According to the Department of Homeland Security, human trafficking is modern-day slavery and involves the use of force, fraud, or coercion to obtain some type of labor or commercial sex act. Every year, millions of men, women, and children are trafficked in countries around the world, including the United States. It is estimated that human trafficking generates billions in profit each year, second only to illegal drug crimes.

In 2016, the Institute on Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault, the University of Texas at Austin published a report on the impact of human trafficking in Texas.

Texas is the second state in the U.S. for the most human trafficking. It is estimated

that annually 79,000 minors and youth are victims of sex trafficking in Texas. Approximately 234,000 workers in Texas are victims of labor trafficking. What about Our Community?

At least $99 million is spent each year on the sex trade in North Texas alone. It is estimated that 400 teens are subject to trafficking on Dallas streets each night. The average age that a child falls victim is 13. 

These facts and the stories behind them are the compelling reasons that Saint Michael and All Angels has formed the Project Moses ministry. As a parish, we have long been moved by community outreach and embraced human trafficking and share the Light of Christ with its survivors. Project Moses was launched as an operating Ministry in 2017 focusing on Formation/Education, Advocacy, and Outreach/Partnerships. In 2018, we have brought our mission and these focus areas to life with a series of activities that provide volunteer opportunities and human trafficking education for SMAA parishioners.

The group meets monthly to review ministry goals and assess the impact volunteers can make on the issue. To assist in these efforts guest speakers frequently address the group to share insights and to educate. To join us, refer to the Project Moses page on the SMAA website for meeting dates.

In partnership with the New Friends New Life organization, Project Moses is helping with their mission of restoring and empowering formerly trafficked teen girls. The ministry has committed to cook and serve meals for 50 survivors six times in 2018.

In January, Project Moses hosted a bus excursion for 43 parishioners and guests that provided us with a guided look at the trafficking industry on the streets ofspeaker was Sergeant Byron Fassett of the Dallas Police Department. Sergeant Fassett has served with DPD for 38 years, and specialized in conducting investigations involving the sexual abuse and exploitation of children for the past 25 years.