Cathy Tollefson from DaughterProject was with us this past weekend. She shared about what she’s doing to prevent human trafficking. Here is a quick summary, plus a short inspirational word from here.

Human Trafficking is one of the fastest growing crimes in Ontario. The average age a girl
trafficked is 12 -14 yrs. We estimate over 3,000 girls were trafficked in Ontario last year. Over 98%
are Canadian girls. A trafficker will make over $300,000.00 per victim, per year, tax free. It is
high profit, low risk, because we don’t even recognize it is happening all around us. These girls
are hidden in plain sight. In Canada it is most often “the boyfriend” trafficker that will groom a
girl. Low value / low self esteem is the number one thing that makes a girl vulnerable to
exploitation. We must empower our girls! We must do all we can to shine a light on this dark
Canadian secret.

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We asked Cathy to leave us with a few encouraging and challenging words. This is a recap of them.

Know Your “Why”
– always remember why The Village exists (and why you exist)
– if you don’t remember your “why” you will loose your focus

Choose Your “What”
– what does God have for you to do?
Joel Houston once said,  “God doesn’t want you to do everything, but he does want you to do something.” And that something is usually right in front of you”
Proverbs 31:8-9…
Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves,
    for the rights of all who are destitute.
Speak up and judge fairly;
    defend the rights of the poor and needy.

“Stay” the Course
– whatever you choose to do, stick with it until it is solved or eradicated
– may it become part of your DNA – who you are not, just what you do
Micah 6:8…
O people, the Lord has told you what is good,
    and this is what he requires of you:
to do what is right, to love mercy,
    and to walk humbly with your God.