March 27th

Did you know that slavery still exists today?

Not only does it still exist, but there are more slaves now than there ever have been in the history of the world.

The United Nations has even given us a number.

27 million.

And there's an average age.

12 years old.

You may have also heard this world wide issue referred to as human trafficking. Same thing. It is defined by the A21 Campaign as:

 ...the illegal trade of human beings, mainly for the purposes of commercial sexual exploitation and forced labor. As the world’s fastest growing criminal industry, it affects every nation across the globe. Every thirty seconds, someone is forced into this type of bondage—modern slavery.

In January of this year, I attended Passion 2013. There I was made aware of the plight of the modern day slave. More than 60,00 college students were gathered at this event. Our mission was simple: make the name of Jesus known. And what we dedicate ourselves to to be the hands and feet of the Body of Christ: ending human trafficking. At the end of the 4 day conference, we raised more than $3 million to support organizations that are committed to seeing this atrocity end. This added onto the $3 million raised the previous year at Passion 2012--the first major event to identify modern day slavery. Over the last few years, movements in the Christian community and beyond have begun spreading awareness and raising support to rescue those 27 million. 

END IT Movement came out of the workings of Passion 2013 as an additional effort to increase awareness and provide a means of donating to organizations like the A21 campaign. END IT Movement lasts this Spring only. And let me tell you, college campuses all across the nation have totally gotten on board. I am so encouraged by this generation's persistence concerning this issue. But the fight is not over.

Today is the 27th. So in honor of the 27 million modern day slaves, and as an effort to raise awareness and support for ending human trafficking, we (those who have pledged/support END IT Movement) have been posting on social networks every 27th minute of each hour. #enditmovement was trending this morning on Twitter.

I invite you to educate yourself on modern day slavery. Awareness is the first step in this battle. And being aware can help you spot human trafficking in your own backyard. That's right, America is not immune. IH10 is one of the largest human trafficking corridors, and Houston, Texas, is a trafficking hub. It is time to stand up for these 27 million people. I will not sit by and allow this crime to fester. I want to be part of the solution. And God willing, He will bring justice in this day and age. Pray that the world will see this issue clearly, and that hearts will be moved to join in the fight. 

-K

If you would like to learn more about Human Trafficking in the 21st century, here are some places I'd recommend you check out first!
     The A21 Campaign
     END IT Movement
     The International Justice Mission
     Polaris Project
     Free The Slaves
     Love 146
     Not For Sale
     Made In A Free World
     Slavery Footprint

Are you in it to END IT?