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Vulnerable: Rethinking Human Trafficking
There are more than 40 million enslaved people in the world today.
This is overwhelming. A number so large leaves us asking, What could I even do to help?
In his book Rethinking Human Trafficking, Raleigh Sadler, president and founder of Let My People Go, makes the case that anyone can fight human trafficking by focusing on those who are most often targeted. This book invites the reader to understand their role in the problem of human trafficking, but more importantly, their role in the solution.
Human trafficking can be defined as the exploitation of vulnerability for commercial gain. Using the power of story and candid interviews, Sadler seeks to discover how ordinary people can fight human trafficking by recognizing vulnerability and entering in.
As vulnerable people, we can empower other vulnerable people, because Christ was made vulnerable for us.
This is overwhelming. A number so large leaves us asking, What could I even do to help?
In his book Rethinking Human Trafficking, Raleigh Sadler, president and founder of Let My People Go, makes the case that anyone can fight human trafficking by focusing on those who are most often targeted. This book invites the reader to understand their role in the problem of human trafficking, but more importantly, their role in the solution.
Human trafficking can be defined as the exploitation of vulnerability for commercial gain. Using the power of story and candid interviews, Sadler seeks to discover how ordinary people can fight human trafficking by recognizing vulnerability and entering in.
As vulnerable people, we can empower other vulnerable people, because Christ was made vulnerable for us.
- GenresNonfictionChristian
288 pages, Paperback
Published February 1, 2019
30 people are currently reading
287 people want to read
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July 19, 2020
Vulnerable: Rethinking Human Trafficking by Raleigh Sadler
5 stars
“In all of our well-intentioned rhetoric of ‘being a voice for the voiceless’, we forget that these people already have a voice—we are just talking so loudly that no one can hear them.”
Whimsical Writing Scale: 4.75
Plotastic Scale: 5
Cover Thoughts: I love the cover because each letter is the shadow of a person and it speaks volumes about the message of this book.
Thank you, B & H Books, for providing me with a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
5 stars
“In all of our well-intentioned rhetoric of ‘being a voice for the voiceless’, we forget that these people already have a voice—we are just talking so loudly that no one can hear them.”
Vulnerable focuses on the human trafficking movement and how as people who want to help and be there for the survivors, we must be vulnerable. Because so many survivors were preyed on for being vulnerable, we have to allow ourselves to be open and vulnerable with them instead of playing the heroes. Sadler tackles a wide variety of trafficking- sex, workers, and children- in the book and he is the founder of Let My People Go, so he has a lot of experience working with trafficking and its survivors. This book is mainly for Christians because it focuses on the basis of how Jesus made himself vulnerable for us and we should do the same for those made vulnerable by predators. However, there is a wide variety of resources covered that I had never before, so if you are not a Christian, I would still recommend this book. Trafficking is a book that everyone needs to learn more about because we have way too many misconceptions about what it is. I personally loved this book and recommend it anyone looking to actively stop trafficking and its normalization in the world (as well as America’s high society groups). This is a powerful book filled with testimonies, myths being debunked, scholarly discussions, and resources to challenge how you may be a part of human trafficking and enabling people to oppress and exploit people in vulnerable communities. This is a book I will uses a resource for many years to come.
Whimsical Writing Scale: 4.75
Plotastic Scale: 5
Cover Thoughts: I love the cover because each letter is the shadow of a person and it speaks volumes about the message of this book.
Thank you, B & H Books, for providing me with a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
January 16, 2019
Raleigh Sadler strips away our myopic view of human trafficking as an evil ‘’out there,’’ far removed from our day-to-day lives. It’s hidden in plain sight, anywhere there’s an ‘’exploitation of vulnerability for commercial gain.’’ Through candid interviews, personal stories, and examples of vulnerability, Sadler makes us aware of how humans are trafficked, and how we can help to stop it. The book is eye-opening. Practical. And Gospel-focused. It’s radically changed my understanding of this pervasive evil, and what I can do to bring about change.
July 15, 2019
Wow. This book changed the way I think about human trafficking. He did 2 things in the book.
- Broadened my understanding: I was very aware of the horrible world of sex trafficking before reading this book. However, Sadler expands that world to include slavery. Then he expands that to include the vulnerable (the poor, disadvantaged, elderly, disabled, prisoners, immigrants). Then he takes the next step which is to highlight our role in helping to oppress the vulnerable.
- Broadened my heart: Sadler recounts a story where people were willing to engage about the homeless as long as they weren't in their own community. The problem with homelessness is that it comes with the fear of safety, thefts, and public defecation. Though this is understandable per Sadler it goes against the basic message of the parable of the Good Samaritan, where we are called to see everybody as our neighbor not just the "good" people.
Sadler's message is overwhelming and convicting. It's a message for the church which has failed to serve the vulnerable. But most of all, it's a message for myself to understand my role in enabling the exploitation of the vulnerable as well as understanding my indifference which results as part of my safe suburban life in America.
