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06 October 2015

Nick Caine, anti-trafficking campaigner

Nick Caine is director and founder of The A21 Campaign, alongside his wife Christine. A21 campaigns against human trafficking and fights slavery around the globe.

How did it start?
My wife, Christine, and I were ministering in Europe at the time that Madeleine Mccann was mysteriously taken from her bed while her family were on holiday in Portugal. While travelling from Ukraine to Greece, it was impossible not to notice the walls plastered with posters of missing children, including Madeleine. We began asking questions about the many missing children in Europe and wondering what could have happened to them. This was the first time we had heard the words “human trafficking” in the responses. That sparked off many more questions, research and ultimately led to the formation of The A21 Campaign.

Why did you get involved?
Other than the sheer injustice of human trafficking, one of the many reasons I got involved is because I have two daughters – and as a father, there was no way I could sit and do nothing about this issue once I became aware.

How does your faith influence your work?
One of the reasons we are on the planet, and not all enjoying heaven and eternity right now, is to help make this world a better place. My faith is the foundation of my life – I believe that we are to be the hands and feet of Jesus in the best way that we can while we are still here.

What are the best and worst parts about your job?
The worst parts are the frustrating moments of seeing what could be and the reality of how long it sometimes takes to get there. One of the best parts and the thing that never fails to inspire me is the courage and bravery of victims that have been rescued as they pursue becoming whole. Knowing that we make a difference, we can see complete transformation in people’s lives and knowing that we can give them hope and a second chance at their dreams – that makes the hard work worth it.

What is your most memorable moment?
There are so many moments that I will never forget since we have started A21. A trip to Thailand to open our office in Bangkok stands out – such blatant and horrific trafficking of children. It was unlike anything I had ever seen with my own eyes before, and it has stayed with me ever since.

Can one person really make a difference in the fastest growing global crime?
Absolutely - never underestimate the power of one person. I love the quote by Edward Hale: “I am only one, but I am one. I cannot do everything, but I can do something. And I will not let what I cannot do interfere with what I can do.” 

What can the Church do?
The Church has a key role to play in the fight against trafficking. Church is people from all walks of life – doctors and lawyers, car mechanics and engineers, athletes and actors, students, police officers, politicians and teachers. We, the Church, are in every sphere of influence in society so we have great potential to make a significant difference. We can raise awareness, help address demand, change broken laws, help the hurting and those directly affected by trafficking. We can act as Jesus would and we can pray. Never underestimate the power of prayer.

Why is it important for people to get involved with Anti-Slavery Day?
The power of Anti-Slavery Day is unity. When we all participate in days like this – we help the issue become something that is impossible to ignore. We started the Walk For Freedom surrounding Anti-Slavery Day. With walks happening all over the world, it is our way to provide an avenue for others to easily join us in making a noise so the world takes notice.

What one change would you encourage people to make?
Commit! Don’t just be moved by emotion or follow a trend to fight human trafficking, but truly research the issue and then invest some time into examining your own life. What are your gifts and talents, your sphere of influence, your passions and desires? It takes commitment to not just feel compassion, but to engage.