Elizabeth

There is a 12 year-old girl in India, let's call her Elizabeth. She was born to poor parents who consider a good day's wage two or three dollars. They live in the slums and Elizabeth has little hope of ever achieving something great or becoming someone whom others respect. The course of her life is all but predetermined; she was born into the slums and will die there with no hope of being able to afford the education needed to succeed in life.

So when the opportunity arose for Elizabeth to begin work as a waitress in a nearby village, her parents were excited for her to make something more of herself. This was an opportunity for Elizabeth to earn more than both of her parents combined and potentially save enough to go to school. Although it was difficult to see Elizabeth board the train, her parents were happy to see her venture off on a new opportunity. She could finally have a good life.

However, what Elizabeth and her parents did not realize is that they soon became victims of the lies that are so common among human trafficking perpetrators throughout India. Elizabeth stepped out of the train in an unfamiliar city to be greeted NOT by a restaurant owner, but a brothell owner. She would no longer be able to pursue her dreams of education as a waitress, but would begin the terrible life of a child sex slave.

Throughout the coming months, 12 year-old Elizabeth would "serve" 10-15 men every day against her will. It was very rare, if ever, that she got to see the outside of her room. She was mistreated in every way imaginable, and was often not compensated for the "work" she did. And so continued the life of child sex slave, until one day a group of people had the guts to do something about it.

International Justice Mission (http://www.ijm.org/) was contacted regarding Elizabeth's situation and asked if they could provide help. The organization employs lawyers, criminal experts, law enforcement officers, and many other people with the necessary skill sets to deal with situations just like this.

What can be done? Are their laws in India protecting individuals like Elizabeth even though prostitution is legal? Is it right for Americans to march into another culture and forcefully engage wrongdoers for the sake of bringing justice? How much money will it cost to rescue one 12 year-old girl? Is it worth the risk? Elizabeth sure thinks so!

In the following months after IJM was contacted about Elizabeth's situation, they dedicated an entire team of professionals to determine how she could be released. After working with local Indian government and law enforcement, it was determined the best solution was to raid the brothell in the middle of the night. After much planning, the raid occurred one evening and was a huge success. Not only was Elizabeth rescued, but numerous other girls were freed from bondage, and the brothell owner was captured and faces trial and sentencing.

One of the most amazing things to IJM workers was what Elizabeth had written on the wall next to the exact bed she was being forced against her will to do so many horrible things:

The Lord is my light and my salvation - whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the stronghold of my life - of whom shall I be afraid?
When evil men advance against me to devour my flesh,
When my enemies and my foes attack me, they will stumble and fall.
Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear;
Though war break out against me, even then will I be confident.
-Psalm 27:1-3

Ask yourself this one question: What can I be doing to help young girls like Elizabeth?