My cousin went missing over three years ago. She disappeared without a trace.

This unexpected tragedy rocked my family. Sadly, so many women have gone missing and so many loved ones are left with questions and concerns. These unsolved mysteries often point to the social ill of human trafficking.

Human trafficking occurs when people are illegally transported against their will to do hard labor or to be sexually exploited. It is estimated that eighty percent of human trafficking victims are women and children.

We can’t turn a blind eye to this global tragedy. God has called us to comfort those in captivity.

In Isaiah 61:1, God admonishes us to be His ambassadors of comfort. We Christians are called to encourage those who have been humbled by life, to support those experiencing brokenness, and to help set captives free.

All around us, people are in captivity to sin. They need to know that God has not forgotten or overlooked them. We are called to be the hands and feet of Jesus.

As we engage the social ills of our day, we are faced with people who need comfort. Jesus has set us free so that we can set others free. Thus, when we comfort those in captivity, we are showing God’s heart of compassion.