Author: David Bastone
Review By: G. Stephen Goode
I have been working in Relief and Development for 26 years in Asia, particularly in war zones, refugee situations natural disasters, civil unrest and major social issues like trafficking. David Batstone gives a terrible, graphic picture of slavery in the 21st century from just about every continent. It grabs your heart and will not let you go. This issue will require the same kind of perserverance that William Wilbertforce overcame in abolishing slavery, changing laws and worldviews in the UK in the 18th century.
We have had the privilege of supporting the work of Pierre and Simonetta Tami and the Hagar Project in Cambodia since its inception. We have seen upclose the horror and pain of children as young as 6 years being sold, trafficked and abused. This book tells those stories in graphic, unbelievable detail from countries like Uganda, Thailand and Cambodia. These stories are not about statistics but about people with names and families who have endured hell, been scarred for life or have been killed in the process. You will not believe it, then you will become furious that this is happening today.
It also shows ordinary people that are a voice for the voiceless and are making an incredible, difference. There are just too few of them. Maybe, you will ask yourself, "How do I get involved in this global effort?" This book is a call to action.
Don't buy this book unless you are ready for engagement in a loving, compassionate fight against the evils of the 21st century slave trade.
