A New Kind of Scary - Part 3

A new awareness of the scourge of human trafficking has motivated some in the business community. I recently read about efforts to train flight attendants to look for signs that a person is being trafficked and under the control of a pimp that is flying them to a destination in or out of the U.S.  Several young people were rescued because of the diligence of airline personnel.

Stuart Davis meets Pope Francis

My oldest son, Stuart Davis, is an executive with Canada’s Scotiabank.  His responsibilities include monitoring fraud and money laundering of criminal organizations. Anti-human trafficking is part of his responsibilities. He recently spoke at the United Nations on the subject and just returned from a trip to the Vatican where he met with Pope Francis and the leaders of other world religions. It is recognized that international efforts on many fronts will be necessary to tackle this modern form of slavery. Here is Stuart’s description of what he does.

“Many folks tend to think of banks as just focused on profits but what they fail to realize is that many banks are also focused on doing good in the communities that they serve.  One of the ways that they do this is stopping financial crime.  Helping banks stop financial crime (also known as anti-money laundering) has been my career largely since the events of 9-11. But since 2016, my career in banking has taken an unexpected but very meaningful direction, a focus on anti-human trafficking.  A survivor of human trafficking spoke at a conference my team attended and asked who is willing to stand with me and help?  We did, launching Project Protect among the Canadian banks to disrupt the illicit flows from this heinous crime. 

Human trafficking and the profits generated is believed to be the 3rd largest crime in the world.  Studies have suggested that there are over 40 million people trafficked per year and it is often happening right here in our communities.  However, it is often a hidden crime that includes labor trafficking, sex trafficking, and the sexual exploitation of children.

Through the collective efforts of many involved, some impact is being made but much more can be done.  Our early efforts and successes in Canada have drawn international attention.  We have been aligning with those with common goals and purposes globally.  As a result, I have had the honor and privilege to be invited to speak recently at the United Nations on our bank’s initiative to help survivors of human trafficking.  And very soon I will be discussing efforts to protect child dignity and fight child exploitation at the Pontifical Academy of Sciences hosted by His Holiness Pope Francis.

I would have never thought that my career in banking would have a higher purpose and tap deeply into something we can all be passionate about.  Making this world a better place and helping those being victimized recover their lives.  If you are not already involved in helping, please consider how you might do so this Thanksgiving season.”

It will take all our efforts, no matter how big or small, to rescue people caught up in modern slavery.

I Can Only Imagine

This past weekend we went with friends from church to see the movie “I Can Only Imagine.” The uplifting song with the same title—with 2.5 million copies sold—is the best-selling Christian single of all time. The inspiring words describe what the writer imagines it will be like when he goes to heaven and stands before God.  

Bart Millard wrote the lyrics in 1999 and his band MercyMe recorded it shortly after. The song has been described as a ‘rush of hope’ for people experiencing loss, illness, and other traumatic events. In the aftermath of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, many found solace in its lyrics.

Eighteen years later the story behind the song is now in movie theaters. Bart Millard’s story is deeply personal and painful. His abusive childhood destroyed his relationship with his earthly father. Many years later his father found the Lord as he was dying from cancer. The pain of losing his father after he had reconciled with him was Bart’s inspiration for the song. 

So much of life is like that. We live in a pain-filled world. All of us can identify with the need to forgive and the desire for reconciliation with a family member, friend, and with God. The recent school shootings, bombings, and personal tragedies leave us wondering about life and death. Does any of it make any sense? It only does if we can look beyond the pain to a better future.

As we approach Holy Week and the celebration of Easter, I am reminded of the great pain and sacrifice the Son of God made for our salvation. On the last night before Jesus’ crucifixion, he tried to prepare his disciples for the future.

“In My Father’s house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also.” John 14:2-3

A recent online Fox News article reports on a speech from the Vatican in which the Pope spoke about the use of the crucifix as jewelry.

“Pope Francis said that the crucifix is a religious sign to be contemplated and understood, rather than merchandised. He said that the crucifix is a sacred sign not to be "abused" by being treated as an ornament or clothing accessory. The image of Jesus crucified reveals the mystery of the death of the Son as the supreme act of love, the source of life and salvation for humanity of all times." By Daniel Hammond and Ruth Gledhill, SWNS | Fox News

I can’t agree more. An empty Easter cross makes a much better piece of jewelry because it celebrates resurrection, new life, and hope. It makes it possible for me to sing along with Bart Millard and MercyMe. 

I Can Only Imagine