I heard about an African woman sharing a story with a women’s Bible study group from the US. The African woman was describing how the typical Pastor from the area where she was from, prepared his sermons each week. These Pastors she spoke of, and there were several, shared one Bible among themselves. Each would travel miles, mostly on foot, to reach the shared Bible, scribble down a few verses on paper and trek back to their home to pray over them and prepare the coming Sunday’s message.

 

The women of this Bible study were shocked to hear of the need for Bibles in the African woman’s country. They immediately took up a donation among themselves and within minutes, had enough money to purchase 1,000 Bible to be delivered to these Pastors and members of their congregations.

 

Isn’t that how it usually works? When a need is made known, it can be met. If it’s kept in the dark, it’s just that; in the dark without the possibility of change.

 

There are several churches, communities and organizations who are right now preparing to share with those around them about a need that exists on both the local and global levels in just about every country in the world.

 

Jan. 11, 2010 is National Human Trafficking Awareness Day. 

 

This video is among many on the topic.

 

 

 

The point of National Human Trafficking Awareness Day is to share with anyone in your circle that trafficking is happening today. This is a modern day issue. It is not a thing of the past. In fact, there are an estimated 27 million slaves in the world right now. One million of these are in the United States. This is more than there has ever been in the history of the world combined. There are rumors that modern day slavery will be the largest grossing industry in the world by 2012. I believe that if enough people are aware of the problem, watch for signs of it in their neighborhoods and are proactive about abolishing it, this rumor will stay just a rumor.

 

Between now and Jan. 11^th, we have the opportunity to share the need. For those facebook users out there, write something in your status about it. Tweet about it (I’m not a Twitter user so excuse me if Tweet is not the correct terminology).  Check in with your local church to see if they have something planned for the day. Do a search for local organizations, task forces, law enforcement groups, etc. who might know of an event happening. I’ve even heard of people handing out awareness flyers at train stations this weekend and on the 11^th. Host a dinner and discussion in your home regarding the issue and brainstorm ways you can participate in the abolishment efforts in your city. The church I attend is hosting a dinner and showing the film “At the End of Slavery,” an International Justice Mission production.

 

Just like the African woman shared a need and the Bible study met that need, so can we share a need and watch as the anti-slavery movement marches forward.

 

What’s taking place in your city on Jan 11^th? Is your church participating in the awareness day? What ides do you have to help raise awareness?