For those who are victims of human trafficking, little access to education is their reality. Girls and Boys are often taken at a very young age in which they are exploited and used for either labor or sex trafficking. They are “taken or deceived, purchased, sold, and transported with some trafficking groups switching their cargo from drugs to humans.”

After they have grown up in these conditions, higher education may not be at the forefront of their minds, or it may seem like such an impossible step to take.

Certain organizations and universities, however, have taken this dream that they have for victims and are making it come true each and every day.

Point Loma Nazarene University is a private Christian college in Point Loma, San Diego. At this school is a program called the Center for Justice and Reconciliation. It is through this program that the Beauty for Ashes fund exists and thrives.

The purpose statement of the CJR states that they exist, “To study poverty and oppression and teach Christian means of social engagement.” With this in mind, the Beauty for Ashes fund was established and “founded with the belief that an education at a Christian university is a critical long-term investment in the empowerment of survivors of human trafficking.”

The term, ‘Beauty for Ashes,’ is seen all throughout Biblical scripture and said with the intention to bring redemption to the people. With the prominent underground sex economy in San Diego, PLNU saw it fit that with higher education being known as “the great equalizer,” this opportunity should be available for those who may not have the means of accessing it themselves.

This fund was created with three brief points in mind: to provide a scholarship, to assist in vocational discernment, and finally, to support those who are victims of human trafficking.

This institution views the fund as a domino effect in some ways. It was not created to be influential just to one woman’s life. If one student is transformed through higher education and the mentoring they may receive, all of the ways that student will affect others’ lives is limitless.

This fund does not end at a graduation ceremony. By donating to the fund, you are investing in a life that has the power to speak on behalf of modern slavery and will no doubt shed light on an epidemic that is infecting the entire world.

No, human trafficking is not only found in San Diego, but at Point Loma Nazarene University, their tuning their ears and hearts to those that are victims in an effort to alter the course of modern slavery all together.

The Center for Justice and Reconciliation does not only have this scholarship fund to raise awareness for those who have suffered at the hands of others. The CJR also puts on events such as ‘Brewed Awakening’ and ‘Hope Rising’ in order to yes, raise awareness towards the global issue that human trafficking is, but also to present initiatives that people can get involved in with the common dream of abolishing modern slavery.

Do you share these dreams? Join the Center’s mailing list in order to receive updates on upcoming events and speakers. Want to donate now? Become apart of a movement that has the power to change the global climate of human trafficking. Be someone who can supply hope to someone in need of it so desperately.

“provide for those who grieve in Zion-- to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor.” Isaiah 61:3