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Saturday, April 29, 2017

Standing up for the oppressed

Every 30 seconds someone becomes a slave. Slavery is alive and rampant. It's all over the world.
Human trafficking is closely intertwined with slavery. Everyone can become the victim of human trafficking.

This summer I am participating in Freedom Challange event which will take place in Canada. I have applied and been approved. So far I am the only participant. This will be my first trip of this type. This challenge will raise awareness and funds towards combating human trafficking and modern-day slavery.
The slavery doesn't simply affect developing countries. It's rampant everywhere, every continent and majority of the countries, perhaps every single country. Modern-day slaves are a part of different spheres, including sex-trafficking and child labor. Everyone can become the victim of human traffickers. Some people are more vulnerable than others.  
In this age of social media, we learn the news faster than ever before. In many cases, we share an article. The sharing rings awareness. It can make some differences. However, in order to make a difference, someone has to step in. We think that if it doesn't directly affect us then it's not our problem.
When we hear about a disaster: war, famine, flood, drought, earthquake, terrorist attack,, we share the news on social media. Usually, that's where our involvement ends. We pray for the change, but what if we are supposed to be the change.
Human trafficking became a fashionable thing to talk about. Many people talk about it, but not many take the action. Only 1%-2% of people get saved from modern day slavery. There are a few opportunities to help those affected. We need to change the way we look at the issue of human trafficking.
I believe that when we are not helping oppressed, we partake in their oppression. There is always an opportunity to help. Oppressed people are everywhere. As Christians, we have to stand up for those who are vulnerable and oppressed. We need to show them that they are valuable and are not a commodity.  
Freedom Challange is one of the few events held across different countries. People gather for various physical challenges. One of the events will take place in Sudbury, Canada. I will be a part of prayer team. We will e praying for hikers while they will be hiking in one of the most beautiful places. The event is open to people from different countries. There is still time to apply for the event. We would love for more people to come.
“Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves; ensure justice for those being crushed. Yes, speak up for the poor and helpless, and see that they get justice.” Proverbs 31: 8-9 

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2 comments:

  1. I keep on donating little money for several years to one NGO in Japan which supports Nepali/Indian victims of trafficking.I happened to know that many Nepali/Indian/Bangladeshi girls are abducted, sold by family or others,forced to work at brothels in India,by reading book which leader of the NGO wrote.One lady member gave me photos of women and Kids in HIV patient home,which she took when she visit them.

    Learning some about fairtrade before,I knew that so many people including kids are still sold as workers,prostitudes sometimes as beggers.One time I found a card from Rahab ministries Thailand at fairtrade shop and bought it.Rahab ministries is christian ministry trying to help and empower women and children sexsually trafficked.

    In Japan,problem of human trafficking is less known.As for me,I also happened to know, to tell the truth.

    If we knew about people in suffering,and were given opportunities to help them,it may be what God ask us to act.
    Thank you for sharing.

    Sanae

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    Replies
    1. Dear Sanae
      Thank you so much for your comment. I am glad that you are helping people who are the victims of human trafficking. We need to take an action when we can.
      Irina

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