Veero was in for a long walk – more than fifteen miles. Veero quietly slipped away from a farm where women were guarded by armed thugs and men were kept in leg irons. She was terrified but determined. When she reached the local police station, it took a three-day sit in to force officers to help. Veero’s risky walk to freedom paid off. She has shown 700 others how to follow her footsteps and stand up for their rights.

 

The Working Women’s Association, Shramajivee Mahila Samity (SMS) goes undercover in India to expose traffickers posing as legitimate labor recruiters. SMS traces missing women, and helps slavery survivors return home and rebuild their lives. SMS educates villagers to slave-proof their communities. Local committees learn to act fast when someone is taken. Women get help with opening small businesses so they can earn a living without moving from their home. Thanks to SMS, hundreds of slaves have been reunited with their families.

 

A Samaritan woman went to a well to draw water and saw Jesus although she was unaware at the time that it was he. Jesus asked her for some water. The woman was shocked because Jews did not associate with Samaritans. Jesus told her that if she knew who he really was, she would have asked for a drink of water instead. Still shocked, she asked him how he thought he could draw up water from a deep well without a bucket. Jesus told her that the water from the well will cause her to thirst again. But the water that he gives will be a spring within, gushing fountains of endless life. Of course the woman wanted this water that he spoke of. Jesus told her to go and get her husband so that he might drink to but she told him she did not have a husband. Jesus knew she actually had 5 husbands and a boyfriend. Jesus went on to explain to the woman what it means to truly worship. The woman then said that all would be settled when the Messiah came. Jesus then revealed to her that she didn’t need to look for him any further for he was in fact the Messiah, the Christ.

  

The freedom awards (an annual celebration honoring the heroes of the anti-slavery movement) that took place earlier this week honored the women mentioned above and more. These women know what its like to be sold and held captive. They know what it is like to long for freedom, truth and love. They have been set free and are now working endlessly to help other obtain their freedom. As I sat and watched the women receive their awards with such joy and gratitude, I was overcome with the reality of freedom that Christ offers each one of us.

 

The Messiah desires that all of his creation receive life in freedom and accept his living water. While the Freedom Awards is not a Christian event and the host organization Free the Slaves is not a faith based organization, the theme of the anti-trafficking slavery movement is the same theme you find in the gospel. People across borders and cultural divides seek freedom, truth and love. They gospel is where that can be found for eternity.

 

With this theme in mind, it was very appropriate that The Agape International Choir performed throughout the show.

 

I was so blessed by this beautiful choir. They sang with passion and determination to seek justice. Through their music they celebrated the legacy these women are living. They celebrated life, truth and freedom. As I sat and watched the celebration taking place before me, I asked myself, am I living a life that truly worships the Father? The kind of daily worship Jesus told the Samaritan woman about. Am I living a legacy seeking justice and freedom and life for all creation? Am I celebrating the fact that I am free and am I using the responsibility that comes with my freedom for the Kingdom?

 

I recommend hearing the stories of these award winners and survivors first hand via the videos found here. They are truly inspiring.

 

These women, along with several others are striving towards a goal of ending slavery in 25 years. How awesome would it be if Christians were known for making this happen in the time span of one generation? At the close of the ceremony, the host quoted Gandhi. Not to discredit Gandhi in anyway, at that moment, I craved the words of Jesus.  Fifteen people started the anti-slavery movement in the 19^th century in England. They abolished the slave trade in their lifetime. Can we do the same today? I think we can. I think we have a responsibility to work to free the enslaved and to do so with the love and compassion Jesus gave to the Samaritan woman.