Brentwood Baptist Church will hold a training this weekend on fighting human trafficking that is open to the public.
The church has been working with other local churches to build awareness about human trafficking in local communities and around the world.
Saturday’s training will feature leaders from Alliance for Freedom, Restoration and Juctice, Inc., Nashville Baptist Association and Brentwood Baptist’s Missions Ministry.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has said that human trafficking is the second-fasting growing criminal industry after drug trafficking, according to a press release issued by Brentwood Baptist.
“While Tennessee has been ranked as the toughest state in the nation regarding state statues that protect children from commercial sex exploitation crimes, TBI acknowledges that there is a need to develop more resources to aid victims and their families,” the press release said.
President Trump has called human trafficking an epidemic that is not getting enough attention. In February, he signed an executive order to combat transnational criminal organizations and international trafficking.
“These groups are drivers of crime, corruption, violence, and misery,” the executive order says. “In particular, the trafficking by cartels of controlled substances has triggered a resurgence in deadly drug abuse and a corresponding rise in violent crime related to drugs. Â Likewise, the trafficking and smuggling of human beings by transnational criminal groups risks creating a humanitarian crisis. Â These crimes, along with many others, are enriching and empowering these organizations to the detriment of the American people.”
The executive order calls for federal law enforcement agencies to make human trafficking a top priority and to collaborate with partners overseas.
The training at Brentwood Baptist will run from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. There is no cost but registration is required. Visit BrentwoodBaptist.com/Anti-Trafficking to sign up.
