Taffi Dollar Blog #15 - The Sex Industry: Danger on the Streets

            As the founder of Prestige Outreach Ministry, my heart goes out to the great number of women who are trapped in the sex industry. Every night, on the streets of Atlanta and in cities all over the country and around the world, women put their lives on the line to work in an industry that is dangerous and life-threatening. Just recently, a young woman’s body was found in one of the prime sex trafficking areas of Atlanta, an area that Prestige covers as part of our street ministry. Her name was Imani and she had a five month old baby girl. She was only 19 years old. It was heartbreaking to hear the news of this young lady’s tragic death. Imani was an unfortunate victim in an industry that thrives on the exploitation of women. The violence that snuffed out her life is all too common in the sex trade. We must do everything we can to put an end to it in our cities and communities.

            Through Prestige, we have had the opportunity to minister to women who have chosen the sex industry as their primary source of income. We have been able to provide options for those who are ready to come out, and we are ready to receive those who have not yet made that decision, with open arms. The tragedy of the young woman who was killed recently serves as a reminder of the dangers of the sex trade industry and how important it is that we pray and intercede for the many women and young girls who are currently involved with this type of work. In addition, we need to develop a heart of compassion for these precious souls and reach out to them with unconditional love and acceptance. Many of them have been trapped in a cycle of abuse, both mentally and physically, that is hard to break. They need our prayers, support, and resources in order to transition out of this lifestyle.

            The sex industry is not glamorous by any means. Whether in the streets or in the clubs, it is a dangerous world, where women are simply a commodity to be bought and sold. And with any commodity that is devalued, it becomes easy for predators to simply discard these women at their discretion. Let’s continue to lift up these women and pray for their protection and deliverance from this dangerous industry.