I recently went to see a local showing of the documentary Call + Response. The film, created and produced by singer/song writer, Justin Dillon, cast a spot light on the worlds darkest 27 million secrets, exposing the world of the enslaved. 

Call + Response reveals the raw truths behind the current slave trade situation in action today. There are more slaves today than any other time in human history. In 2007, those behind the world of slavery made more than powerhouse organizations Google, Nike and Starbucks combined. 

I learned that not only are there 27 million enslaved today around the globe, a shocking 1 million of them are currently enslaved in the United States. Isn't this the land of the free? How could this have happened and what can I do about it? These are just a couple of the questions that come to mind after watching the film and after some of the research I have done post my viewing of it. Twenty-seven million slaves is a hard reality to face. Yet, what I've found is that there are several ways that I can take action to abolish slavery right now. 

For starters, I recommend checking out the film Call + Response. If it's not playing near you, hit up Netflix or Blockbuster for other films such as Trade, staring actor Kevin Kline or Black Gold, a documentary exposing the truth behond the coffee you drink and the farmer who grew it. 

On the Call + Response website, you can also check out a list of 33 practical ways you can help abolish the slave trade. 

Or, check out Relevant Magazine's latest edition with cover article, Choco Lies? What you're really buying this Christmas May Surprise You! 

Another organization that is working tirelessly to end the slave trade is The Salvation Army. They do a great job at listing ways that you can become an abolishionist and advocate for the enslaved in your community. 

It's basic things like ensuring that the coffee you buy, the chocolate you eat, the clothes you wear, the cell phone you text and call on, etc. are all made by the hands of the free. Black Friday is creeping up on us quickly and Americans will hit the malls in groves to purchase the perfect gift for their loved one.  How great would it be to not only make that perfect purchase, but also do so in a way that ensured the freedom of a life in the country where that product was manufactured. 

I urge you this holiday season as you store up gifts, to do the research needed to make certain that gift didn't cost someone their food that day, their limbs, their safety, their freedom, their life. Buy fair trade. If you're not certain a product is fair trade, ask. And if you still don't know, don't buy it. The cost of not knowing, is too great knowing there are 27 million enslaved globally. 

The 18th Century had William Wilberforce to abolish slavery. The 21st Century has you! 

If you have questions on the specifics of how you can help abolish slavery in your community, let me know. We can do the research together and put a stop to this injustice. Where the spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom! Jesus declared to us that he came to give us abundant life. Let's work together this holiday season and lets make 2009 a much less lucrative year for those behind this evil act of slavery in the world.