Imagine for a moment you find yourselves at a crossroads. You have a decision to make. One that will change everything you’ve ever known and one that will ultimately determine the course of your future. You can stay where you are and continue your life as a slave, or you could risk everything; including your life and set out on an unknown journey in hopes of a better life; a free life.

What would you do?

It was the year 1849 and Harriet Tubman “Moses” fled from a life of slavery on a Maryland plantation and after a long and rigorous trek, reached freedom in Canada. Tubman did something remarkable. She returned to her plantation and led others out and into freedom as well.

The Underground Railroad was a remarkable and complicated system. It took the collaboration of brave abolitionists and the determination of those who knew they deserved a better life to carry out this organization of freeing Americas slaves of the mid-1800’s. And they succeeded. Slavery in the slave states eventually ceased.

Over 150 years after Harriet Tubman tasted freedom and helped countless other do the same, history books refer to her as an American hero. She stands tall with other hero’s of that movement such as Fredrick Douglas, William Stil and Susan B. Anthony.

Fast forward to today and you’ll find 15 cyclists who just finished riding along the Underground Railroad, stretching 1800 miles (see videos of the cyclists). The same miles former United States slaves walked. The cyclists are part of The International Justice Mission Five Weeks of Freedom Campaign. The campaign, which wrapped up end of July, focused its efforts on awareness and advocacy in support of IJM’s work to give a voice to the slaves of our world today and those facing unbelievable injustices.

In today’s world, slavery abounds. It may not be as obvious as dark skin laborers picking cotton in the open fields among the flatlands of America but slavery is out there and it is a thriving, multi-billion dollar industry. It is not only a problem in the developing world and the “over-there” places; it is an issue in your country, your state, your county, your community.

The Freedom Campaign cyclists did something about it. They rode their bicycles about 10 hrs a day with stops in various cities along the way that welcomed them with live music, speaking opportunities and the occasional celebrity appearance endorsements of the good works they are doing.

You can do something about it too.

Update your Facebook status with a statement about modern day slavery and a link to IJM for more information.

For you twitter users, tweet about the work IJM is doing and encourage your network to take action in the movement in their community.

Share modern day slavery and the work of IJM at your church, school, or in your home. IJM’s film, At the End of Slavery is a great documentary to show to get discussion flowing and people talking.

Become an IJM Freedom Partner and be part of the rescue of a person and in some cases, an entire village with your financial donation.

Click here for more ways to help.

Harriet “Moses” Tubman didn’t act alone. Neither did Fredrick Douglas or Susan B. Anthony. You don’t have to either. It wasn’t only 1 cyclist riding the historic route,  it was 15. When we work together, we can accomplish more than we would be able to on our own. History has proven over and over again that when we work together and stand up for what is right and what is good, justice will prevail and victory will be won. Freedom will be ushered in and lives will be forever changed.

If the slavery of the 19th Century was abolished in America, I am convinced we can abolish it today.  I encourage you to spend some time checking out the Freedom Campaign, watching the videos and reading the blogs. Sit with it for awhile and pray and seek out what your role might be in helping to demand our communities and our nations slave free for our children and our grandchildren.