Human trafficking remains one of the darkest realities of our time, with over 27 million people—according to the International Labour Organization (ILO)—affected by exploitation and enslavement worldwide. As devastating as this crisis is, Christian music artists use their voices and platforms to ignite awareness, inspire action, and point to God’s hope and restoration.
From pop artist Tauren Wells’ heart-wrenching “All God’s Children” to rock artist Lacey Sturm’s raw and emotional “Rot,” these songs highlight the power of music to confront injustice, advocate for freedom, and remind us that every victim is a child of God, worthy of love and dignity. In this editorial, the NRT team explores five powerful songs that amplify the call to end human trafficking and restore hope to the broken.
Tauren Wells – "All God's Children"
"All God's Children" is a song that speaks up about the horrendous reality of human trafficking. The lyrics are laced with the troubling truth of exploitation that some sources say affects the lives of over 27 million people. This song doesn't sugarcoat what's happening in our world. It hits on the complex struggles that can lead to a life of trafficking and reminds listeners that those held captive by this monstrosity are God's children who were created in His image and deserve a life of freedom. The song ignites awareness and removes the ignorance we can be tempted to hide behind. All proceeds from the song support the Tim Tebow Foundation's Anti-Human Trafficking ministry, a cause I highly respect and admire. - Janice Henriquez
Remedy Drive - "Commodity"
"Commodity" is a powerful anthem that speaks directly against the dehumanization of trafficking victims. It was written as part of the band's work with The Exodus Road, a nonprofit organization dedicated to fighting human trafficking. The song highlights the devastating reality of people being treated as commodities and expresses a longing for justice and freedom for those enslaved. It’s one of Remedy Drive’s most well-known songs related to their anti-trafficking advocacy. The lyrics reflect a deep desire to break the chains of oppression and restore dignity to every human life. - Kevin McNeese
Trampolines - "Passport"
"Passport" is a heartbreaking song that tells the story of a 13-year-old girl who was tricked and trapped in human trafficking far away from home, a story that is sadly true for countless lives. The song brings an awareness to the matter in a way that immediately weighs heavy on listeners. The lyrics tell the story of how so many fall for it and the longing to be free and know what love truly is beyond the prisons they find themselves in. The song's bridge goes a step further, with the lyrics pointing to what could have been for the young girl if things had been different. The band Trampolines has seen this first-hand, whether it's working with survivors to help them create a better new life or being in the middle of the unimaginable rescuing girls and boys trapped. The song carries a powerful call to action, prayer, and awareness so that this story will one day no longer be a reality to so many. - Bradden Ford
Tenth Avenue North - "For Those Who Can't Speak (feat. KB & Derek Minor)"
"For Those Who Can't Speak" is a powerful rallying song from mainstay Tenth Avenue North and hip-hop artists KB and Derek Minor. The song is a reminder and anthem to use our voices to create change and bring awareness to end human trafficking. The song calls to the 27 million people still in modern-day slavery and how we, as believers, shouldn't be afraid to raise our voices against it. The song doesn't go into the darkness of human trafficking, but it calls out the unavoidable issue and creates a beautiful song of unity for us to defend and live out what God has called us to for everyone on this planet. This song is how I first learned about human trafficking a decade ago. Since then, I've remained passionate about it and have had the honor to work with several people to help see kids freed from it. - Bradden Ford
Lacey Sturm - "Rot"
Lacey Sturm has always been a strong advocate for empowering people in the darkest places—because she's been there, too. When she returned to the music scene in 2016 with her first solo album, Life Screams, one of the singles and most emotional songs unleashed to the world was "Rot." This song and music video follows the struggles of trafficked victims in their search to find and feel true love in this world. Lacey's younger sister, Stevie Mosley, makes an appearance, and so does Hookers For Jesus founder Annie Lobert. This song and story hit hard on the aftermath of these hurting people who need to feel real love after being abused for so long—a love only Jesus can fully restore, and we can point them. - Ryan Adams
Assembled from the four corners of North America and many other corners in between, the NRTeam comprises staffers whose energy is equally dispersed towards loving and writing about the music they love.
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