Bluetree Tackle Child Trafficking Through 'StandOut International' Charity
Belfast based worship band Bluetree, best known for their song 'God Of This City' which gained worldwide recognition, have created a new charity called StandOut International aimed at ending Child Trafficking.
'God Of This City' was written by Bluetree during a mission trip and while the band was on stage performing worship songs in the Climax Bar, a club which doubles as a brothel in the Red Light district of Pattaya, Thailand. Forever changed by what they saw in Pattaya, the band is determined to make a difference through StandOut International.
"We created StandOut International to help end child sex exploitation on a global scale, while loving, educating and releasing those rescued into the fullness of life that God has for them", says Bluetree DJ Pete Kernoghan.
Child Trafficking is when children are deceived or taken against their will, bought, sold and transported into slavery for sexual exploitation, sold as child brides and used for sacrificial worship. According to available information, one out of every five people on earth is a child at risk: at risk of malnutrition, forced labor, disease, drug addiction and abandonment. There are also risks for those working with and for struggling children. The staff and projects that provide care, the churches that offer assistance and resources, and the leaders who affect social agendas can also be vulnerable if they are not given the right support.
"Our aim is to raise awareness and channel funds through organizations who are active on the ground making a difference in children's lives every day," says the band's drummer Johnny Hobson. "As believers, we are all called to be the hands and feet of Jesus. Let's together stand out and make a difference".
The band are urging people to be come involved with StandOut International through financial giving, prayer, short-term mission trips and organising events to raise awareness and support of those fighting to end child sex exploitation.
Go to www.standoutinternational.co.uk to learn how you can help.
