I recently started reading David Batstone’s book Not For Sale: The Return of the Global Slave Trade- and How We Can Fight It. I’m reading the book in preparation for a series called “Justice: The Voice of The Prophets” that we’ll be starting at Seven24 on September 7th (read the last paragraph of this post). We’ve been promoting the series on Sunday nights for the last month, and I’m really looking forward to finally starting it next Sunday. During the course of the series we will study several Old Testament passages (mainly form Isaiah and Micah) that express God’s heart for social justice. The hope is to equip the members of our community in two different ways: 1) To equip them to combat injustice by the way that they spend their money and the businesses that they patronize (i.e. talk about fair trade food, sweatshop free clothing, environmentally friendly products, etc.) 2) To equip them to combat human trafficking through involvement with local organizations that are working to fight human trafficking in San Diego county. The hope is also to encourage people to action as an act of worship to God, who has placed his image upon each one of us.
I’m only a couple of chapters into the book, but it is absolutely heart breaking. Even as I sit here at my desk I can’t believe that the things described in the book are actually happening all over the world. The scope of the crisis is absolutely mind boggling. As we talk through these different issues at Seven24, the last thing I want to do is have this simply be a series where we hear about things that make us uncomfortable, we get really convicted, and then we move on to something else without taking any sort of tangible action. I want to make this a series that changes us in profound ways, and more than that I want this to be a series that results in action that results in freedom for people that are currently trafficking victims.
So, I need a little bit of help from both of you who read my blog. I’m in the process of educating myself about all sorts of different justice-related issues, and I would love it if you could refer me to any books, websites, organizations, videos, etc. that deal with human trafficking, ethical consumption, economic sustainability, environmental sustainability, etc. I know there are a ton of resources out there, and I’ve already found several (including www.love146.org and www.ijm.org), but any more that any of you could refer me to would be much appreciated. You can either leave a comment or e-mail me directly at briankiley@gmail.com. Also, if you are of the praying persuasion, I would appreciate your prayers for our community as we begin this process of educating ourselves and resourcing ourselves to take action for the sake of the least of these. Thank you!
HiPastor,
I’m a 16 year old abolitionist and author. I am so glad you’re preaching about justice. I know God loves justice and He wants His people to be about the things He loves. I have a couple of suggestions for you for research.
Love 146 is incredible and they are one of the organizations I support. Also, Free the Slaves does great work supporting small organizations working among the oppressed in far away places. If you want more research on human trafficking (one form of slavery) the US Department of State’s Trafficking in Person’s Office has an annual report on the problem.
If you haven’t seen Amazing Grace, the film, yet, I highly recommend it. There is much to be learned from history when it comes to fighting this problem.
In terms of fair trade and fairly made products, they are becoming easier to find. Right in your backyard is Jedidiah USA — great clothes and big hearts. Also, Whole Foods has a lot of fair trade (or better) chocolate and coffee — two industries that are plagued with problems. I also encourage my generation to let their favorite retailers know that it’s important for them to clean up their supply chain. We have incredible buying power and influence.
If your church is interested in launching the campaign I started when I was 12 called Loose Change to Loosen Chains, I’d love to have you join us. I love Oceanside — such a great place!
Peace. Love. Justice!
Zach Hunter
Hi Brian,
Thanks so much for continuing the shed light into the world of darkness that is modern-day slavery. We want so badly to believe that this is an issue for ‘yesterday’ and/or an ‘other there issue’. Sadly this is not the case. The hope to combat this issue resides firmly within each and everyone of us… and I firmly believe that the church can and will play a major roll in fighting human trafficking locally, nationally and internationally.
This is why we at Not For Sale have created the Underground Church Network. We invite all communities of faith to join us in building a 21st Century abolitionist movement by becoming an abolitionist church.
Three easy steps to becoming an abolitionist church:
1- begin by building awareness in your church congregation. (Use Not For Sale resources such as our Bible Study.)
2- commit to action. As a church we can make a huge impact locally, nationally and internationally. Not For Sale has many options and partners that need our help.
3- join our abolitionist community on a monthly call. Our next call is Wed, Sept 3 2008.
Again many thanks for your continued light and presence in combating modern-day slavery.
Best,
Mark
Managing Director, Not For Sale Campaign
Director, Underground Church Network
Brian -
Thank you for the work you are doing to educate yourself about this issue and your desire to share with others about the injustices of slavery in our world. We truly believe we can make a change.
I skimmed through a few of your other posts as well. Really appreciate your great observations and insights!
Best to you!
Allison
Not For Sale Campaign.