"Speak out for those who cannot speak, for the rights of all the destitute."  Proverbs 31:8

Stacy Shafer, executive director of the 31:8 Project speaks about the realities of human trafficking.

The 31:8 Project reaches people impacted by human trafficking in Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota, and South Dakota through education, survivor mentorship, and Bravery Backpacks.

Stacy Schaffer, executive director and founder of the 31:8 Project, was one of the speakers at the 2024 Dakotas Annual Conference. Watch the entire message here. Here are some highlights.

As an undergraduate at the University of Mary in Bismarck, North Dakota, Stacy Schaffer learned about human trafficking. Growing up in Wishek, North Dakota, she had not considered the causes, impacts, and issues surrounding this crime and the victims.

"In 2006, a professor encouraged us to listen to a guest speaker and get extra credit. I went, and they were talking about the topic of human trafficking. I just felt compelled to do something," said Stacy.

She found herself on a mission trip to Guatemala. While there, she had the opportunity to assist with a case involving an eight-year-old girl who had been trafficked. 

"She was taken to a brothel and repeatedly sexually abused. Fortunately, we were able to intervene and provide her with services. This kind of assistance is very uncommon, obviously, in underdeveloped areas. She is doing well. She ended up getting married and having kids. It was a true success story.  Her name is Anna.  Anna is really my 'why' behind doing this work," said Stacy.

Fast-forward to 2015, when Stacy launched the 31:8 Project. The name comes from Proverbs 31:8: "Speak up for those who can't speak for themselves." The original mission was to focus on education.

How can human trafficking exist in the rural states of North and South Dakota? "We are the perfect location for human trafficking to exist," said Schaffer.

A homeland security officer validated that rural areas are prime targets for human trafficking. Traffickers like to work underground. They don't want to work in cities. They are drawn to small towns because they feel like they will not be caught. Areas that are primarily agricultural areas have a lot of farmlands, and not a lot of law enforcement or patrol, are breeding grounds for human trafficking.

Human trafficking is defined as selling someone for a good or service. It involves three elements: force, fraud, and coercion. People are trafficked for sex and labor.

"We estimate that there are more than 50 million people enslaved today. It is the second-largest criminal industry in the world and generates around $150 billion per year. The biggest question asked is, 'Why would someone want to sell a human being versus sell drugs?' You can sell them over and over again," said Schaffer.
 

Members of McCabe UMC fill Bravery Backpacks for the 31:8 Project.

Bravery Backpacks

McCabe United Methodist Church in Bismarck, North Dakota, filled 100 bags, adding to the 30-40 bags that came in completed during the 2024 Dakotas Annual Conference in Bismarck. Some will be delivered to victims of human trafficking, and others will be distributed to children who find themselves separated from a caregiver waiting at a law enforcement center to be placed with a different caregiver. Law Enforcement requested the backpacks to help ease the transition. Some officers keep a few in their vehicles.

Congregations, small groups, and individuals are invited to Collect supplies and backpacks for the Bravery Backpacks program through the 31:8 Project.  Learn more about Bravery Backpacks for ages 2-12. Learn more about Bravery Backpacks for ages 13-17. 

Making a difference with education and financial gifts.

Invite someone to speak to your congregation or small group about human trafficking. Contact the 31:8 Project. Read survivor stories. View or listen to videos.

Host a watch party for movies like Nefarious, Chosen, and Sextortion: The Hidden Pandemic. Engage in the power of prayer.

Financial gifts made through the 2024 Miracle Offering will expand the impact of the 31:8 Project. The Miracle Offering will be divided among the following recipients: the 31:8 Project, Abbott House’s Bridges Therapeutic Foster Care, recovery ministry grants, and the Clergy Sustentation Fund.  So far, $38,500 has been received. Gifts will continue to be accepted.

At the North Central Jurisdictional Conference in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, an offering of $3,600 was collected. It will be distributed to the 31:8 Project and UMCOR disaster relief.