Engaging Students
Society says that the students of today’s generation are lazy, uninterested and apathetic. That today’s students are more concerned about themselves and their futures then of those in need. That students are so saturated with sex in today’s media that they now willingly proclaim, “Look at me, I’m a sex symbol and I’m proud of it.” Society says a lot of things, but at GenerateHope, we have seen a new revolution of students who reject what society says, and instead answer the call to action.
On February 17, nearly 130 college students from Point Loma Nazarene University (PLNU) gathered at Colt Hall to hear members of the GenerateHope team share the vision and direction of GenerateHope. As they addressed a standing room only crowd, students filled seats, aisles, and even stood outside to learn about the problem of sex-trafficking in San Diego.
Jamie Gates, M.Div, Ph.D. and Director of Center for Justice and Reconciliation at PLNU, organized the event as a part of the Center’s “Brewed Awakenings” series. The Center’s mission is to study poverty and oppression and teach Christian means of social engagement. Each month Gates brings in a different speaker to provide “enrichment to faculty, staff, students and interested community members.”
This month, we were pleased to accept an invitation from him. The presentation, which lasted 1.5 hours, went through alarming statistics, graphic photos and revealed testimonies of girls who had been trafficked.
Following the conclusion of the forum, students lined up to speak with the GenerateHope team on ways they could actively participate in the fight against sex-trafficking. One student mentioned starting a prayer group on campus to pray for GenerateHope and its cause. Another offered his services for a benefit concert to raise funds. One by one they came up with ideas, encouragement and a new understanding of the sex-trafficking industry. As they left, some signed up as volunteers to be mentors, teachers, or friends to the girls who will be living at the GenerateHope safe house.
It’s been said that there is no hope for the current generation of youth. However, we are confident that our world is going to be radically changed because of students like these who have a fervent passion for social justice. The students at PLNU, like many college students, do have sex on their minds. However, for them, those thoughts are aimed towards stopping sex-traffickers and providing security for their victims. There is hope, and we are excited to see the direction of today’s students.
Learn more about The Center for Justice and Reconciliation at PLNU.