Recently Martha and I went to see the movie “Sound of Freedom.”  “Sound of Freedom is a 2023 action film.  It tells the true story of Tim Ballard a former government agent who embarks on a mission to rescue children from sex traffickers in Colombia.^[5] The plot centers around Ballard’s Operation Underground Railroad , an anti-sex trafficking organization. The film was released on July 4, 2023, by Angel Studios, and became a sleeper hit; it has grossed $136 million in the United States against a $14.5 million budget as of July 20th. It received mixed reviews from critics, while audience reception has been highly positive.  The film was first produced in 2018 and Disney Studio shelved it. Angel Studios, who produces The Chosen acquired the film and through media “crowd sourcing” raised enough money to release the film.

Any Christian who can should go see this film.  You will be both appalled and shocked at the truth revealed.  What is reveal is the fact that the ” US Is a Top Destination for Child Sex Trafficking, and It’s Happening in Your Community”-that means ours. (Walters, 2023)My fellow Christians, why is this not a major topic that is disclosed in our congregations?  As the actor who plays Tim Ballard says at the close of the film “making people aware of the problem is the first step.”

It seems Christians are in our own little bubble.  We met with others of like-minded values whether at worship, in our homes, or going out together.  Sometimes it seems we are obvious to what is going on around us. Oh, yes.  We do see some of the moral degradation in our TV programs, news, and movies.  But, that is always “out there.” It certainly couldn’t be happening that near us.

We see the degradation in our society all around us.  We see our individual freedoms being eroded with each progressive ideas being implemented.  We are told our religious views should be a “private matter” with no voice in the public square. How long before we are to bow to the dictates of the state? The state is rapidly advancing to be the “god.” we are to  unquestionably worship.  First century Christians had the Emperor they were to acknowledge as “God.” Forsaking this they were crucified and feed to the beasts in the area.  Will we have that kind of faith and courage?  Our young people are taught to be offended if something is said they do not agree with.  How then can they resist real physical danger for their faith?

The erosion of individual freedoms is danger enough.  But are we aware of the spiritual dangers prevailing today.  Our culture is not just tolerating them, but is actively teaching one must accept them as being the moral high ground.  Resistance is racism or being judgmental.

How often do we have bible classes that touch on the real issues of the day:  divorce (35% in 2023, but ½ that in 2000), Decease in marriage and in traditional families, Living together before marriage, acceptance of gender ideology including LGBQT lifestyles,  lack of emphasis on all vices and promotion of virtues, etc.  I suspect few you people could name very many vices and virtues  as delineated in the bible.

To combat the evils we see we need more spiritual warriors who fight with strength, faith, hope and love. But these battles cannot be fought by intellectual lessons on Sunday mornings. That is a passive exercise.  Lessons needed there, yes.  But, discussions and awareness when away from “church” are required. Remember “we” are the church no matter where we gather.  We may not be able to take as much direct action as Tom Ballard in the movies.  But we can make each other aware  of the problem and support those we can take physical action and support laws and policies that will end the practice.  ( The Sound of Freedom lyrics is on the second page.

Bibliography

Walters, E. (2023, July 25). The US is a Top Destimnation for Child Sex Trafficing . Retrieved from The Daily Signal : https://www.dailysignal.com/2023/07/25/yes-child-trafficking-is-happening-your-community