- Broadened my understanding: I was very aware of the horrible world of sex trafficking before reading this book. However, Sadler expands that world to include slavery. Then he expands that to include the vulnerable (the poor, disadvantaged, elderly, disabled, prisoners, immigrants). Then he takes the next step which is to highlight our role in helping to oppress the vulnerable.
- Broadened my heart: Sadler recounts a story where people were willing to engage about the homeless as long as they weren't in their own community. The problem with homelessness is that it comes with the fear of safety, thefts, and public defecation. Though this is understandable per Sadler it goes against the basic message of the parable of the Good Samaritan, where we are called to see everybody as our neighbor not just the "good" people.
Sadler's message is overwhelming and convicting. It's a message for the church which has failed to serve the vulnerable. But most of all, it's a message for myself to understand my role in enabling the exploitation of the vulnerable as well as understanding my indifference which results as part of my safe suburban life in America.
June 4, 2019
I thought I was well aware about human trafficking before I read this book, and was put to shame with all the missing pieces and action items Raleigh presents. This book isn’t just hard hitting you over the head with staggering statistics and tragic cases, it also makes you look within yourself at your vulnerabilities. The book shifts through many angles: personal testimony, personal development, informative facts, and gospel message. You’re bound to grow and learn in some way after finishing this read, I sure did!
(Through B&H and LifeWay’s blogger program I was able to read this book for free in exchange for an honest review)
(Through B&H and LifeWay’s blogger program I was able to read this book for free in exchange for an honest review)
September 18, 2020
Joelle Reads Her Bookcase #44
"Rather than reacting out of fear, what would happen if we responded by believing that God is intricately involved in the migration patterns of those around us? Trusting this to be true, we can actually meet our new neighbors. We can listen to them. We can learn from them. If we respond to those vulnerable around us, our lives will be changed, but most likely they will be changed for the better." Pg 104
Every single Christian needs to read this book. The proliferation of the QAnon conspiracy, the ridiculous amount of posts tagging #SaveOurChildren but with no real plans to actually introduce the children to our Savior, the lack of a true pro-life movement, the belief that Black lives don't matter, the refusal to throw wide our arms and welcome immigrants - all these things show that the majority of Americans have no earthly clue how trafficking really works. They believe the sensational. They want to be the heroes. They want to go after the bad guys in some sort of Biblical Marvel movie, while conveniently ignoring the domestic abuse survivor in their church, the undocumented worker being forced to pick their produce, and the underage maid being trafficked as a domestic slave to clean their hotel rooms for their beach vacations. And let's not forget the pedophiles we still let preach from our pulpits or minister to our innocent children, because we couldn't bear for their reputations to be "maligned". But the thousands of desperate people, whom God might be calling to us as a ministry opportunity (see above quote), nope - they are wicked and undeserving trash that need to go back where they came from. The depraved wolves in our churches though, they are always welcome.
"Rather than reacting out of fear, what would happen if we responded by believing that God is intricately involved in the migration patterns of those around us? Trusting this to be true, we can actually meet our new neighbors. We can listen to them. We can learn from them. If we respond to those vulnerable around us, our lives will be changed, but most likely they will be changed for the better." Pg 104
Every single Christian needs to read this book. The proliferation of the QAnon conspiracy, the ridiculous amount of posts tagging #SaveOurChildren but with no real plans to actually introduce the children to our Savior, the lack of a true pro-life movement, the belief that Black lives don't matter, the refusal to throw wide our arms and welcome immigrants - all these things show that the majority of Americans have no earthly clue how trafficking really works. They believe the sensational. They want to be the heroes. They want to go after the bad guys in some sort of Biblical Marvel movie, while conveniently ignoring the domestic abuse survivor in their church, the undocumented worker being forced to pick their produce, and the underage maid being trafficked as a domestic slave to clean their hotel rooms for their beach vacations. And let's not forget the pedophiles we still let preach from our pulpits or minister to our innocent children, because we couldn't bear for their reputations to be "maligned". But the thousands of desperate people, whom God might be calling to us as a ministry opportunity (see above quote), nope - they are wicked and undeserving trash that need to go back where they came from. The depraved wolves in our churches though, they are always welcome.
May 11, 2021
Life-changing! This book was challenging, moving, and exactly the perspective we need to have when approaching the injustice of human trafficking. It left me reevaluating my own life and choices, especially the way I interact with those in need in my own community.
In my opinion, this is a book EVERYONE needs to read because we ALL have an opportunity to change the narrative and put an end to human trafficking.
In my opinion, this is a book EVERYONE needs to read because we ALL have an opportunity to change the narrative and put an end to human trafficking.
August 19, 2020
Sadler’s book is a great introduction to the tragedy of human trafficking. He clears up the myths surrounding it, while offering practical ways to address the problem. And he conveys these ideas through the stories of those have been trafficked and those who are trying to dismantle it.
