'Just Do Something' conference to end Human Trafficking

By Monica Lichtenberger

COLORADO SPRINGS. On Jan. 31, ACT for Freedom Now (AFFN) held a conference at St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Colorado Springs titled “Just Do Something.” The purpose of the conference was to educate participants on the reality and pervasiveness of human trafficking and pornography.

ACT for Freedom Now’s mission focuses on human trafficking prevention through prayer, fasting, almsgiving and awareness. The conference opened with Archbishop James Golka celebrating Mass. Then he delivered a presentation on the importance of prayer and fasting to help stop modern day slavery. He encouraged all to pray the Bahkita Novena. St. Josephine Bahkita was sold into slavery as a child and is the patron saint of human trafficking victims; her feast day is Feb. 8.

After Archbishop Golka’s talk, the participants prayed the rosary which opened with the following anti-trafficking prayer:

Dear Heavenly Father, Son and Holy Spirit you are everything. You are all that is good. We praise you, we honor you and we glorify you. We thank you for all your blessings and graces that you bestow upon us and the whole world.

Heavenly Father and Mother Mary, your love for your children is unimaginable. We believe that children hold a special place in your hearts and that you will help every one of your children. We believe you will save your children who are trafficked, exploited, and enslaved. We ask you to bring offenders, who view, support or use pornography and human trafficking to conversion; and to aid and protect all those who work to prevent, intervene and rehabilitate victims and offenders.

Precious blood of Jesus Christ heal those in bondage, set us free.

Precious blood of Jesus Christ, the scourge of all demons, set us free.

Precious blood of Jesus Christ, the healing blood, save us.

Precious blood of Jesus Christ, the hope of innocent children, save us.

Precious blood of Jesus Christ, the power of the Holy Spirit, save us.

Precious blood of Jesus Christ, deliver all those that are in the hands of the infernal spirits, we beseech you.

Come Holy Spirit, show us the way to do your will. May all know the depth of your love and saving grace. All this we ask in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Fourth Judicial District Attorney Michael Allen then delivered a dynamic presentation connecting the Catholic faith with the current status of human trafficking in the Pikes Peak region. Allen mentioned there was a 38% increase in human trafficking in El Paso County from 2024-2025. He went on to relate that 90-95% of prostitutes have been trafficked; 84% have suffered sexual abuse as a child; 63% have been threatened with harm by traffickers; and 41% have contemplated suicide.

Deacon Andy Berry and Father Erin Kochivar presented on the topics  “Overview of Human Trafficking and Pornography” and “Building Strong Holy Families,” respectively.

During a working lunch, attendees participated in an activity that highlighted the need for parents to talk to their children about the warning signs of human trafficking and exploitation. Fourteen-year-old Lillyonna shared a text message she had received from a groomer on a chat application used by her school’s sports teammates. In part it said:

Groomer: “How do you feel having me as your text buddy who will cater to your needs, show you love, ready to spoil you and pamper you with $400 weekly.

Lillyonna: “No thanks I don’t feel comfortable private messaging people.”

Groomer, “I’d like you to accept my offer . . . There is nothing to worry about . . . you are not paying any fee . . .What I want from you is simple. I want you to be here when I need someone to chat with . . . I promise to take good care of you as long as you’re loyal and honest”

Lillyonna: “No thank you.”

Lillyonna said she knew right away that she was being groomed and told an adult because her family had prepared her to deal with it.

The conference closed with a presentation by Ami Blackshear, an adult survivor of sexual violence and human trafficking, who explained how human traffickers can operate undetected.

 “I grew up in a loving Christian family, in a safe neighborhood, surrounded by faith and community,” Blackshear said. “And yet, harm entered quietly. Through grooming and fear, a child can be taught that silence feels safer than speaking. Many children suffer in silence — hidden in plain sight, even within trusted communities. This is something we must understand if we hope to protect the vulnerable. Abused children rarely say, ‘I am being harmed.’ They say it in hiding. In withdrawing. In imagining. In disappearing inside themselves.”

Blackshear said that, bolstered by her faith, she eventually found her voice and began a journey on the path to healing. She now finds purpose in helping other survivors, in part through her art. One of her paintings (pictured at top left) was displayed at the conference. For more examples of her work, visit amiblackshear.com.

The most commonly heard comment after these types of conferences is “I had no idea.” Yet human trafficking is very close to our homes and families, if not already present in them. For more information on how you can get involved, contact ACT for Freedom Now

at https://actforfreedomnow.com or team@actforfreedomnow.com.

 (Monica Lichtenberger is Community Team Leader for ACT for Freedom Now)