How we are seeking holistic freedom through community-based action
A home is a place of refuge, of safety, of sustenance. But for many children in the Philippines, it's also a place where exploitation occurs - and may even be part of their daily routine.
The Philippines has become known as the global epicenter for the online sexual exploitation of children. According to International Justice Mission, this cybersex crime is the leading human trafficking issue in the Philippines. And it's not only criminal syndicates who are victimizing these children. Sometimes, families run businesses out of their homes, where their own children are being abused and live streamed for a client.
Overall, human trafficking is a significant problem in the Philippines. More than 400,000 Filipino men, women, and children are enslaved throughout the country in various industries: in sex work, on fishing vessels, as overseas workers, in factories and fields (read about it HERE).
But this issue doesn't occur in a vacuum. Modern slavery in Manila is a symptom of the underlying problem that relationships, communities, and systems are broken. 21.6% of the population lives in poverty. The foster care system is dysfunctional, there are too few social workers to help organizations care for the marginalized and victimized, and male victims of sex crimes are often ignored.
UNITING THE CHURCH
The slave trade in the Philippines is heartbreaking and deeply disturbing. But the strength and unity of the church in the Philippines gives hope to this issue.
Last month, Set Free Movement leaders (pictured above) were in the Philippines to connect with the Church of the Nazarene, IJM, the Wesleyan Church, the Salvation Army, World Hope International, and Free Methodist leaders. Our team hosted a conference in Manila (pictured below)bringing together 300 key Filipino leaders to build stronger connections between denominations and have deeper conversations about our collective response to the issues.
From that trip, our team has a more thorough understanding of the holes and gaps in prevention, rescue, and rehabilitation services. Read more about our approach and partnerships HERE.
NEW SET FREE MOVEMENT LEADERS
IN THE PHILIPPINES
Our emerging work in the Philippines will help target the problems listed above by mobilizing the church. Watch this video providing context for this work and introducing our new leaders, husband and wife team Ken and Jemuel:
Support this important work and this new freedom project.
This Filipino child is worshiping Jesus AND receiving food, care, her family is in a support system. . . this is holistic, proven, effective, sustainable prevention!
CAMANO ISLAND COFFEE
This fair trade, organic, shade-grown coffee supports 24,000 farmers. Plus, 10% of each purchase goes to the Set Free Movement!
SET FREE MOVEMENT T-SHIRTS
Ethically-made, comfy, and available in a variety of sizes and styles, each t-shirt also supports the anti-trafficking efforts of the Set Free Movement.