January 22, 2020
I feel it was either negligent or misleading of the publisher to put out such a religious book without identifying it as such on its cover. I would suggest"Vulnerable People Loving Other Vulnerable People because Christ was Made Vulnerable for Them" as a more suitable title, since the author describes that as being this book's theme and also it is honestly indicative of his writing style. I may have been too hasty in skimming the blurb I read that led to my requesting this book for review, but I expected an informational resource about human trafficking, and was disappointed to find so little on that topic of substance. Someone interested in what the Bible says about human trafficking would be thrilled to read this book, but they would have just as much trouble identifying it as I would have in avoiding it.
I liked the bits about the UN's Palermo protocols, and the Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA) of 2000, Aside from simplistic definitions of human trafficking and vulnerability, Sadler does a disservice in drudging up misinformation like the Attorney General of Texas pronouncing the Super Bowl the "single largest human trafficking incident" in the US, and then rehashing all the commonsense reasons why it should be ignored. I had never been confronted with the gospel-centric perspective before, and come away with the sense that it uses twice as many words to yield about one-quarter the amount of usable information that regular writing does.
I liked the bits about the UN's Palermo protocols, and the Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA) of 2000, Aside from simplistic definitions of human trafficking and vulnerability, Sadler does a disservice in drudging up misinformation like the Attorney General of Texas pronouncing the Super Bowl the "single largest human trafficking incident" in the US, and then rehashing all the commonsense reasons why it should be ignored. I had never been confronted with the gospel-centric perspective before, and come away with the sense that it uses twice as many words to yield about one-quarter the amount of usable information that regular writing does.
January 6, 2021
I realized I never fully reviewed this book. I thought it was excellent. I recommended it to others to read as well. The information was well-researched and presented in an interesting and informative way. There is so much I did not know about this subject! It was often hard to read—but very worth it! My perspective has definitely changed!
*I was given a copy of this book at a discounted price on behalf of the author and asked to give a review. This opinion is my own.
*I was given a copy of this book at a discounted price on behalf of the author and asked to give a review. This opinion is my own.
April 2, 2019
Useful for folks not overly familiar with trafficking. A good perspective on bringing our own vulnerabilities as gifts, not burdens.
June 13, 2019
This book review took me a while. Although I am very knowledgeable about trafficking, human and otherwise, this book altered my thinking in the way I respond. You see, I have always had a strong sense for justice and injustices incense me. In fact, I pursued careers that were designed to help people and be the hero of the day. As many of you know, I left those careers behind for a myriad of reasons.
Yet this book addressed how I look at human trafficking (and other social injustices) in regards to my walk with Christ. This book, although speaking to human trafficking, really gets down to how we, as Christians, should respond to social injustices as the body of Christ. He teaches the practical side of the issue; what to look for, how to recognize situations, what to do if you see something suspicious. He also teaches the spiritual side of it, the heart and mind issues.
It boils down to vulnerability. When you are vulnerable, you can reach the vulnerable. As the body of Christ, we are all about reaching people. Not just to help them, but also to show them the love of Jesus. We have a savior who died to save all of us, including those we are trying to help. We aren’t meant to be those people’s savior/hero, we are meant to lead them to the savior. It isn’t easy. It’s completely risky. But it is completely doable. It doesn’t take much, but it does take time.
It takes time and it takes intentionality. This book leads you through that. It teaches you about human trafficking, things you may or may not have known (FYI – human trafficking does not look like it does on TV), as well as how to be vulnerable and to love those that are vulnerable. In a very practical way, Raleigh Sadler walks you through how you can easily be effective at having a huge impact in someone’s life and in your community.
Throughout the book, you get a very real and truthful glimpse into the journey that Raleigh Sadler himself went through. What I love about this book is that in addition to teaching about human trafficking and the scriptural basis for the things he is teaching, you also see his journey. That journey shows the messiness in how we, as Christians, learn what God has in store for us. It isn’t always clean and simple, it is often a process that involves learning and relearning, following then messing up, making mistakes and having God redeem them.
This book teaches you to give yourself permission to be vulnerable, to take risks, and to truly love. Anyone who has been vulnerable, taken risks, or truly loved wholly will tell you, it is messy. You have major ups and downs, there will be insecurities and mistakes, you may be hurt or do the hurting, and it is always a journey for the long haul. As he says in his book, “Though we like to insulate ourselves from risk and scarcity, Jesus is calling us to embrace it.” Our lives are not meant to be safe. They are meant for love.
This book will take a while to go through, especially if you take the time to pray and think over the concepts. However, it is well worth your time. You will learn about human trafficking, how you can respond, how to grow in your Christian walk, how to see other people with God’s eyes, how to love others in a way that has impact, and how to be the body of Christ to others.
