The role of fathers in combating child exploitation and trafficking

Imagine you’re traveling to a foreign country for the very first time. Before you leave, someone hands you a bag full of cash in the local currency to pay for your expenses. But there’s a problem — mixed in with the real banknotes are some counterfeit ones.

How would you know which bills are genuine and which are fake if you’ve never seen the real money before? Without a standard to compare them to — or even the knowledge that counterfeits exist — you might start spending the fake money without realizing it. And although your mistake would be innocent, the consequences could be serious.

In the same way, when we have no example of what a healthy relationship looks like — whether it’s in marriage, friendship, or family — we can easily be deceived by something that looks good on the surface but is actually harmful or destructive.

The Connection to Child Exploitation and Trafficking

The ZOE Japan team works on the frontlines with youth who are at high risk of, or already victims of, sexual exploitation and trafficking. One heartbreaking pattern we see again and again is the absence of a strong, loving father figure in a child’s life.

Many of these children don’t know who their fathers are, others grew up with abusive fathers or stepfathers, have lost their fathers, or have painful and distant relationships with them. Sadly, many even blame themselves, believing they were the reason their fathers abandoned them.

Why the Father Matters

“Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.” – Proverbs 22:6

Just like the genuine banknote helps us spot a counterfeit, a safe and loving father gives his children a model of what is real, good, and trustworthy. A godly father:

• Models how a man should treat women and others with respect.

• Works hard and provides for his family.

• Sets standards and goals that inspire his children to aim higher.

• Lifts his children when they fall — physically, emotionally, or spiritually.

• Encourages, protects, and teaches them to love God, themselves, and others.

• Demonstrates a loving, respectful marriage.

• Teaches his sons to honor women, not objectify them.

• Steps into danger — physical or spiritual — to protect his family.

When fathers are absent, children often seek affirmation and affection elsewhere. Too often, they turn to social media influencers, celebrities, or even traffickers who pretend to care but ultimately mean them harm. Without a true example of love, how can they recognize a counterfeit?

Our Perfect Example

The ultimate example of a loving Father is our Heavenly Father. We look to Him for love, protection, wisdom, guidance, and provision. He delights in us. He loves spending time with us, hearing our hearts, and watching us grow. He sets firm boundaries not to punish us, but to protect us.

God’s fatherly love is so deep and wide that we can’t fully comprehend it — yet it is constant, patient, and overflowing with grace.

Honoring Mothers, Embracing Community

This truth about the importance of fathers does not diminish the vital role of mothers. Many mothers make incredible sacrifices to raise their children in love and faith. But God never intended for them to carry that weight alone. Children need both the nurturing of a mother and the strength and guidance of a father.

Of course, for many families, a relationship with the biological father simply isn’t possible. That’s where the Body of Christ comes in. The Church is filled with godly men who can step up to mentor and encourage children in need — men who can show, through their actions, what safe, Christ-like love looks like.

If you’re a single mother, pray that God would bring trustworthy, faith-filled men into your circle — men who can be positive role models for your children.

And if you’re a man seeking to serve God in new ways, look around your community. Maybe the boy next door needs someone to toss a ball with. Maybe a teenager needs a safe adult to talk to when peer pressure and inappropriate messages start flooding in. Maybe a young girl simply needs to see an example of what a healthy, loving marriage looks like.

“Learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow's cause.”

Isaiah 1:17

Thank you to all the wonderful fathers that are doing their best to love and protect their families. We love and appreciate you so much!