Women and Children

Pundits (mostly men) are fond of telling us the first casualty of war is truth.

This claim is itself blatantly not true.

The first casualties of war are women and girls (and boys to a lesser extent). I'm sure you know the details all too well.

The world's population is growing rapidly. Markets are now global. Greed has become a virtue - and plunder has become greed's tool of choice. Greed, plunder and the accompanying brutality have pushed aside role models of decent males. The visibility of decent male role models is decreasing exponentially. The plight of women and girls is dreadful and getting worse by the minute.

This is made all the worse by vested interests and their political puppets. Here in the west it is not greatly helped by the justice industry. In fact, more often than not the justice industry is more a part of the problem than it is a part of the solution.

Similarly, male dominator Christianity (sadly the majority) inhibits real justice and mercy.

We think more Christians need to get involved in solutions and for this we recommend three worthy organisations:

Christians for Biblical Equality. This is the place where you can learn what the Bible really says about male/female roles and relationships.

The A21 Campaign. This is an organisation working against the trafficking of human beings. There are many ways for you to get involved.

She is Safe works to prevent, rescue and restore women and girls from abuse and exploitation in high risk places around the world, equipping them to build a life of freedom, faith and a strong future. This organisation is well worth supporting and learning from.

Your editor is of the opinion that more can be done beyond participating in and supporting organisations, as worthy and helpful as they may be. The reality is that the vast majority of trafficked women and girls are never freed.

Have a look at the underground railway that assisted slaves in the United States to escape to Canada. Both individuals and churches were part of the railway, but no one had the complete picture in order to maintain secrecy.

I mention this because there is a tendency for some Christians to believe the state should be doing our work. Beware of such people. As a cautionary example, police in many parts of the world have been found to be users of women trafficked into the sex trade. You would not want to ask them for help!

Trafficked women and girls (and boys too, but mostly women and girls) need courageous assistance from believers. You, or you and some Christian friends, may be able to help one or two women or girls to escape. However, they will need serious help in escaping and serious help in recovering and staying free. The law may not be on your side if you get involved. And like much of the Christian life there may well be a personal cost.

But if you feel something inside you saying you could and should help, then don't wait and don't be put off.