The Superbowl is coming to Indy, and every Hoosier wants to get involved (even though our beloved Colts aren’t playing—no comment, please. 🙂 More than six months ago, our church in Fishers, Indiana (a suburb of Indianapolis) tried to find out how we could serve, but no more volunteers were being accepted by the Superbowl committee—I think they already had 13,000 signed up. (Can you imagine turning away volunteers? It reminds me of that scripture passage where the Israelite leaders had to tell people to quit bringing gifts because they had too much.) And no wonder they are having such an overwhelming response. This nationwide event is an exciting thing to be a part of! I mean, even when I didn’t know what a first down was, I was hosting Superbowl parties in my home. For one day a year, we all come together to be a part of something bigger than ourselves.
The cool thing is that volunteers are not just standing on the side of the road with a big blue hand pointing the way to the stadium. They are taking advantage of the hype to make positive changes in the city and around the nation—from environmental initiatives, to supporting tissue banks to promote the cure for cancer, to renovating youth centers, to encouraging student achievement, to enhancing the arts, to delivering gifts to hospitalized children—and so much more.
Sadly, folks with good intentions are not the only ones taking advantage of the hype. The attorney general recently warned law enforcement officers of the darker side of this world-wide event:
“Greg Zoeller says there will be an increase in demand for the illegal commercial sex trade in connection with the Super Bowl and, he says, we ought to expect that some of sex workers who come here are the victims of human trafficking.”*
Officers and taxi-drivers and volunteers are being trained to identify trafficking victims and to know how to respond. Anti-trafficking organizations are praying fervently and ramping up accessibility to shelters for sex workers trying to escape from their en-slavers.
I’m thankful our leaders and grassroot organizations are dealing with this issue head on, but it’s dreadful to think we even have to. How could people be so evil that they would abuse other human beings in such profound and humiliating ways? It’s hard to comprehend.
I wonder, sometimes, how God bears it. When he looks down at his inheritance, his beloved children, and sees the wickedness that has overcome us, how is it possible that he doesn’t avert his eyes, doesn’t abandon us altogether? Oh, how I praise him for his mercy and his faithful love!
Someday the Lord will return, and that world-wide event that brings all people together on bended knee will not be tainted by ugly deeds. On that day, goodness will be released to its full degree and beauty will be our only concern. Come soon, Lord Jesus!
Leave a Comment
Julie Sunne says
Amen!
Maureen@Loving This Life says
Thank you Heather for bringing awareness to this evil! I just posted about it myself. I’m so glad to hear about the law that was just passed in Indiana. Praying for this evil to end in Jesus’ Name!
Heather Gemmen Wilson says
Thanks for helping to raise awareness!
Janet says
It’s terrific what the city is doing to proactivately attack this problem. But I know and share your grief about the pain this world causes our Father. As a mom, I got a tiny taste of it when my children fight and hurt each other. That anyone could hurt my child just pained me badly, and yet that the inflicter of pain is also my own???!!! Come, Jesus, please.
Heather Gemmen Wilson says
Yes, I think of that often as well. Having children really helps us to know the heart of the Father, doesn’t it?
Janet Macy says
When you said “I wonder, sometimes, how God bears it”, I immediately thought of the times of Noah. How God looked down and saw that it was not good except for the godly man of Noah.
It’s been all over the news here in Kansas about the sex-traffiking and the training being given to volunteers. That is wonderful. I hope they can save some youngsters from this lifestyle.
I will be praying for the volunteers. I hadn’t even thought about that needing to be done until your post. Thanks for the reminder.
Heather Gemmen Wilson says
The power of prayer! It’s tremendous to think of all that God will do this weekend!
Story says
Just for the record, there is nothing wrong with loving the COLTS! It’s never good to give up when the goin’ gets tough. That said, God is also in place and will end cruelty forever. Praying God’s protection over the city of Indie.
Heather Gemmen Wilson says
Amen! (And Go Colts! 🙂
Beth Williams says
Praying for you all in Indiana. May you have a successful Superbowl–in terms of changing lives via opening homeless shelters, bettering the cities, etc.
Praying for peace & judgement on the evildoers of this world!
Heather Gemmen Wilson says
Thank you for the prayers.
Lisa says
It is hard to believe that this is an issue here in the United States, you would think our country is above that, but I like to look at the world through rose colored glasses. In the end, those evil doers will have to answer for what they’ve done, and the victims will find healing with a Loving Heavenly Father.
Heather Gemmen Wilson says
I know, it’s strange to think this kind of thing happens in our own back yards. I like being around nice people, but sometimes God calls us to look directly at the evil so we can make a difference, doesn’t he?
Christine says
I’ve been wondering what’s taking Jesus so long to return, myself, with so much vile evil in the world, this post being a prime example of it. Children being exploited in such a manner! The ones exploiting them should be dealt with in the harshest manner. And many other children are being subjected to sexual abuse right in their own homes! It’s horrifying. I wish Jesus would hurry up, just for the sake of the children. Ten thousand hells are not good enough for those who do this to them.
Heather Gemmen Wilson says
I have said all those things myself. It takes great faith to trust the Lord’s timing, doesn’t it? Still, I will always pray that HIS will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
trish macfarlane says
Bridgingfreedom.org My friend Laura Murphy Hamilton has a faith based 501c3, designed to build a home in central florida for minor sex trafficing victums. Florida attracts many tourist, a percentage that feeds the sex trafficing of minors. In Florida there is no place currently to help these children recover and heal from the horific crimes against thier hearts and souls. Check out this web page to see how you can help build this home. But MORE importantly join us as prayer warriors, asking God to provide funds for this home. Thankyou for writing this article and informing christian women of this growing problem in our society.
