Check out this Associated Press article, posted online at 9news.com and which originally appeared in Denver’s Rocky Mountain News on Sunday, August 10, 2008. Chronicling the lives of children roped into child labor to mine for gold (some not more than four years old), this article exposes an injustice for which we all need to be aware. Believe me–this story hits closer to home than you might think.
Developing a world view that expands beyond self and day-to-day life requires intentionality. Taking the time to self-educate (including reading similar articles and keeping up with world news events) is a good first step. I have been convicted that willfully choosing to remain ignorant is a mockery of poverty’s reality.
I won’t add any extra commentary today. It is too important that you take a couple minutes to read this simultaneously compelling and heartbreaking story. I know you don’t have much time, and I’m truly not trying to be a “downer” and ruin your afternoon. Still, the reality is that within the hour you’ll recover, while the children detailed in this article will still be stuck in the same nightmare. Inconveniencing myself and stepping into their world for a few minutes…well, I believe it’s the least I can do. At least for now.
He who mocks the poor shows contempt for their Maker; whoever gloats over disaster will not go unpunished…He who is kind to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will reward him for what he has done. Proverbs 17:5, 19:17
“willfully choosing to remain ignorant is a mockery of poverty’s reality.” I agree.
Any chocolate not fair trade is most likely harvested by slave labor, as well. Just a little something I learned in my attempt to pull my head out of the sand.
So sad. Such a sad, sad world. I blogged last week about Afghan women.