27 Million Are Still In Slavery. We Can End It
If you’ve been around NewSpring much, you have heard this phrase: “Every number has a name, every name has a story, and every story matters to God.”
Numbers matter because every number is a person, created and pursued by the Creator.
There are over 27 million slaves in world today. People being trafficked, sold, and bargained for. There are over 100,000 slaves in America today, and around to 2,000 slaves in your state.
Behind each of those numbers is a person, created and pursued by God. But not one of their stories is being told.
Instead of a voice, they suffer in silence. Instead of being treated like a person, they’re being used for someone’s profit. Instead of experiencing freedom, they live each and every day in bondage.
You Were Set Free to Pursue a Purpose
Paul wrote to Christians, “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery” (Galatians 5:1). Christ came to redeem us, to free us, from the slavery of sin. Christians know what freedom from bondage and oppression is because, through Jesus, we are able to walk in freedom.
God has freed some from addictions and abuse. He redeems others from selfishness and pride. He frees us for a cause – we are blessed with a purpose. “For you were called to freedom, brothers." Paul continues, “Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself” (Gal. 5:13-14). We are called to love – but we often forget that love is not a feeling. Love is an action.
Love requires action.
Let's strive to free those who can't tell their story, let's go after the numbers not being counted. Love requires action.
How Can You Help End Human Trafficking?
1. Be a Voice
Speak up for the cause of freedom. Proverbs 31:8-9 commands us to "speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy." Start talking about this problem on social media, with your friends, and in your church. Don't stop talking until we END IT.
2. Give
As you give, you are supporting people that fight for freedom and share the freedom of Christ with people that have spent years in imprisonment. Learn about the different organizations you can give to at http://enditmovement.com/
3. Act
Get involved. Slavery is not only a foreign crime. It’s in your city, county, neighborhood.
http://www.thea21campaign.org/
4. Pray
Put the cause of slavery in your prayers daily. “When you ask, you must believe and not doubt”(James 1:6). Pray for freedom, and believe that God will bring it!