Human trafficking is the most despicable activity in the world. Almost two decades ago, I decided to get involved in the fight to end it. I investigated many models of rescue programs, but the problem was that they did not offer an avenue to end human trafficking.
In 2012, during a visit to the One Mission Society World Headquarters, I met Tom and Tonya Overton, who shared the vision of HOPE61 with me. What struck me was the focus on human trafficking prevention. Once I looked deeper into what HOPE61 offers, I realized that it goes beyond just prevention; this ministry offers the only sustainable solution to the problem of human trafficking.
HOPE61 reveals to us that if the church focuses on the Great Commission, then people’s lives will change, and trafficking will become as despicable to them as it is in the eyes of God. Beyond the great information and awareness shared during HOPE61’s training, the ministry reminds the church that it has the only true solution to this plague … the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
My priority quickly became bringing HOPE61’s human trafficking prevention ministry to my home country, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). In a society where organ trafficking, sex trafficking, child labor, and child soldiering are common, HOPE61 offers the only sustainable way to end trafficking. Today, under the leadership of Darren (HOPE61 global director), the DRC has three certified HOPE61 trainers. I believe this is just the beginning because every Christian leader needs to be trained.
