Header Photo – Periódico Maranata
A Solemn Gathering for a Noble Cause
In the vibrant heartbeat of San José, Costa Rica, a mighty throng of individuals assembled in unity and purpose on September 30th. Adorned in garments of pure white, they took to the streets with solemnity and fervor under the rallying cry: “Our Children are Sacred!”
A Binding Faith Against Exploitation
The march saw a harmonious convergence of the Evangelical and Roman Catholic communities of this Central American nation, collectively raising their voices in staunch denunciation of child trafficking and varied forms of vile exploitation rampant in the broader expanse of Latin America.
A Motion Picture’s Stirring Impact
Fueling this mobilization of conscience was the poignant film “Sound of Freedom.” Crafted by Mexican producer Eduardo Verástegui, this cinematic oeuvre sheds light on and condemns the unseen chains of child slavery darkening the lands of Latin America.
Governmental Recognition of a People’s Movement
Acknowledging the profound significance and public interest encapsulated in the march, the Costa Rican government duly recognized and endorsed the event.
A Sea of White in San José
The marchers, in their white attire, flowed through the central Paseo Colón avenue in San José, creating a living tapestry of commitment and concern. As the forefront reached the main stage, the undulating crowd stretched for blocks, bearing witness to the gravity and widespread support for the cause.
The Guiding Light: Jorge Gómez
Jorge Gómez, a revered figure and former president of the Costa Rican Evangelical Alliance, was among the guiding lights of the event. With a vision to defend the rights of all children, including the unborn, Gómez sought not only to denounce, but to educate, enlightening society on the sexual, ideological, and doctrinal abuses that children fall victim to across Latin America.
A Message Engraved in Hearts
As shared with local Christian outlet Periódico Maranata, Gómez emphasized that the march embodied the shared responsibility to disseminate the unerring truth found within the Holy Scriptures, ultimately holding each individual accountable for their attitudes and actions within society.
A Nation’s Unified Stand for Life
Shirley Díaz, the indomitable director of the Costa Rica National Front for Life (Frente Nacional por la Vida), voiced that the collective cry rising from the hearts of Costa Ricans bore the unmistakable message underscoring the intrinsic value of children—a message deserving acknowledgment and action from all sectors of society and international bodies alike.
Global Shadows Over Innocence
The International Centre for Missing and Exploited Children (ICMEC) unveils chilling statistics: over 1.8 million children worldwide are ensnared in the abominable web of sexual exploitation.
Unseen Chains and Blind Spots
A comprehensive joint study undertaken by ICMEC and UNICEF in 2011 brought to light the disturbing reality of child trafficking, exacerbated by blind spots at borders and the surge in illegal migration through the region.
The US Border’s Silent Victims
In the shadows of the US-Mexico border, an estimated 250,000 to 800,000 children from El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua live as illegal migrants. The magnitude of this crisis obscures the true extent of the children potentially trafficked, lost amidst the numbers and anonymity.
The Closing Call: Rise for the Children
As the echoes of the march fade into the annals of history, the call to action it heralded reverberates across borders, imploring one and all to rise, stand firm, and unfailingly defend the innocent, for in their well-being and smiles rests the hope and promise of the future.
