The Temple of Artemis was a center of worship in the ancient city of Ephesus.  That temple was one of the Seven Wonders of the World in the time of Paul.  It was a place where temple prostitutes were used to “worship”.

Today, prostitution of children is on-going.  For the most part, girls are used and abused; however, boys are used as well, but to a lesser extent.   Both are victims.

Many countries have this horror of forced prostitution and other types of trafficking.  There is trafficking in all fifty states of the United States.  There is trafficking of human beings in one hundred sixty-one countries of the world.  Slavery is alive and well today.
Those who are the “slaves” are exploited individuals.

There are different types of trafficking:  Labor trafficking such as migrant workers, construction workers and sex trafficking.

In major cities, main arteries of highways are used to transport “sex slaves”.

What are a few of the signs among others to look for?
Change in wardrobe; can’t speak to them alone, always watched by another; no I.D.; few personal items; signs of physical abuse; tattoo (branding); lacks health care; recurring pregnancy tests; numerous abortions; depression; fearful and nervous; talks about sex a lot; lack of knowledge as to their location…among other signs.

How can anyone help these victims?  As followers of Christ – Pray!

Pray for the victims to be healed, protected and freed from slavery and pray for justice! (Psalm 40:1-3)

Pray for churches to become aware and awaken to the needs of slavery and then act.

Pray for the faith-based “safe houses” and their staffs.

One such program is “The Porch Light” in the state of Florida.  You can access their website: theporchlight.com

The Porch Light is an outreach by the Florida Baptist Children’s Homes for exploited girls of sex trafficking.  Perhaps you know of other faith-based “safe houses” that you can support with your prayers and your finances.

You can pray the word of God for these victims of slavery.
(NASB) Psalm 40:1-3 “I waited patiently for the Lord;
And He inclined to me and heard my cry.
2 He brought me up out of the pit of destruction, out of the miry clay,
And He set my feet upon a rock making my footsteps firm.
3 He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God;
Many will see and fear
And will trust in the Lord.”