Simple Thoughts Sunday

Guest blog: Today’s post is from my dear, sweet sister, Lisa George.

My loved one and I were out this past weekend running errands when we stopped for a caffeinated treat. The coffee shop was nestled within high-end retail shops and restaurants surrounded by upper middle-class homes. As we stood in line, we noticed a little boy and girl ordering drinks at the front of the line; judging by their height, we guessed they were around 9 years old – with the boy being slightly shorter than the girl. At first glance we thought it was funny (and maybe a little odd) the boy paid with a credit card and then proceeded to put it in his mouth as he and the little girl walked over to a small table in the corner next to the coffee bar. The boy set down his iPhone on the table which appeared to be one of the latest on the market with the large screen. They were dressed in the latest children’s fashion with colorful stocking hats, thin puffy jackets and UGG boots. We laughed and agreed these cute little ones who mimicked adults were either brother and sister, or out on a “date.”

We stood near their table while we waited for our orders. It was hard not to notice the little ones laughing loudly while they were taking turns looking at Instagram and YouTube videos; sharing with one another sights pulled up from the internet. Our order took longer than normal since these children ordered the largest and most expensive drinks on the menu (venti strawberry Frappuccino’s, to be specific). We kept thinking we would see a parent or the person whom the credit card belonged to. Nobody was there to look after them. As we drove away we discussed how strange and sad it was to see children simply on their own with a credit card and iPhone. We wondered if these little ones were simply dropped off or if they walked from their home located close by.

This scene seemed innocent enough, however it brought me back to “randomly” meeting a guy on a plane during a flight with my sister this past summer. It was an early Sunday morning and my sister and I had planned on taking a nap and did not have any intention of speaking to the person who would ultimately end up sitting in between us (my sister preferred the aisle and me the window). We ended up talking to this person the entire flight. He was originally from our city, attended KU and lived in Boulder CO with his wife and four children. He shared enough of his life story over the flight to understand he had been through “life” as a youngster which ultimately lead him into ministry. Also, for the past 10 years he worked for an organization called iEmpathize. This organization works to spread awareness and help those involved in human trafficking. We were taken aback when he told us Kansas City was ranked No. 2 out of the top 15 metropolitan cities in the U.S. due to our city’s central location (logistical hub for shipping via trucks and railroad).

The connection was enough to know we wanted to hear more about what he was doing in our city. We exchanged contact information and ended up attending a lecture he held a few weeks after we met. Leaders representing the city police department, hospitals, clergy and multiple charities related to the human trafficking issue all turned out for the devastating and important discussion. We learned how all children are vulnerable; not just those in poverty, but also high income and LGBT. Also, that the children who are most vulnerable are those who feel alone and those who do not have much adult interest or presence in their lives.  

He told us a story about an upper-income family with a young boy around 10 years old who loved to play video games and ended up befriending a “female Avatar.” The young boy and the “Avatar” got to know each other and became trusted friends in a chat room. The “Avatar” ended up sending him a picture (approx. 16 year old female body) and coaxed him into doing the same. The older man disguised as an“Avatar” now had the child’s location through GPS, and ended up using the image to coerce the child into giving him what he wants.

Seeing these children this past week reminded me how our parents would send us out the door with a dollar, and we would ride our bikes to the convenience store to buy candy. We were simply told not to talk to strangers. We were vulnerable, however with today’s children the internet is a whole new ball game. It is estimated there are a million predators searching for their next victim every hour of the day. We as adults need to be equipped with a response. One way or another we can all make a difference to prevent someone from being being exploited.

iEmpathize and Children’s Mercy Hospital are hosting Empower KC, a tour experience and training throughout each day next week. The tours start every 45 minutes on Jan 28-31st at UMKC in Pierson Auditorium. You can register here. Please share with others and bring a friend and join the movement to end it!

For more information please email mark@iEmpathize.org. Thank you!