As Martin Luther said, and Raleigh Sadler included in this book, “God doesn’t need your good works, but your neighbor does.” Take a risk, and let Raleigh Sadler lead you through this transformation.
Yet this book addressed how I look at human trafficking (and other social injustices) in regards to my walk with Christ. This book, although speaking to human trafficking, really gets down to how we, as Christians, should respond to social injustices as the body of Christ. He teaches the practical side of the issue; what to look for, how to recognize situations, what to do if you see something suspicious. He also teaches the spiritual side of it, the heart and mind issues.
It boils down to vulnerability. When you are vulnerable, you can reach the vulnerable. As the body of Christ, we are all about reaching people. Not just to help them, but also to show them the love of Jesus. We have a savior who died to save all of us, including those we are trying to help. We aren’t meant to be those people’s savior/hero, we are meant to lead them to the savior. It isn’t easy. It’s completely risky. But it is completely doable. It doesn’t take much, but it does take time.
It takes time and it takes intentionality. This book leads you through that. It teaches you about human trafficking, things you may or may not have known (FYI – human trafficking does not look like it does on TV), as well as how to be vulnerable and to love those that are vulnerable. In a very practical way, Raleigh Sadler walks you through how you can easily be effective at having a huge impact in someone’s life and in your community.
Throughout the book, you get a very real and truthful glimpse into the journey that Raleigh Sadler himself went through. What I love about this book is that in addition to teaching about human trafficking and the scriptural basis for the things he is teaching, you also see his journey. That journey shows the messiness in how we, as Christians, learn what God has in store for us. It isn’t always clean and simple, it is often a process that involves learning and relearning, following then messing up, making mistakes and having God redeem them.
This book teaches you to give yourself permission to be vulnerable, to take risks, and to truly love. Anyone who has been vulnerable, taken risks, or truly loved wholly will tell you, it is messy. You have major ups and downs, there will be insecurities and mistakes, you may be hurt or do the hurting, and it is always a journey for the long haul. As he says in his book, “Though we like to insulate ourselves from risk and scarcity, Jesus is calling us to embrace it.” Our lives are not meant to be safe. They are meant for love.
This book will take a while to go through, especially if you take the time to pray and think over the concepts. However, it is well worth your time. You will learn about human trafficking, how you can respond, how to grow in your Christian walk, how to see other people with God’s eyes, how to love others in a way that has impact, and how to be the body of Christ to others.
As Martin Luther said, and Raleigh Sadler included in this book, “God doesn’t need your good works, but your neighbor does.” Take a risk, and let Raleigh Sadler lead you through this transformation.
November 28, 2025
3.75 stars
This book surprised me in a way. I thought I was going to be reading about human trafficking filled with statistics I stay updated on, and information that would be regurgitated from websites I visit often. Thankfully, it was simply about being able to view people in a way so that you love your neighbor as yourself. It teaches to be aware of those who are vulnerable in various ways, and how if you are a Christian, you should reach out to help them, as we are commanded to (like the story of the Good Samaritan).
The author, Raleigh Sadler, begins to talk about his journey and how he learned about human trafficking and was so impacted by it, that he sold everything he owned and went to live in NYC to try to do something to make a difference in the lives of those who were hurting.
Sadler talks about how as Christians, we need to also be vulnerable. We need to be willing to admit our sins, to explain our own hurts and pains, and to be able to connect with others, and that it is not good to try to handle things on our own. In expressing his own vulnerabilities, he confesses how he had been a slave to sin through pornography until he realized how many victims of human trafficking are forced to watch it and forced to be put into it. It stirred things up in him more and sickened him. I appreciated that he expressed such sinfulness, and I hope he continues to be free from it (though I worry sometimes when I hear things like this and hear that he is trying to help people who are possibly being put into sex trafficking which is so very linked to pornography, so I am just going to trust he is being genuine).
I did like the illustration that Sadler used with the scriptures from when Jesus sent out disciples to take nothing with them and to trust in God with their path as they preach the gospel. He was talking about how Christ made them vulnerable as a way to be more trusting in God to lead and guide them. I like the fact that they had to be completely dependent on Him to be there for them. It is something you don't hear about much today with missions work or people trying to reach out in their own communities to do God's work. It was just a good reminder.
Overall, this book was not very good if you want information on human trafficking. There are a few stories of those who have been trafficked, but it is more encouraging to those who want to be better equipped in the fight against modern-day slavery. It was however a good book for encouraging us to live out the gospel and to reach out to those around us. I enjoyed it.
This book surprised me in a way. I thought I was going to be reading about human trafficking filled with statistics I stay updated on, and information that would be regurgitated from websites I visit often. Thankfully, it was simply about being able to view people in a way so that you love your neighbor as yourself. It teaches to be aware of those who are vulnerable in various ways, and how if you are a Christian, you should reach out to help them, as we are commanded to (like the story of the Good Samaritan).
