Slavery has returned. Although every nation has banned it, slavery has returned in new forms of massive proportions.
Meeting in Washington, D.C., on June 26, 2007, the Board of International Ministries unanimously passed a resolution that reaffirmed its historic stand against slavery and renewed its struggle to end human trafficking. The "International Ministries Resolution Against Slavery" declares that slavery is "contrary to Christ's mission and an assault on humanity." It urges the appointment of additional missionaries to disciple-making ministries that reach out to those who are vulnerable to, or victims of, human trafficking. Because so many victims are trafficked into sex slavery, the resolution calls for ministries of prevention, rescue, and aftercare for people in prostitution and who have been trafficked for sexual exploitation.
The Board commended American Baptist Women's Ministries and urged support of its initiative called "Break the Chains: Slavery in the 21st Century." It identified poverty as a major factor making children vulnerable to human trafficking and advocated support of American Baptist National Ministries' "Children in Poverty" initiative.
International Ministries knows that the struggle to end slavery will most likely extend beyond this generation. Nevertheless, we strongly believe that this work is at the core of Christ's mission "to bring good news to the oppressed, to bind up the broken hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and release to the prisoners" (Isaiah 61:1-2, Luke 4:18). We want people to have freedom in Christ. We believe Christ’s freedom is for the whole person, both spiritual and physical.
Slavery has returned. Join us in Christ's work to bring slavery to an end. Here are four ways you can become involved:
• Become informed by reading the Resolution Against Slavery and other anti-trafficking information on our website www.internationalministries.org.
• Come to an International Ministries World Mission Conference to talk with Dan Chetti about abuse of maids in (Canandaigua, NY Oct. 12-14; Shawnee, KS Nov 16-18).
• Join the Missionary Partnership Network of a missionary already active in anti-trafficking ministry to support and participate in that person's work. (See “Human Trafficking: Learn More; Take Action” on our website.)
• Let us know if Christ is calling you to missionary service involving ministry to victims of human trafficking.
Slavery has returned. Together there are things we can do about it!
Reid Trulson