Insufficient rains have created drought conditions throughout the Horn of Africa — destroying crops and killing livestock. Malnutrition and disease are on the rise as families travel long distances in search of food. Record high food prices, internal conflicts, and insecurity in the region further exacerbate the situation.

World Vision has been fighting hunger in the Horn of Africa for many years, and will continue to respond in the midst of this crisis. Your gift today will help us provide food, clean water, agricultural support, health care, and other vital assistance to children and families in need.

Donations can be made at www.worldvision.ca or by calling 1-866-595-5550. If you would like to host a group fundraiser please contact (780) 416-8523.

Girls who have survived being trafficked or raped, receive care plus educational opportunities at a World Vision supported aftercare center.

According to an online dictionary, exposed can be defined in the following ways:

1.  Left or being without shelter or protection

2.  Laid open to view; unconcealed

3.  Susceptible to attack; vulnerable

After reading Not for Sale:  The Return of the Global Slave Trade–and How We Can Fight It by David Batstone, I have realized to a greater degree the pervasiveness of human exploitation in our day and age. On one level, Batstone relates the struggles of those who were exposed to cruelty and indifference, caught in the web of human trafficking; and on another level, Batstone exposes those who perpetuate that web.

I was outraged, saddened, shocked, and burdened — outraged that such things could be going on and at such a large scale; saddened that so many, children and adult alike, find themselves in such dire circumstances, and saddened as well that mankind stoops to such depravity. I was shocked that so much of it could be happening within my view without my being aware of it, and burdened because it is hard for me to acquire such knowledge without wanting to help bear the burden of those suffering, and in some way acting upon that knowledge to break the system of bondage.

While I ran the gamut of these emotions I was also encouraged by those who, when confronted with suffering and injustice, did take action.  In responding to the need for intervention, they have become modern-day abolitionists.

I admire David Batstone for providing such a comprehensive view into the world of human trafficking, taking a stand and taking the message beyond himself so others may know and act — so that more abolitionists can make a difference.

His book also exposes the telltale signs of modern-day slavery so that human traffickers cannot prey so easily on ignorance or operate so easily in our world.   The more they are exposed to public scrutiny, the less they can take advantage of those who are vulnerable, unprotected, susceptible–exposed.

How will we respond to the call to become modern-day abolitionists?  I hope it is with compassion, education, involvement, action, and the heart of God:

You, LORD, hear the desire of the afflicted;
you encourage them, and you listen to their cry,
defending the fatherless and the oppressed…(Psalm 10:17, 18a)

You can help victims of trafficking, and other forms of exploitation, through World Vision’s Women and Girls in Crisis Fund. Click here to get involved.

For more information on human trafficking, read World Vision’s report, “10 things you need to know about human trafficking”.

Stay tuned for information on how you can learn more about World Vision’s work in child protection.

In the meantime, consider supporting World Vision’s child protection work by providing birth registration for a community through the World Vision Gift Catalogue.