Heather Gemmen Wilson says
How empowering and exciting it is to hear of women who are doing something to make a difference for trafficking victims. God bless her!!
Susan Stilwell says
I heard about this when some friends did Superbowl outreach with Revival USA. It’s heartbreaking, but it’s good to know what’s happening so we can pray and work against it.
In the meantime, I’m with you – MARANATHA already!
Heather Gemmen Wilson says
Maranatha!
Holly Murphy says
I saw this in dallas last year. Very sad. Seven of my adopted children were previously living in a crack house in dallas and I shudder to think about what some of their life options would have been. Reaffirms our decision to proceed with the adoption though it has been difficult.
Heather Gemmen Wilson says
Oh my goodness. You are a true daughter of the King. May your children be completely healed by the Father’s love.
LaDonna says
How sad that while our nation prepares for something as “all-American” as our SuperBowl, the enemy is at work. Thank you for bringing attention to this. The enemy never sleeps and we must remain vigilant.. His work is our work; we serve because He serves us.
Heather Gemmen Wilson says
Amen. Amen. and Amen!
Alecia says
I had NEVER heard of the Super Bowl and a high demand for prostitutes in the same sentence before, that’s awful!! Sickening! I’ll be praying for sure. This world is full of so much evil, I wonder too how much more will God tolerate.
Heather Gemmen Wilson says
I know; it is sickening. I’m sorry to be the one to connect those things for you. But God is greater than this evil.
Charina @ Pondered Thoughts says
Amen Heather! Just wrote about “ready or not Here I come”…..
Stop by when you can 🙂
http://charinabrooks.wordpress.com
Heather Gemmen Wilson says
Thanks for sharing, Charina.
Janet S says
It is exciting that our city is hosting the SuperBowl and very sad that human trafficking will be on the streets. My church on the southside of Indianapolis is hosting the rescue teams who are trying to save those poor soul who want a different life. Please continue your prayers that God will lead them to those are looking for freedom.
Heather Gemmen Wilson says
Awesome! Thanks for your great work.
PS Since we’re practically neighbors, I thought I’d mention the (inRL) conference that I’m hosting in Fishers. Will be you coming?
http://www.meetup.com/incouragemeetups/Fishers-Indiana/353522/
Kelly S says
Thanks for your post!
On a side note, did you see the episode of The Middle about the Super Bowl? It should be available on abc.com, called “Hecking it Up” (Heck is the family’s last name). The mom goes to volunteer at the Super Bowl…
Heather Gemmen Wilson says
No, I haven’t seen The Middle at all—though my family and friends from out of state are always telling me to watch it, now that I live in Indiana. I’ll have to check it out.
Lisa says
I just love that you brought attention to the issue of human trafficking in this post. It is a very real, very evil, and very devastating atrocity that forces human beings into the most horrific circumstances that they are unable to escape. Words cannot adequately describe the abuse, torture, and dehumanization they endure day after day – women and young children alike. I am praising God that Indianapolis recognizes the issue and has come together to take such tremendous strides to put initiatives in place to rescue some. Keep educating yourselves on this issue. Not For Sale by David Batstone is very informative. One of the best ways to prevent and kill this industry is to eliminate the demand. And that involves helping people gain freedom from porn addiction – a rampant problem that’s the #1 cause of sex trafficking.
Heather Gemmen Wilson says
I’ve read Not For Sale, Lisa. That is a life-changing book—and absolutely empowering to know that we can be changing lives too.
Shannon says
It has never occurred to me that an event like the Super Bowl would be surrounded by an increase in sex-trafficking. So often I live in my little suburban bubble with blinders on until I read something like this. God has been penetrating my bubble lately regarding this issue. It seems that wherever I turn I’m hearing and reading about human trafficking. I think He’s showing me it’s time to find a way to get involved in the battle against this horrific evil.
Thank you for your enlightening post, and yes, come soon, Lord Jesus!
Heather Gemmen Wilson says
My eyes were opened to this a few years ago in the same way. It’s hard to know this truth, but even worse for those living it. I’m thankful that we can make a difference.
Lee says
Dear Lisa and Heather, Thank you for your post and article! The Lord led me to your site this morning, and has placed this abominable issue at the core of my being. As a mother of a beautiful 21 year old daughter, God has asked me to help in this plight . Also living in a bubble, I am ashamed to say that I had no clue ! Praise God for you, and I believe with you that Jesus will move heaven and earth to emancipate His beautiful children !
Rita Harvey says
Thank you for the education. I had no idea this was a problem. The eyes of the young woman in the picture is haunting. I see her pain. How sad. May God be with her.
Heather Gemmen Wilson says
Amen.
Dee says
Just read very interesting book ” A Walk Across the Sun” which deals with the sex trade across the world and in our country too. It is a novel, but based on well researched documentation. How shocking to read that the human trafficking is right at the Super Bowl….how evil and so close ……..human slaves…..young girls…..breaks my heart!!
Kaitlin @ Perceptions & Passions says
Wow. I never would have connected those two. So sad to see such a deep deep web of atrocity into our culture…here…at home…right down the street. 🙁
Paul Ying says
Heather, my name is Paul Ying. I know about the whole rape thing. I saw it on youtube clips. I’m glad they caught the guy that raped you. I also found out that the guy who raped you also robbed a convenience store. I’m wondering if your daughter Rachel knows about the guy that raped you. I’m sorry you had to go through it. I know that it must’ve been terrifying for you. Keep your faith strong, Heather. I believe in you.