The author, Raleigh Sadler, begins to talk about his journey and how he learned about human trafficking and was so impacted by it, that he sold everything he owned and went to live in NYC to try to do something to make a difference in the lives of those who were hurting.
Sadler talks about how as Christians, we need to also be vulnerable. We need to be willing to admit our sins, to explain our own hurts and pains, and to be able to connect with others, and that it is not good to try to handle things on our own. In expressing his own vulnerabilities, he confesses how he had been a slave to sin through pornography until he realized how many victims of human trafficking are forced to watch it and forced to be put into it. It stirred things up in him more and sickened him. I appreciated that he expressed such sinfulness, and I hope he continues to be free from it (though I worry sometimes when I hear things like this and hear that he is trying to help people who are possibly being put into sex trafficking which is so very linked to pornography, so I am just going to trust he is being genuine).
I did like the illustration that Sadler used with the scriptures from when Jesus sent out disciples to take nothing with them and to trust in God with their path as they preach the gospel. He was talking about how Christ made them vulnerable as a way to be more trusting in God to lead and guide them. I like the fact that they had to be completely dependent on Him to be there for them. It is something you don't hear about much today with missions work or people trying to reach out in their own communities to do God's work. It was just a good reminder.
Overall, this book was not very good if you want information on human trafficking. There are a few stories of those who have been trafficked, but it is more encouraging to those who want to be better equipped in the fight against modern-day slavery. It was however a good book for encouraging us to live out the gospel and to reach out to those around us. I enjoyed it.
August 6, 2019
"Vulnerable" humbled me. (I guess it made me feel vulnerable) There are so few pat answers. Human trafficking seems pretty cut and dry, and yet I could be making it worse without even knowing. In response, I cling to Sadler's advice. "Intentionally love the person in front of you".
Notes
(1) Jesus allowed Himself to be helped by outcasts (68)
(2) If you want to find vulnerable people, go to a Chinese restaurant on Christmas day (!) (77)
(3) We have a track record of covering up our own vulnerability, even if it means trampling over the more vulnerable to do it (84)
(4) Personal note: Good point about preserving the dignity of those whom we "rescue". Reminds me of the saying, "A helping hand is a controlling hand" (97)
(5) Poverty + Isolation = exploitation (116)
(6) Personal note: interesting thoughts about cheap products, slave labor, and pornography. It's difficult to know what's right. I've read economic books defending "sweat shops". That if we pull our business, we could be hurting the poor in other countries. They don't have any other viable means for earning a living. That few dollars a day is the difference between life and death. Regarding pornography, I don't advocate it for other reasons, but do the women have a choice? Sadler argues that most of the "actresses", while not necessarily trafficked into adult movies, were abused as children. This lead to a certain inevitability. Their warped view of human sexuality drove them to unhealthy career choices. Sadler's action item is to choke off demand.
(7) "Are we purchasing freedom or are we consuming suffering" (149)
(8) Rather than working to rest we should work from rest (165)
(9) You cannot love someone when you're standing at a safe distance (184)
(10) Personal note: We often spend so much time justifying ourselves that we never get around to evaluating ourselves (197)
(11) "everyone can be great because everyone can serve" -the Martin Luther King, Jr. (198)
(12) Make a decision to intentionally love the person in front of you (205)
(13) Personal note: Sadler quotes Toxic Charity. Hilarious. Thought about that book while reading (206)
(14) Personal note: Good section on the gospel (222)
Notes
(1) Jesus allowed Himself to be helped by outcasts (68)
(2) If you want to find vulnerable people, go to a Chinese restaurant on Christmas day (!) (77)
(3) We have a track record of covering up our own vulnerability, even if it means trampling over the more vulnerable to do it (84)
(4) Personal note: Good point about preserving the dignity of those whom we "rescue". Reminds me of the saying, "A helping hand is a controlling hand" (97)
(5) Poverty + Isolation = exploitation (116)
(6) Personal note: interesting thoughts about cheap products, slave labor, and pornography. It's difficult to know what's right. I've read economic books defending "sweat shops". That if we pull our business, we could be hurting the poor in other countries. They don't have any other viable means for earning a living. That few dollars a day is the difference between life and death. Regarding pornography, I don't advocate it for other reasons, but do the women have a choice? Sadler argues that most of the "actresses", while not necessarily trafficked into adult movies, were abused as children. This lead to a certain inevitability. Their warped view of human sexuality drove them to unhealthy career choices. Sadler's action item is to choke off demand.
