A Better Way

I was reading an article - actually the cover story article - in Christianity Today about the problem of women being forced into prostitution in countries around the world. They estimate that over 6000 young women and girls are on the streets in Calcutta alone each day. The article estimated the daily revenue generated from these women was $4.1 million - most of which does not go into their pocket. Many of them are sold by their parents when they are basically children, some as young as 3, because they cannot feed them. Others are actually encouraged by their parents to sell themselves and then give the money to the family to help put a meal on the table. Somehow sitting in our nice warm home in Yoder makes this story quite distant, yet it has come to my attention through many people in my life, that these types of problems should be our concern as Christians. Dan and I have a beautiful daughter. I cannot even fathom her being forced into these types of actions or feeling as though it is her only means of survival. Many different agencies have begun to take action, not only to get these women help in the - be it most important - spiritual and emotional sense, but also to teach them other means of supporting themselves. One such group that caught my eye is called Freeset. They have taught women to make handbags with natural products that are readily available to them. They are now earning a wage of $52 a month plus benefits. I realize that seems more than meager to us in the US, but it is more than they could make anywhere else in that area. I actually purchased something off of their website at www.betterwayimports.com. I think the bags were actually pretty cool and unique looking and thought it would at one little thing I could do. How many times do we buy these types of things for ourselves or as gifts. Why not buy one that would have a story of hope and redemption and one that is helping to give a young woman the chance to know someone out there cares. I hope to be more conscious of these issues this year and more willing to research things a little more and shop a little wiser. So...if anyone out there is looking for a bag or a really unique gift bag - check it out and help out.