhelming. "Many women still need to be visited and supported practically, spiritually and emotionally," says the OM worker.
To learn more about OM France, and to even support their work, click here. In the meantime, pray.
Dear sir or madam,
First of all my name is Bethanie keeling and I am 16 and currently living in France however I have british nationality. I have known for a long time that my life’s work will be fighting against human trafficking. This is a large proclamation for a 16 year old to make but I do seriously have my sights trained on the future and to what I can in this world. My friend Olivia Buba, who is also living in France with American nationality, and I want to create a project that involves connecting survivors of human trafficking to others; whether another survivor or a not, through the struggles of dealing with the mental and emotional damage. I believe this is vital work against human trafficking.
I have just recently discovered your web page on connecting survivors of human trafficking. I think this work is amazing and first of all I want to complement you on your work. It’s hugely beneficial to our worlds society. So thank you for this and well done!
So, I would like to ask a few extra questions. Firstly, is there anything we can do for you? Can we help in anyway? In addition do you have any advice about connect survivors that we could take out to the world?
Thank you for you time and congratulations on your work again.
Yours sincerely,
Bethanie keeling