Footloose



Friday, January 11, 2013

National Human Trafficking Awareness Day (US)

I am sure you know the story of "Footloose." If not here is the summary... A small town bans dancing and rock n roll music because of an accident that killed the preacher's son and his friends. Through the movie, a new kid moves to town, who defies the rules and gets everyone to fight for the right to dance to lively music. The movie morally may not be the best. The whole point of the movie is that people can get carried away with restrictions- but that if you want to change something, then you better stand up and fight.

National Human Trafficking Awareness Day/Month is more than just a day for organizations to post the statistics about modern day slavery. It is more than just a day for you to feel sorry for the 27+ million people who are denied all their rights as human beings. It is a day for you to see that slavery has gone too far, and it is time for you to stand and fight.

We all know it takes more than one person to make an impact. But that is why we are a part of the body of Christ. You standing with me, standing with your friends and my friends with their friends, we can make the change. People like to talk facts, they like for you to be aware of the statistics, but I am concerned more with what are you going to DO. Talk is cheap. Knowing the statistics won't change the issue.


You may have been asking yourself, " Well how can I make a difference?"
I have some suggestions if you are interested... but it all boils down to the whole compassion vs. pity... I posted a blog about that if you haven't read it you should check it out.. the jest of it is this: Pity doesn't do anything... pity is a feeling that last for a moment and then passes away. Jesus does not call us to pity but to compassion. Compassion is what Jesus showed to the multitudes that came to him, he felt their hurts, he healed their pains, he cared so DEEPLY that he gave his life for the sins of the world. Compassion- deep deep compassion is what we are called to, and that is what makes a difference. 

IF you are looking for a way to show compassion, and to make a difference on this day here is how you can start:

1. Making a difference requires you to be involved in the lives of the people around you. At risk youth, you know the ones from broken families, who are vulnerable, they need mentors. You could be a mentor. Young people need to be taught that value comes from God, not from man. There are non profits all over the states that have mentor programs- after school care facilities... It could be a once a week thing but volunteering your time can change a life.

2. Making a difference requires you to be generous. The fact is simply this, we are not all called to go and serve. And yet, Human Trafficking is not just in the US but it is a huge international problem. There are people, including myself, who dedicate their lives to making a lasting impact that goes beyond the US borders. To do life long ministry it requires funds. Not only am I continuously fundraising, but so are my fellow missionaries and organizations. The idea that you can't give if you don't have a lot is not Biblical and is DUMB. If everyone gave like the woman in the Bible who gave her two cents, all that she had, no one would ever have to send out letters begging for funds. Your latte cost $5 and your last supper out cost $15... $20 can feed 3 people for a week. By simply making a donation you can impact lives more than you will ever know. By volunteering your time to organize a fundraiser can do so much good. Be an advocate for organizations making a difference and you will be a part of the change.

3. Finally get your hands dirty. There are organizations and ministries that are looking for you to commit your time to saving people. You college grads who are looking for purpose, you can use your degree to change lives that otherwise wouldn't be touched. Whatever skills you have, whatever age you are, if God is calling you, you'd better listen up. Is a life to social justice a glamorous life? No way... but it is a life that will give you more peace and more joy and more hope than you'd ever think possible-- if God is calling, he will give you all that you need, so don't fight Him, people are waiting on you.


So I guess that is all I have to say today. I want to see big changes in my lifetime. It is going to take all of us looking outside of ourselves and our needs. Instead we are going to have to discover that deep compassion for those who are in spiritual and physical bondage. No task is to great for our GOD, but it is going to take His people to stand ready for the fight. So be aware and do something.

“Wash yourselves; make yourselves clean; 
remove the evil of your deeds from before my eyes; cease to do evil, 
learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; 
bring justice to the fatherless, 
plead the widow's cause.” 
Isaiah 1:16-17 ESV

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