The Covenant Eyes Podcast recently sat down with Operation Underground Railroad founder, Tim Ballard. Tim’s story has been dramatized in the new blockbuster movie, The Sound of Freedom. In our conversation with Tim, we learned about the sex trafficking industry, its connection to pornography, and what people can do to make a difference.
The Story Behind The Sound of Freedom
Tim Ballard founded an organization dedicated to fighting child trafficking, Operation Underground Railroad. The Sound of Freedom tells about his background and how Tim got his start working for the Department of Homeland Security. Eventually, he faced the choice of continuing to work for the government and catching criminals or venturing out on his own to actually save children. Tim took a leap of faith, risked everything, and chose to rescue children.
Reflecting on the filmmakers’ determination to make this movie, Tim acknowledges their leap of faith as well. The film captures the intense emotions and challenges associated with his actions, both before and after his decision to leave his government job to rescue exploited children.
The Operation’s Success
While the film highlights a powerful rescue scene, the reality was even more remarkable. With over 130 children saved during this operation, the true extent of the mission’s impact surpasses what is depicted on screen. Tim describes the operation as a thrilling, white-knuckle experience that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. The film serves as a testimony to the dedicated individuals and their unwavering commitment to freeing innocent lives from the clutches of child trafficking.
The Urgency for Action
Many people who watch this film leave with a profound sense of anger and frustration. What can we do to fight against child trafficking? By amplifying our voices, increasing awareness, and advocating for change, we can push governments to allocate more resources and enact the necessary policies to protect vulnerable children.
The Connection to Pornography
So what does child trafficking have to do with pornography? The porn and sex trafficking industries are inextricably linked. The sad reality is that sex trafficking fuels the pornography industry. In turn, pornography creates a demand for sex trafficking. For too long, traffickers have been enabled by society’s unwillingness to confront this uncomfortable reality. By recognizing the ties between these exploitative industries, we can work towards dismantling the systems that perpetuate such horrors.
The first step in confronting sex trafficking is saying “no” to pornography. This begins with individuals, families, and communities addressing the problem of porn, and taking proactive steps to deal with it.
The Church’s Responsibility
Tim calls upon religious leaders and ministries to recognize the urgency of addressing child trafficking. Children must be prioritized in the fight against this heinous crime. By raising awareness, supporting anti-trafficking organizations, and combatting the culture that sexualizes children, the Church can lead the way in protecting God’s children.
You can learn more about Tim’s organization, Operation Underground Railroad (O.U.R.), and how to get involved with this important work by checking out our podcast with Tim Ballard.
