I saw ‘Sound of Freedom.’ Now what?

“Nothing happens just because we are aware of modern-day slavery, but nothing will ever happen until we are.“

Gary Haugen, Founder, CEO, and former President of International Justice Mission

I recently took the opportunity to watch Sound of Freedom. If you’re like me, your Facebook feed has been flooded with posts about how this is an important movie. While I had my suspicions, I ultimately went to see the film.

Let me start by saying that it’s a pretty decent film. The cinematography is OK. The sound? Not too shabby. And while there are a few awkwardly acted moments that reminded me of independent Christian films of the past, the acting is pretty good over all. It’s OK.

You have no idea how big of a deal this is for me to say. I’m very critical of Christian “faith-based” films for a variety of reasons, including their lack of creativity, half-hearted production, and long-winded monologues that eviscerate straw men. Sound of Freedom probably won’t win any Oscars. But it’s a solid piece of storytelling.

That being said, many of the criticisms of Sound of Freedom are entirely valid. Especially when discussing the focus of the film. Stories like Sound of Freedom should center on the survivors, not the rescuers. We should continue to elevate and tell survivors’ stories. They shouldn’t have to share the spotlight. This is about them. The stories we tell should be about them.

Just watching ‘Sound of Freedom’ is not enough

I can get behind saying that this film is important. It does help shine the light on the dark corners of society. But I left the movie thinking the same thing I thought as I saw all of those Facebook posts: I agree wholeheartedly that child sex-trafficking is a problem. Who doesn’t? What can I do about it?”

But just going to a movie and sharing about it on Facebook isn’t going to change the world. It’s not going to stop this pandemic.

It’s the first, most basic step. It should not be the ultimate goal. Because if Sound of Freedom has as important of a message as its creators say it does (and I believe it does), we have to do something in response. we have to protect God’s children.

We can’t just virtue signal

I’m sure you’ve heard the term “virtue signal” before. Of course you have. People have been throwing it around quite liberally the last few years. In case you’ve somehow forgotten, here’s the definition:

“The act or practice of conspicuously displaying one’s awareness of and attentiveness to political issues, matters of social and racial justice, etc., especially instead of taking effective action.”

Merriam-Webster Dictionary

We cannot approach this problem with the same attitude. Sure, encouraging people to watch the movie can help. But it’s also a good way to show other people that you care about child sex-trafficking and other forms of human trafficking without really planning on doing something about child sex-trafficking and other forms of human trafficking.

We cannot simply virtue signal about this issue. We have to do something.

So now that you know that this multi-millionbillion dollar underground industry exists, what can you do to stand up and fight against child sex-trafficking (and other forms of human trafficking)?

Here are five calls to action after watching Sound of Freedom

I realize you might disagree with 100% of what I’ve already said. Honestly? That’s OK. I don’t really care if you think Sound of Freedom is the best film ever made, will earn all the Oscars, and will get its own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

There’s more we can do than just watching a film and telling other people about the film. Here are some ideas. Again, you might not like all of these suggestions. I get it. Some are uncomfortable. Some are messy. But I don’t think our own personal comfort is the point here.

And if you really don’t like my ideas, you’re welcome to come up with your own suggestions. Shoot, you can even share them with me. I’m happy to listen. Just as long as we’re working towards the same goal – the end of child sex-trafficking and ultimately human trafficking altogether.

Let’s work together to see that goal come to fruition.

Now.

1. Continue to learn

I know I just said we can’t just sit around and do nothing. We have to do something. But we also have to stay informed. Because when we know better, we can do better.

These organizations know their stuff and they share some life-changing information.

• End Slavery Now
• International Justice Mission
• National Center for Missing & Exploited Children
• Polaris Project
• US Department of Homeland Security’s Blue Campaign

2. Partner with organizations that are making a difference

The list of organizations working to end child sex-trafficking and help the survivors is pretty long. Get involved with these organizations. Donate. Advocate. Volunteer. These are just a few suggestions:

• Compassion
  Poverty is the largest contributor to child trafficking because impoverished children are highly vulnerable. When you sponsor a child through Compassion:, you join them in advocacy and protection for millions of vulnerable children who are not yet able to speak for or protect themselves.
• Destiny Rescue
  This organization rescues children from sexual exploitation and human trafficking. They help these children stay free by helping them to reintegrate into their communities.
• A Safe Place
  A Safe Place works with community partners and organizations to provide a holistic approach to fighting human trafficking. They focus on prevention, advocacy, and restoration to assist victims of commercial sexual exploitation and sex trafficking.
• World Vision
  World Vision’s Child Protection Fund helps to restore physical and spiritual health to survivors by providing medical care, safe shelter and nutritious food, compassionate counseling, and vocational training that empowers girls with opportunities to pursue brighter futures.
• Relentless
  Relentless addresses a gap in the provision of quality, trauma-informed health care services for survivors of abuse, exploitation, and human trafficking – seeking liberty through health at the intersection of health and justice.