(7) "Are we purchasing freedom or are we consuming suffering" (149)
(8) Rather than working to rest we should work from rest (165)
(9) You cannot love someone when you're standing at a safe distance (184)
(10) Personal note: We often spend so much time justifying ourselves that we never get around to evaluating ourselves (197)
(11) "everyone can be great because everyone can serve" -the Martin Luther King, Jr. (198)
(12) Make a decision to intentionally love the person in front of you (205)
(13) Personal note: Sadler quotes Toxic Charity. Hilarious. Thought about that book while reading (206)
(14) Personal note: Good section on the gospel (222)
August 29, 2019
“Slavery still exists today.” That’s the super simple phrase someone said to be over a decade ago that introduced me to this whole frightening concept of human trafficking, a.k.a., modern slavery. It was a new concept to me at the time since slavery in that moment only conjured up images of days past with cotton picking on a southern plantation. I’m sure all of us by now have been introduced to the idea of human trafficking. But the author of Vulnerable: Rethinking Human Trafficking reminds us that the images in our mind’s eye of human trafficking may differ greatly from reality. The book Vulnerable: Rethinking Human Trafficking by Raleigh Sadler unpacks the concept of this 21st-century form of slavery, busting long-held myths on human trafficking, offering practical ways for all of us to combat human trafficking, and most of all, shining a light in the dark corners where the vulnerable hide.
Because that’s the whole concept behind human trafficking and slavery. It’s all about exploiting the weak and vulnerable. The author of Vulnerable: Rethinking Human Trafficking, Raleigh Sadler, dives into busting these myths:
Vulnerable: Rethinking Human Trafficking
My take on Vulnerable: Rethinking Human Trafficking
Vulnerable: Rethinking Human Trafficking shakes us out of our comfort zones and wakes us up to the human trafficking that’s happening in our own zip-code, not just in Someplace-We-Don’t-Live, Europe. It talks of personal stories of human trafficking, including the own author’s awakening to the human trafficking conundrum. What I probably loved the most about this book is it’s practical takeaways of how we can all fight human trafficking now. In our own hometown. For example, we can fight human trafficking by what we choose to consume through the purchases we make and what we choose to watch.
The big takeaway I had was that if there is no demand for cheap labor (be it through sexual exploitation or general labor) then there won’t be any need for the vulnerables to fill in the need for supplying these desires.
Because that’s the whole concept behind human trafficking and slavery. It’s all about exploiting the weak and vulnerable. The author of Vulnerable: Rethinking Human Trafficking, Raleigh Sadler, dives into busting these myths:
Vulnerable: Rethinking Human Trafficking
My take on Vulnerable: Rethinking Human Trafficking
Vulnerable: Rethinking Human Trafficking shakes us out of our comfort zones and wakes us up to the human trafficking that’s happening in our own zip-code, not just in Someplace-We-Don’t-Live, Europe. It talks of personal stories of human trafficking, including the own author’s awakening to the human trafficking conundrum. What I probably loved the most about this book is it’s practical takeaways of how we can all fight human trafficking now. In our own hometown. For example, we can fight human trafficking by what we choose to consume through the purchases we make and what we choose to watch.
The big takeaway I had was that if there is no demand for cheap labor (be it through sexual exploitation or general labor) then there won’t be any need for the vulnerables to fill in the need for supplying these desires.
February 10, 2020
Vulnerable by Raleigh Sadler is not designed to be an easy read. It works to make the reader uncomfortable enough to make a change for the better, to engage with human vulnerability, what it means and how to recognise it. Raleigh remarks “Human trafficking happens anywhere there is vulnerability.” Slavery is at the heart of this discussion but it is woven with Biblical truths and a study what being vulnerable means, positively and negatively.
The book is filled with terrifying statistics which shock such as “After reviewing 116 cases involving 382 traffickers, it was discovered that 93 percent of the victims were trafficked by someone within their own community.“ but they are contrasted by stories and testimonies of those saved, those rescued and those who’ve helped them.
“When we are isolated in our vulnerability, we are not only less likely to flourish, but we are more likely to be targeted by those who wish to exploit us.” - From Vulnerable by Raleigh Sadler
Raleigh builds a solid argument that, as Christians, God set us a task to love others as we love ourselves and to seek the vulnerable. In doing so, each one of us can work to fight modern day slavery,
In order to help the vulnerable, we have to know what they look like. He spends a considerable amount of the book unpacking it. If you have been exposed to Brené Brown and similar authors, these principles will be familiar but the slavery context will reframe it for you.
Raleigh also explores the various forms of slavery including forced labour highlighting ways in which we, as everyday consumers, can fight slavery with our purchasing choices.
“The International Labor Organization estimates that 24.9 million people are currently victims of forced labor.6 In other words, you can rest assured that someone is paying the ultimate cost for your choice, even if you aren’t.” - From Vulnerable by Raleigh Sadler
If you are like me, you may feel squeamish picking up a slavery book, but rest assured whilst the stories are heartbreaking, they aren’t graphic. It is a book of hope, of what we can do rather than focusing on the horror of what is.
I found it a fascinating and enlightening read. There is a great resource at the end too of 100 ways to combat slavery. It’s a four out of five on the enJOYment scale and highly recommended.
