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| End It Movement |
27 million people.
161 countries.
32 billion dollars.
27 million people - men, women, and children - in 161 countries across the world are enslaved. Slavery is a $32 billion industry.
The statistics are staggering.
But the statistics aren't just numbers. Each number represents a person. Men, women, and children - people just like you and me.
Katya is an educated Russian woman who returned home after graduating from college only to find there were no jobs available. She responded to an ad for a waitressing position in Greece only to be forced into striping and having sex night after night along with 30 other girls.
Rajesh is a 50 year old Indian man who was forced to work for 30 years for a loan he took out from his landlord to help with family medical bills. His loan was equivalent to $35. No matter how hard or how long he worked, his debt was never able to be paid in full.
Guillermo is a 24 year old who was offered a chance to come to the US for a well-paid job but was sold as a contract laborer for $1100 once he arrived in Florida. Forced to work in tomato fields with little pay, Guillermo was beaten when he tried to escape.
Amanda was sold into sex slavery as an 8 year old living on the streets of Cambodia. For 9 years she endured hell on earth, being abused, raped, and used daily.
The stories are heartbreaking.
Yet there is hope.
There are people - just like you and me - who have joined forces and are speaking out against slavery. Others have created organizations - like Love 146, Not for Sale, International Justice Mission, Exodus Road, Stella's Voice, Rahab's Hideaway - that are actively involved in rescuing and restoring those enslaved worldwide. There are grassroots movements, politicians, celebrities, and everyday people that are taking a stand and raising our voice to shine a light on slavery.
You might be asking, what can I do to help? Good question.
Check out the organizations above and consider giving a financial donation.
Tell your family, your friends, your co-workers about modern day slavery.
Consider hosting an event to raise awareness.
Share this post.
Above all, pray.
Will you join the movement to shine a light on slavery? Together we can end it.
And check what you are buying. Can you change your coffee brand to make it fair trade? Can you buy clothes at stores with a high Free To Work grade? Do something!
ReplyDeleteYES! Do something. Just simple changes like you mentioned can make a positive impact.
ReplyDeletemy heart weeps when i think about this. truly, it weeps.
ReplyDelete