On January 6, 2004, the Times of India ran an article about the plight of young children being used as sex trader workers in India and how police seem to be turning a blind eye to the growing problem. The article also spoke of a Christian social worker named Anson Thomas who is on a campaign to rescue these young children from a life of prostitution. However, he has recently faced opposition with claims that he has taken advantage of his position as a social worker to evangelize these young children. The Times claimed that the brothel owners had convinced police to serve Thomas notice to stop "indulging in unlawful acts which would lead to religious and social trouble." Police deny these allegations, saying that they were merely warning him. Deputy police commissioner Naval Bajaj told the Times, "I have full respect for Mr Thomas's work and we have followed up on every information that he has given us. But, there is no need for him to distribute cassettes and Bibles to the sex workers."
Those involved in trying to rescue these children from a life of prostitution recount many reports of police taking bribes, including the testimony from one thirteen-year-old girl who was told by police that the brothel was the safest place for her. There are sufficient laws in India against child prostitution. However, according to Balkrishna Acharya of Rescue Foundation, which is involved in rescuing minors from these brothels, "I cannot think of one place which has been closed by the police."
Pray for these young children being abused in this way. Pray for efforts like that of Anson Thomas to help these children find freedom from the brothels as well as the freedom found in Christ.
For more information on India, go to https://www.vomcanada.com/india.htm.
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