Local church raising awareness about human trafficking
By: Stacy Bender 03/01/2011
The 13th Amendment, passed in 1865, formally abolished slavery in the U.S.; however, slavery continues locally and worldwide in the practice of human trafficking. Although the definition of this form of slavery appears to evolve each day, the purpose of human trafficking is to force desperate persons into terrifying situations such as sexual exploitation or forced physical labor. In November, Fox News reported about a series of arrests made in the Twin Cities and in Tennessee which broke up a human trafficking ring that provided underage prostitutes.
Pastor Kerry and a team of concerned members at Faith Baptist Church, 4350 Russell, have planned a weekend event to raise awareness within the congregation and the community about this issue. Pastor Kerry says, "Christ came to bring freedom - both spiritual and physical - to the captive, and He has called us as His Church to proclaim this truth both through word and deed."
One team member, Patrick Henry graduate Courtney Anderson, currently pursues a degree in cosmetology for the purpose of taking that skill and sharing it with women in countries where human trafficking is prevalent in order to provide them with the means to leave their enslaved situations. Leah Johnson, another team member, said, "This event is a way for all of us to take up the cause of the oppressed by learning about their plight. Only when we understand the problem can we come together to take a stand against it."
All members of the community are invited to attend one or more of the events. Saturday, March 12, at 2-4:30 p.m.: Seminar/Q&A - Focus on local concerns with human trafficking. Saturday, March 12, at 5 p.m.: Time of prayer in the church sanctuary: led by Leah Johnson. Sunday, March 13, at 9:15 a.m.: Session includes a broad overview of local and worldwide human trafficking. In addition, informational tables will be set up by local and international organizations that raise awareness and fight against human trafficking. Sunday, March 13, at 10:30 a.m.: Freedom Sunday worship service which focuses on freedom that God brings to humanity and our role in partnering with God to bring justice to the world and communities in which we live. Sunday, March 13, at 6:15 p.m.: Jacob's Well Service (a monthly worship experience) provides a time of prayer and reflection and an opportunity to ask for God to intercede and lead us to action. More info at www.faithmpls.com.