A wake Up Call in Southern MN
"We want people to know that it's not okay to purchase sex in our communities. We are not hiding what we are doing."
- NUPD (New Ulm Police Dept.)
Somebody said to me the other day, "Some people just don't think there is such a thing as Human Sex Trafficking or Exploitation in Southern, MN." We had been discussing the upcoming Freedom Race being held in Fairmont, MN on August, 6th 2016.
To shed some light on the matter, I believe it's a fairly common response when people see the words “sex trafficking.” This is just the very reason our team is doing what we do, from raising up billboards, to going into churches, treatment centers and college campus.
In fact, these are just a few of the things that have happened, actions which have risen up out of prayer. Now, if you still don't want to believe that trafficking or exploitation exists, would it change your mind if I told you a few things?
I recently had the privilege of sitting down with an incredible, loving mother of a teenage girl located in Southern, MN. With tears in her eyes, she told me tell how her daughter was hoaxed/blackmailed into sending pictures of herself to man on the internet who turned out to be much older than what he said. She was heartbroken and yet hopeful. She was able to share what was going on, and we prayed and talked about how to set boundaries and educate on things like the Kik app. Keep in mind, this wasn't some absent mother, but a loving, caring mother.
How about the fact that there was a sex trafficking bust in a small community not too far from Fairmont, MN within the last year. In fact, there have been a few, one of which we were called upon to house one of the young girls; however, had to say no as we were not yet ready with our Safe Housing. There have also been instances of men seeking to purchase sex through online/escort services, very instances that have resulted in law enforcement involvement.
Truth be told, I've had young girls tell me about boys their age, or often times older, giving them substances for sexual favors.
Or, how about the truth that porn addiction for many in the church is as real and as harmful as substance abuse.
Here at Action169, we will continue to move forward in addressing exploitation.
Join us, and run to help change culture mindsets.
Join us, and run to raise awareness.
Join us, and run to set the 'captives free.'
Join us, and run to help raise support for Outreach, our Call to Action events, Billboards, Safe Housing and more.
Freedom Race 2016 is happening for the very reason there remains comments as such.
Thank you for your continued prayer and support and God Bless
Danielle Freitag, LADC
Co-Founder of Action169