The book is filled with terrifying statistics which shock such as “After reviewing 116 cases involving 382 traffickers, it was discovered that 93 percent of the victims were trafficked by someone within their own community.“ but they are contrasted by stories and testimonies of those saved, those rescued and those who’ve helped them.
“When we are isolated in our vulnerability, we are not only less likely to flourish, but we are more likely to be targeted by those who wish to exploit us.” - From Vulnerable by Raleigh Sadler
Raleigh builds a solid argument that, as Christians, God set us a task to love others as we love ourselves and to seek the vulnerable. In doing so, each one of us can work to fight modern day slavery,
In order to help the vulnerable, we have to know what they look like. He spends a considerable amount of the book unpacking it. If you have been exposed to Brené Brown and similar authors, these principles will be familiar but the slavery context will reframe it for you.
Raleigh also explores the various forms of slavery including forced labour highlighting ways in which we, as everyday consumers, can fight slavery with our purchasing choices.
“The International Labor Organization estimates that 24.9 million people are currently victims of forced labor.6 In other words, you can rest assured that someone is paying the ultimate cost for your choice, even if you aren’t.” - From Vulnerable by Raleigh Sadler
If you are like me, you may feel squeamish picking up a slavery book, but rest assured whilst the stories are heartbreaking, they aren’t graphic. It is a book of hope, of what we can do rather than focusing on the horror of what is.
I found it a fascinating and enlightening read. There is a great resource at the end too of 100 ways to combat slavery. It’s a four out of five on the enJOYment scale and highly recommended.
June 4, 2019
In his book Vulnerable: Rethinking Human Trafficking, Raleigh Sadler, president and founder of Let My People Go, makes the case that anyone can fight human trafficking by focusing on those who are most often targeted. This book invites the reader to understand their role in the problem of human trafficking, but more importantly, their role in the solution.
Human trafficking can be defined as the exploitation of vulnerability for commercial gain. Using the power of story and candid interviews, Sadler seeks to discover how ordinary people can fight human trafficking by recognizing vulnerability and entering in. Besides sex trafficking, there is also agricultural labor, hospitality and service industries. The book explores the victims and how we can help, but we can’t rush in with a “rescue” complex.
“Sin caused the exploitation of vulnerability-Human traffickers prey on the most vulnerable- the young, prisoners, the homeless, the poor. We who are all vulnerable should be reaching out to those and become their friends. Only then can we change things. The author mentioned that “each of us has gifts and abilities that we can use. I promise you that as we grow where we are planted, we will be able to do much more then if we tried to serve in a way that is not a fit with who we are.”
I wonder how many of us has tried to serve in a way that is not a fit with who we are. We need to remember Jesus knows our plans way before we do, and as vulnerable people, we can empower other vulnerable people, because Christ was mad vulnerable for us.
I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
May 16, 2019
All of us are vulnerable in many ways. It started in the Garden of Eden when Adam and Eve were “naked, and were not ashamed.” Sin caused the exploitation of vulnerability. Human traffickers prey on the most vulnerable—the homeless, the poor, the outcast, the young, prisoners, etc. We, who are also vulnerable, need to reach out to these people and befriend them. Only then can we change things.
This is a very interesting book on human trafficking, whether it be sex trafficking, agricultural labor, hospitality, and service industries. It explores the victims of trafficking and how we can help. But we can't rush in with a “rescue” complex. We need to meet the victims as being vulnerable ourselves. The author discusses vulnerability in Scripture and how to recognize it around us. He talks about how vulnerability can be a strength and also how we need each other. He talks about how we need to make our churches a safe place for those who are vulnerable and those being trafficked. The Appendix gives 100 ways to fight human trafficking.
This is a great book and gave me a lot to think about. I did get bogged down a bit with some of the theological discussions such as one on the gospel and law near the end of the book. However, I think it is a good book that everyone, including pastors, should read.
(Please Note: Although this book was given to me by B&H and Lifeway to review, the opinions expressed are my own.)
This is a very interesting book on human trafficking, whether it be sex trafficking, agricultural labor, hospitality, and service industries. It explores the victims of trafficking and how we can help. But we can't rush in with a “rescue” complex. We need to meet the victims as being vulnerable ourselves. The author discusses vulnerability in Scripture and how to recognize it around us. He talks about how vulnerability can be a strength and also how we need each other. He talks about how we need to make our churches a safe place for those who are vulnerable and those being trafficked. The Appendix gives 100 ways to fight human trafficking.
This is a great book and gave me a lot to think about. I did get bogged down a bit with some of the theological discussions such as one on the gospel and law near the end of the book. However, I think it is a good book that everyone, including pastors, should read.
(Please Note: Although this book was given to me by B&H and Lifeway to review, the opinions expressed are my own.)
