Passion 2012 was absolutely fantastic. You should definitely go next year. This is a continuation of my last post.
2. The Cause
The need and absolute darkness that is in our world today is astounding. It's difficult for me to see that there is suffering throughout the world because I can easily get complacent in my Christian suburban American bubble. But this conference make it very difficult to stay comfortable with that. We became very quickly aware of how prevalent of a problem slavery is in the world. You might be saying, "Didn't slavery die out like 100 years ago?", and its not a very visible problem, so it is easy to be unaware. But still the problem is there.
Currently there are 27 MILLION people in slavery throughout the world. There are more slaves now than at any other time in history, even during the slave trade in the US. There was a large focus from the conference on this issue, and God did some amazing things through us. The goal that was set for us by Louie Giglio, the man who puts together the conference every year, was to raise $1 million. When I heard that, I didn't believe that was possible. With 45,000 people at the conference, it would mean that $22 given by every person there. There was no way that people would give that much, right?
At the end of the 4 days, we gave $1.2 million. Combined with those who were giving online, our total was up to $2.5 million. Then one unnamed couple approached Louie and gave another $500,000, bringing our total to $3.3 million. $3.3 million. Good thing that wasn't dependent on my faith... but wow, that's a lot of money. What does that look like to help end slavery? Here's an idea:
Taken directly from here.
If you feel like giving to the Freedom cause, here's the place to do it: https://secure.268generation.com/dosomethingnow/give/freedom
Also at the conference on one of the nights, we held a candlelight vigil to bring awareness to the cause, ending with the unveiling of a sculpture that had been worked on all week. It was a large hand stretching towards the sky, covered in the top 5 products produced by slave labor. Here's an excellent video someone made capturing it:
Takeaway: God will do amazing things, and it is not dependent on my faith for it to happen. God is bigger than me, and yet He still chooses to use me for His plan, and that is such a humbling thing, and something I am absolutely undeserving of. Also, our world is a place in need, and God has called believers to do something about it now. Not when it's convenient or when I have more time, but now. If it were your daughter who was being sold as an item for sex, or your son forced to work every day doing slave labor, would you sit by and just wait for someone else to take care of the problem?
 |
| via 268generation.com |
2. The Cause
The need and absolute darkness that is in our world today is astounding. It's difficult for me to see that there is suffering throughout the world because I can easily get complacent in my Christian suburban American bubble. But this conference make it very difficult to stay comfortable with that. We became very quickly aware of how prevalent of a problem slavery is in the world. You might be saying, "Didn't slavery die out like 100 years ago?", and its not a very visible problem, so it is easy to be unaware. But still the problem is there.
Currently there are 27 MILLION people in slavery throughout the world. There are more slaves now than at any other time in history, even during the slave trade in the US. There was a large focus from the conference on this issue, and God did some amazing things through us. The goal that was set for us by Louie Giglio, the man who puts together the conference every year, was to raise $1 million. When I heard that, I didn't believe that was possible. With 45,000 people at the conference, it would mean that $22 given by every person there. There was no way that people would give that much, right?
At the end of the 4 days, we gave $1.2 million. Combined with those who were giving online, our total was up to $2.5 million. Then one unnamed couple approached Louie and gave another $500,000, bringing our total to $3.3 million. $3.3 million. Good thing that wasn't dependent on my faith... but wow, that's a lot of money. What does that look like to help end slavery? Here's an idea:
Here are the ways your generosity is bringing FREEDOM so far (more to come):
Fund a year-long prevention program that will reach 48,000 kids who are at-risk of being trafficked. Ukraine - $240,000 – A21 Campaign
Build and fund (8) border monitoring stations and (8) safe homes that will help intercept victims as they are being trafficked. Nepal - $108,480 – Tiny Hands International
Fund (23) rescue operations that will provide freedom for hundreds of forced labor slaves. Chennai, India - $116,955 – International Justice Mission
Fund a 2-year aftercare program for 1,100 forced labor slaves that have been freed. Chennai, India - $115,500 – International Justice Mission
Fund holistic aftercare for (25) children rescued from horrific circumstances. Cambodia - $169,500 – Hagar International
Renovate (12) apartment homes for survivors of sexual exploitation as they experience healing and a new future. Atlanta, Georgia - $141,240 – Wellspring Living
Help fund a Child Exploitation and Online Protection Squad through training, education, and social services. Atlanta, Georgia - $110,000 – City of Atlanta
Establish a vocational training program for 100 people at a manufacturing unit that provides jobs to survivors of human trafficking. New Delhi, India - $56,500 – Not For Sale
Establish and fund (for 1 year) a crisis center for rescued victims of human trafficking. Cape Town, South Africa - $56,500 – Not For Sale
Host (6) action-driven education conferences (for 300 people) on anti-trafficking for Traditional Healers, Police Officers, and Judges. Uganda - $40,680 – Restore International
Fund (2) Ugandan High Court Session to bring to trial Witch Doctors or others responsible for human trafficking. Uganda - $36,160 – Restore International
Purchase and renovate the Sari Bari building where women who have been exploited and trafficked can experience a new life through community and employment. Sonagachi, India - $129,950 – Word Made Flesh
Fund (6) certificate-training programs for 85 aftercare workers. These caregivers will serve 1,260 survivors of child slavery and exploitation over the next year. Asia - $47,460 – Love146
Restore and reconcile (18) rescued children to their families and communities. Philippines - $16,385 – Love146
Build a safe house for 16 young girls who have been recused from abusive situations of child slavery. Port Salut, Haiti - $169,500 – Restavek Freedom Foundation
Build an Innovation Center for young girls born into brothels, but rescued before they were exploited. Ahmednagar, India - $239,560 – As Our Own
To provide alternative employment, training and care for (15) women who have been rescued from sexual exploitation. Bangkok, Thailand - $50,850 – NightLight International
Fund a restoration program for (50) women that includes housing, care, education, and employment for 1 year. Badlapur, India - $84,750 – Bombay Teen Challenge
Fund (15) rescue operations that will result in freedom for dozens of women and children. Mumbai, India - $76,275 – International Justice Mission
You also donated 33,880 towels and 170,250 socks for Atlanta area homeless shelters.
Taken directly from here.
If you feel like giving to the Freedom cause, here's the place to do it: https://secure.268generation.com/dosomethingnow/give/freedom
Also at the conference on one of the nights, we held a candlelight vigil to bring awareness to the cause, ending with the unveiling of a sculpture that had been worked on all week. It was a large hand stretching towards the sky, covered in the top 5 products produced by slave labor. Here's an excellent video someone made capturing it:
Also, CNN covered what was going on as well, which you can watch here:
http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/world/2012/01/05/cfp-clancy-do-something-now.cnn Takeaway: God will do amazing things, and it is not dependent on my faith for it to happen. God is bigger than me, and yet He still chooses to use me for His plan, and that is such a humbling thing, and something I am absolutely undeserving of. Also, our world is a place in need, and God has called believers to do something about it now. Not when it's convenient or when I have more time, but now. If it were your daughter who was being sold as an item for sex, or your son forced to work every day doing slave labor, would you sit by and just wait for someone else to take care of the problem?
No comments:
Post a Comment