reminder of the cause

Today is International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression.  In 1982, the UN chose this day to highlight the organizations that help children and shine a light on the atrocities committed against them. The 35-year long civil war in Guatemala is one of the main factors behind the high orphan rate that exists today. It began a terrible cycle of kids having kids. It forced kids into gangs, drug cartels, sex trafficking, and poverty. Corruption and lack of opportunity continues to perpetuate hopelessness and desperation.
Watch these short videos and then spend some time praying. Ask the Holy Spirit to speak to you about how He feels about children.
http://youtu.be/x4vz1IrXcX8
http://youtu.be/v65ae_QKTiI
For Guatemala stats: (www.protectionproject.org)
4th largest exporter of children into the sex trafficking business
80% of prostitution in Guatemala involves children
With a total population of less than 13million, at least 15,000 under age of 18 are affected by sex-trafficking networks
This is one of the reasons Houses of Hope is so important. It stops this cycle and gives kids a chance to be loved and launched into a successful life. It provides hope and healing that can only come from Christ.