Happy Slavery Day? - Becca

Happy Independence Day!

I don't want to be a "bummer" on this day of celebration, but on the day of Independence, I wanted to take a moment to share with you a few bits of information to help us remember that just because we may live in a "free" country, many people - both internationally AND in this country - are still living as slaves. Something that keeps coming up on my heart since we interviewed Natalie Grant on the Praise FM Top 10 back a few years ago is human trafficking. Adults and children all over the world have been forced into inhumane labor, very similar to how things were before the African slave trade was abolished in the 1800s. Do you have the movie "Amazing Grace" on DVD? Have you checked out the special features? I highly encourage you to do so if you haven't. You'll see why.

Something that I wasn't aware of is that women and young girls all over the world INCLUDING THE USA, have been kidnapped/decieved and sold as sex slaves. According to the International Justice Mission's website, "More children, women and men are held in slavery right now than over the course of the entire trans-Atlantic slave trade: Millions toil in bondage, their work and even their bodies the property of an owner." - www.ijm.org

Then, there is the other side of the coin to look at. Think of the people fueling the industry of damaging the hearts and souls of these women and children. Those involved with paying money for the "services" of these hurt individuals, or accessing it for "free" on the internet. They are people we know, that we may not even know that they too are slaves. "...for a man is a slave to whatever has mastered him." - 2 Peter 2:19b. They are damaged too, and need prayer and the power of Christ to free and heal.

To learn more about how to help/pray/get active against slavery, helping to make more days and independence day for many, I'm including a few sites to check out.

www.ijm.org - International Justice Mission
From their site, "International Justice Mission is a human rights agency that secures justice for victims of slavery, sexual exploitation and other forms of violent oppression.

www.thedefendersusa.org - The Defenders USA
According to their website, "The Defenders USA is a coalition of men that are opposed to all forms of commercialized sex." Not only are they opposed, but they are doing something about it.

http://www.lc2lc.org/ - Loose Change To Loosen Chains
Started by a TEEN who's compassion drove him to do something. Zach Hunter said, on his site, "I founded Loose Change to Loosen Chains because I felt a need to do something to bring freedom to the victims I was learning about."

www.thehomefoundation.net - The Home Foundation
Started by Christian musical artist Natalie Grant. According to the site "The Home Foundation is a non-profit charitable foundation dedicated to the eradication of human trafficking both domestically and abroad. Through advocacy, education and relief efforts, the Home Foundation is committed to end the suffering of women and children sold into sexual slavery.