3. Become a CASA volunteer

In the United States alone, more than 100,000 children are reported as victims of sexual exploitation (including sex trafficking). As many as four out of five of these victims have spent time in the child welfare system^.

We can stand in the gap for these children by serving as Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), These volunteers, make a life-changing difference for children and youth. CASA volunteers are appointed by judges to advocate for children’s best interests. They stay with each case until it is closed and the child is in a safe, permanent home. CASA volunteers work with legal and child welfare professionals, educators, and service providers to ensure that judges have all the information they need to make the most well-informed decisions for each child’s best interest. Each state operates a little differently. Some states call these volunteers Guardian ad Litem (CAL).

I call them angels.

From what I understand, the need is great. But the workers are few. We can change that. Let’s stand in the gap for our most vulnerable.

4. Stop spreading bogus stories

I’m sure this will be an unpopular opinion. But it’s important. In fact, if you do nothing else, I hope you follow-through with this step.

According to the Polaris Project, “A barrage of conspiracy-related reports from people with no direct knowledge of trafficking situations can overwhelm services meant for victims.” I know. You think you’re doing a good thing when you share the most-recent version of Pizzagate, or Wayfair, or the one about your political opponents trafficking children and drinking their bodily fluids.

But you aren’t. I promise.

It ruins your own reputation. And when people share real stories – like the children’s stories in Sound of Freedom – it’s easy to write them off as conspiracy theories.

You know what happened when the boy cried “Wolf!” all the time. No one listened when it mattered.

So stop it.

Just stop it.

Please.

Do it for the children.

5. Equip and empower women when you shop

Here are some other organizations that specifically work with women and children who have experienced human trafficking.

Fair Trade Friday works with over 40 faith-based nonprofit artisan groups, empowering women in over 30 countries to provide a monthly subscription box full of all kinds of amazing artisan products. While not all of their partner organizations work specifically with trafficking survivors, many do. And all of them equip and empower girls and young women. You might recall that I’ve worked with them in the past.

They’re the real deal.

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Mercy House Global creates dignified jobs that break the cycle of poverty, thus helping to prevent human trafficking. They sell a variety of products, from soaps and candles, to purses and shirts, to jewelry and paper.

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Freedom Firm supports the rescue, restoration, and justice for survivors of sex trafficking in India. Purchasing from their shop helps survivors rebuild their lives. They sell a variety of jewelry, accessories, and handmade greeting cards.

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Purpose Jewelry is handmade by women and girls escaping human trafficking, helping them find economic freedom. They sell handmade jewelry – earrings, bracelets, necklaces, and rings.

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Rahab’s Rope exists to empower women and children in the fight against human trafficking. They work to empower women with skills to live a life of hope and sustainability. From items for the kitchen, like spices, oils, bread warmers, and aprons, to accessories like totes, handbags, and jewelry, to home goods like throws, Christmas ornaments, and wooden trays and trivets, they have a unique variety of products available.⁺

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Let’s do our part

If you don’t like my suggestions, that’s OK. I’m no expert. Feel free to check out World Vission’s ideas for how you can partner with them to empower women and young girls around the world. Maybe that’ll spark an idea or two.

Let’s do our part to bring an end to child sex-trafficking.

I’m going to be honest here. I don’t think it’s a stretch to say that I think this post is very important. This is probably the most important thing I’ve written on this blog in several years, honestly.

You can share it if you’d like.

But more importantly, I hope you do something with this. Donate. Volunteer. Advocate. Partner. Support. What you do is up to you. But let’s do it together.

Because, as you are well aware, God’s children are not for sale.

Endnotes

^Source: National CASA/GAL Association for Children. This appears to be a conservative estimate. Some organizations say it’s as high as 98%.

⁺If you get a Christmas ornament from me this year, it’ll probably be from them. Just sayin’.