At UnBound, we believe that every person has a unique part to play in bringing an end to human trafficking. That’s why we encourage everyone (regardless of your career, age, or background) to get involved. Volunteers, survivors, and partners are truly the faces of UnBound; we wouldn’t be who we are without you! Below is the story of Jason, an UnBound Ignite Partner and a powerful advocate for change.
Jason is an IT professional in Waco, Texas. He’s a single father of four kids and has been a long-time donor and supporter of UnBound. We sat down with him to learn about his story and why he got involved with UnBound.
Jason’s passion for supporting the fight against human trafficking comes largely from personal experience. “I had a tremendous struggle with pornography in my past. At one time it was ruling my life twenty years ago and really was destroying my life. I never went as far as struggling with prostitution or sex industry in that regard but I got mighty close. I knew that to step over that line for me personally represented death.” Jason admitted, “Though I didn’t give lots of dollars to the sex industry, I did support the industry just by being another hit on a website and driving the numbers up.”
Part of Jason’s recovery is supporting something that is in opposition to the sex industry. Once he began the healing process, Jason realized how widespread the problem was. In our country, the internet acts as the supplier for the sex industry while also creating the need for the sex industry and, ultimately, human trafficking.
“It’s a personal prayer for me. I’m just constantly crying out to God on this issue particularly, saying, ‘Lord, what can we do?’”
In the midst of this hopelessness, Jason says that UnBound brings hope — for survivors of trafficking and for him in the midst of his recovery. “What you guys are doing is exposing the nature of what’s going on and it’s the first time that I’ve seen law enforcement get behind it and actually prosecute and do something about [trafficking]… [UnBound] has started a movement that has grounding, and pretty much everyone, except for the people perpetuating the problem, can get onboard with it.”
Jason believes deeply in the responsibility of all people, the Church included, to partner together and end human trafficking. As a believer who seeks to proclaim Christ, he continually asks: “How do you share the gospel when you’re not the hands and feet of Jesus? If you look at Jesus’ life, the reason people accepted his gospel is because of what he did. The things he did gave him power to present the gospel.” In the same way, Jason sees that partnership and unity are paramount in fighting this national injustice. He urges Christians in Waco and beyond to do their part to bring restoration to people who have been victims of the sex industry.
“What I love about UnBound is that you guys are shining a light on the sum of the consequences of what we’re doing as a people. Not only that, you’re aiding those who want to be out of that lifestyle,” Jason concluded. “It’s a double win because you draw attention to it and you’ve got a consortium of people supporting you… you’ve found a way to combat it.”
Jason wanted to share this verse: Psalm 103:2-5: “Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s” (ESV).
Written by Nikki Thompson
UnBound Waco
Professional Writing Intern
Ignite Partners combat slavery and ignite hope through a monthly gift to UnBound. For more information on how to join the Ignite Team, contact [email protected]