Rescue from Enslavement

Many girls are enslaved in the sex trade by default: They are born into it. Their mothers are captives in the sex trade. And when enslaved women give birth, their children inevitably become second-generation slaves—like mother, like daughter.

But the cycle of enslavement doesn’t have to continue. Moms strive to protect their children from this generational fate, and As Our Own offers a way for these brave women to give their children the life they themselves are denied.

> Read how Sajala’s mom found hope for her daughter.

Sex Slave Age Profile

How young are the enslaved? Demand for young girls has become quite common in recent years due to increasing darkness and superstition surrounding the sex trade.

A Presence in the District

Life in the red-light districts of India is not typical. It’s a dangerous place to be—let alone work or live. Simply entering and exiting the area is a difficult and often risky endeavor.

That’s why As Our Own is grateful to have a presence in the heart of this darkness. Miraculously, God has opened a door, connecting us to the mothers enslaved there. Our staff is actively present, rescuing the children from second- generation enslavement.

Rescue from Exploitation

Life in India is grueling for the poor, whether in the heavily populated city slums or the laboring remote, rural villages. Many, many people struggle every day—of every week, of every month, year after year after year—to gather food for even one meal.

Extreme poverty is especially cruel to girls, predisposing them to abuse, neglect, and exploitation.

Despite the difficult and dangerous conditions, As Our Own is answering the call to act on behalf of these children. As we stand in the gap, the patterns of poverty and exploitation are upset, ushering in potential for hope and a new way of life.

Breaking the Cycle

The hopelessness of extreme poverty pressures some parents to abandon, abuse, and neglect their children . . . and forces children into bonded labor, including organized begging . . . and creates an environment ripe for child enslavement and exploitation.

Such cycles run generations deep, but rescuing just one child births a new life pattern for generations to come.

Key to breaking the cycle is the growth of our Lighthouse Church Network communities throughout India that serve as touch points of transformation. Their loving ministry to the poor, neglected, and oppressed has brought the Lighthouse Network great respect and has given us a voice for enacting change in the community.

> Read How Our Lighthouse Church Network Rescued Little Shanti

SOURCE LIST

1. http://www.uri.edu/artsci/wms/hughes/india.htm
2. http://www.dnaindia.com/mumbai/report_using-minors-in-prostitution-is-a-billion-dollar-industry-inthe-city_1083952
3. http://www.hrsolidarity.net/mainfile.php/2007vol17no03/2549/