Sunday, September 14, 2008

Trafficked Girls and Rolex Watches


I was looking online at the prices of Rolex watches, not that I can afford one. I was just curious. I found a supplier who advertises authentic Rolex watches at discount prices, so I began poking around his site.

I discovered that I could buy a stainless steel--no gold, no diamonds, just stainless steel—Rolex watch for $4,675 (list price: $5,250). That’s a savings of $575!

I have a Fossil watch that I’ve had for years. It keeps really good time. I paid $40 for it at an outlet store. It needs a new battery. But that will only set me back about fifteen bucks.

I found my reading glasses and looked at the back of the watchcase. Guess what? It’s stainless steel, just like the Rolex!

Last night, I got the bill for the business startup for a couple Rapha girls. We’re underwriting their beauty salon startup and will be paying their rent for the first year. It’s the best that we can do to help formerly trafficked girls to have a real chance at independence. Guess what? It’s going to cost $4,393.48. That’s $281.52 less than the price of a stainless steel Rolex!

Life is a series of choices. And those choices reflect our priorities. Some people buy Rolex watches. Others invest in the freedom of trafficked girls. Thank you for your choice and putting your money to good use where it makes a real difference.

Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.
—1 Timothy 6:17-19