This summer, from August 20-25 I will be joining a 600 km bike ride from Seoul to Busan to raise awareness of present-day sex trafficking in South Korea.
The sex industry in South Korea is huge. Korea illegally imports a large number of women from surrounding nations, who are then forced into the sex industry as slaves. Korean women from assorted backgrounds find themselves caught up in the industry as well. Many find themselves exported to other countries, such as America, Japan, and Australia. It is estimated that up to one million Korean women around the world are trapped in sex slavery today.
During the Japanese occupation, the Japanese would take Korean women from their homes and force them into a life of sexual slavery. Today, there is a significant movement regarding these former "comfort women," rightly seeking to bring about justice for them. Yet Koreans are largely unaware that the practice of "comfort women" continues even to this day. The difference is that today it is Koreans themselves who are buying and selling Korean women as sexual slaves.
We hope to spread a simple message throughout the nation -- women are not for sale. Though these are humble beginnings, our hope is to see a shift in culture -- that the injustice that surrounds us will no longer be overlooked and that Korean society will no longer stand for it.
We are raising money for two organizations who share in our vision to bring about an end to sexual slavery in Korea. Hope Be Restored seeks to raise awareness of this problem and reaches out to after-care centers for women who have been rescused from the sex trade. Jerusalem Ministry reaches out to the orphans in Korea, who are one of the largest targets of sex traders.
We are seeking to raise at least 500,000 won per rider. If you agree that the sex trade in Korea must come to an end and feel led to support this cause, please feel free to make a contribution. We accept Korean bank transfers and credit card (through PayPal) donations. I can also take cash in person.
Prayer Topics
- Pray for freedom for women that are trapped in the industry, that they would be freed and their hearts restored
- Pray for vulnerable women - orphans, the poor, abuse victims, etc. - that they would be protected
- Pray for a change in culture, that the people would no longer stand for this injustice
- Pray for people who will stand and be a voice for those who have no voice
May we share in God's heart for these women. They are not a commodity. They are not for sale.