December 29, 2019
Really amazing read. It wasn’t what I was initially expecting because when I picked it up I anticipated for a deeper look at how to fight human trafficking - and while there is a great appendix in the back that’s full of practical ideas, it turned out to more so be an in-depth look at not just the vulnerability of those in slavery but also our own, which was challenging and profound throughout the entire book. I didn’t realize how much I needed to take a step back and think through the gospel again through the lens of vulnerability, how Jesus made Himself vulnerable for us so that we would become saved. And I also needed to look at my own vulnerability and realize that the Lord really does use us in our weakness, and we have to humble ourselves and know that we are broken, that ultimately He is our strength. This book overall gave me a much deeper and richer understanding of the human trafficking issue in our world and of how to approach this issue from a biblical perspective. There was so much he covered that I know I’ll be picking this up again to re-read, and I’m moved to do my own research into what I buy and how I can help stop this problem with the life I live. Definitely pick this one up.
November 18, 2019
This is an excellent book on the subject of vulnerability, loving the vulnerable, and human trafficking. The premise of the book - that the vulnerable are equipped to love the vulnerable because Jesus was vulnerable for us - is an incredible foundation as we believers consider how Jesus equips us to love the vulnerable. Raleigh is himself vulnerable throughout the book, and gives a mixture of spiritual implications, as well as practical steps. It is overall informing, encouraging, and convicting.
November 13, 2021
If you are involved in Christian ministry and you are going to read one book on human trafficking this should be the one. While there are stories of trafficking this is a excellent look at the root of the problem and that is the exploitation of vulnerable people.
The challenge is there to impact your community by reducing the number of vulnerable people in it. It is not made to appear that it is a simple solution, but rather a complex one that will take different methods based on the situation.
The challenge is there to impact your community by reducing the number of vulnerable people in it. It is not made to appear that it is a simple solution, but rather a complex one that will take different methods based on the situation.
June 9, 2020
The content/ideas are great. The writing is not. I found myself skipping through a lot so I could just focus on some of the more salient points. It's still valuable in that regard.
I'm very interested in learning more about human trafficking and how to fight it—the book covers a lot of great, helpful info from a Christian perspective.
I'm very interested in learning more about human trafficking and how to fight it—the book covers a lot of great, helpful info from a Christian perspective.
May 23, 2020
Difficult to rate. Not a classic literary work but vitally important for anyone who wants to be kind & smart, a compassionate atheist or a faithful follower of God.
(‘Smart and Kind’ or vice versa I picked up from the other book I just listened to:Get Well Soon by Jennifer Wright)
(‘Smart and Kind’ or vice versa I picked up from the other book I just listened to:Get Well Soon by Jennifer Wright)
February 13, 2020
We are all vulnerable.
Those four words summarize everything this author is saying in this book. A lot of talk, but not much said.
Those four words summarize everything this author is saying in this book. A lot of talk, but not much said.
October 7, 2023
Profoundly disturbing and informative; most people have no idea of the horrors of human trafficking. Not for the faint hearted or closed minded.
December 17, 2025
Great info. Will read some of the other books he recommends on the topic.
March 26, 2021
Had to know how to rate this.
The premise is great, the message is great, it reframed my thinking about the core root of human trafficking being vulnerability which is really helpful, but it was so long. Look a lot of words to say the relatively simple content. Some chapters I went back and scribbled ‘skip this chapter’ on the title page. The first two chapters were great.
I do recommend it but don’t be afraid to skim chunks.
The premise is great, the message is great, it reframed my thinking about the core root of human trafficking being vulnerability which is really helpful, but it was so long. Look a lot of words to say the relatively simple content. Some chapters I went back and scribbled ‘skip this chapter’ on the title page. The first two chapters were great.
I do recommend it but don’t be afraid to skim chunks.
December 27, 2020
Raleigh Sadler's *Vulnerable: Rethinking Human Trafficking* is a heartwrenching but necessary book for Christians to read. My review: https://medium.com/park-recommendatio...
March 2, 2022
Does this book have incredibly important information in it? Yes! Does it express these point clearly and to the point? Also yes. But, unfortunately (in my taste), I found incredibly slow to get through.
The interviews were honestly painful to read, due to poor editing. I would have much preferred for them to be transcribed and written in a way that’s easy to read rather than word for word how we speak.
I also thought Sadler’s personal stories were good enhancements, but maybe unnecessary at times.
Sadler is clearly well researched and experienced with the issue of human trafficking. I just think he needed a better editor maybe. That’s why this wasn’t a higher rating for me🤷🏼♀️
The interviews were honestly painful to read, due to poor editing. I would have much preferred for them to be transcribed and written in a way that’s easy to read rather than word for word how we speak.
I also thought Sadler’s personal stories were good enhancements, but maybe unnecessary at times.
Sadler is clearly well researched and experienced with the issue of human trafficking. I just think he needed a better editor maybe. That’s why this wasn’t a higher rating for me🤷🏼♀️
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