What every Christian should know about child trafficking

On this episode of the Denison Forum Podcast, Dr. Mark Turman welcomes Leigh Scarborough, founder and CEO of Shield of the Children, for a sobering yet vital conversation about the global crisis of child sex trafficking. Drawing from his firsthand work in Southeast Asia and beyond, Leigh shares the harsh realities of trafficking, including the distinction between “soft” and “hard” rescues, the long-term harm caused by pornography, and why major public events like the Super Bowl often become centers for trafficking activity. Leigh also opens up about his journey of faith, his military background, and the calling that led him into this critical mission field. This episode highlights how Shield of the Children is working to protect the most vulnerable—and how each of us can take meaningful steps to engage and support the fight against human trafficking.

Topics

• (01:22): Highlighting transformative ministries
• (02:35): Discussing child sex trafficking
• (02:52): Introducing Leigh Scarborough
• (05:38): Leigh's encounter in Vietnam
• (12:31): The start of Shield of the Children
• (14:43): Leigh's faith journey
• (22:09): Recognizing human trafficking
• (25:18): Trafficking and major sporting events
• (31:18): Soft vs. hard rescue
• (36:44): Understanding trafficking networks
• (41:06): Shield of the Children's focus on Texas
• (48:42): Call to action and prayer
• (54:48): How to get involved with Shield of the Children

Resources

• Website: Shield Of The Children
• Instagram: Shield of the Children
• Facebook: Shield of the Children
• "Sound of Freedom": Choosing hope in the face of fear
• Sex trafficking in Italy and the need for new identity
• What does the Bible say about pornography? Can you break free from sexual temptation?
• God’s power and grace to break sexual addiction
• Fighting pornography and sexual sin: A conversation with Matt Jacobson
• Covenant Eyes
• Fight the New Drug
• Freedom Course
• How has Denison Forum impacted your faith?
• 2025 04 Who Am I? Identity • Denison Forum
• Subscribe to The Daily Article by Dr. Jim Denison

About Leigh Scarborough

Leigh Scarborough is the Founder and CEO of Shield of The Children. He has led operations against child-sex trafficking in South-East Asia and is currently studying a Masters of Leadership and Management. Leigh's current focus is on expanding Shield's operations in to Texas, however he continues to lead international operations and training of non-profits and law enforcement. Leigh holds a bachelor of intercultural studies and speaks 6 languages. Leigh spent several years in the Royal Australian Air Force and then went on to work in the Australian Intelligence Community. 

About Dr. Mark Turman

Mark Turman, DMin, serves as the Executive Director of Denison Forum, where he leads with a passion for equipping believers to navigate today’s complex culture with biblical truth. He is best known as the host of The Denison Forum Podcast and the lead pastor of the Possum Kingdom Chapel, the in-person congregation of Denison Ministries.

Dr. Turman is the coauthor of Sacred Sexuality: Reclaiming God’s Design and Who Am I? What the Bible Says About Identity and Why it Matters. He earned his undergraduate degree from Howard Payne University in Brownwood, Texas, and received his Master of Divinity from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth. He later completed his Doctor of Ministry at George W. Truett Theological Seminary at Baylor University in Waco.

Before joining Denison Forum, Mark served as a pastor for 35 years, including 25 years as the founding pastor of Crosspoint Church in McKinney, Texas.

Mark and his high school sweetheart, Judi, married in 1986. They are proud parents of two adult children and grandparents to three grandchildren.

About Denison Forum

Denison Forum exists to thoughtfully engage the issues of the day from a biblical perspective through The Daily Article email newsletter and podcast, The Denison Forum Podcast, as well as many books and additional resources.