We’ve spent this month thinking about the image of God - how God imprinted his image on men and women, and gave them a worth and value that cannot be erased.  We’ve explored applications of this scripture truth to race and human life in sermons and articles.  We invited Leslie Velasquez to unpack one outworking if Imago Dei - the issue of modern human slavery. -- Don Ward

My dear church family – Do you know that slavery is illegal in EVERY nation?  Did you know that an obscure little place called Mauritania was the last nation to declare slavery illegal in 2007, less than a decade ago?

Modern Day Slavery… a multi-billion dollar industry with estimates ranging from 27 to 31 million people enslaved in our world today.  The number of slaves today totals more than all slaves combined in the 400 years of the transatlantic slave period.

This journey of becoming more aware of modern slavery and beginning to understand God’s desire for justice began over a year ago hearing about an organization called International Justice Mission or IJM.  Our family had the privilege of hearing Gary Haugen, founder and president of IJM speak.  This was one of the first times that I felt the issues of modern day slavery and injustice begin to stir my heart.

So what is modern day slavery?  If slavery is truly outlawed, why are there millions of people around the globe and right under our noses, living under such oppression?  Modern day slavery takes the forms of sex trafficking, child labor, bonded labor, domestic servitude, forced labor and forced marriage.  I tried to look up the definition of slavery and it circles around to the list above.  So instead I looked up the definition of freedom.  Freedom is the power or right to act, speak, or think as one wants without hindrance or restraint.

Freedom is the life I live.  I cannot even begin to comprehend a life of slavery.  But our God can – and our God is a God of justice.  I believe that in loving Him, He has given us a mandate:

“Is not this the fast that I choose:
to loose the bonds of wickedness,
to undo the straps of the yoke,
to let the oppressed go free,
and to break every yoke?
Is it not to share your bread with the hungry
and bring the homeless poor into your house;
when you see the naked, to cover him,
and not to hide yourself from your own flesh?

Isaiah 58:6-7

The enormity of the problem can leave me feeling overwhelmed and incapacitated to do anything.  Who am I that I could make a difference in such darkness?

In April of last year I attended IJM’s annual Global Prayer Gathering.  IJM staff from around the world converge in Washington DC for a time of corporate prayer.  Seeking God to lead them, to encourage them, to empower them.  This weekend was a spiritual highlight of my life and I don’t say that lightly.  I was admittedly nervous about going and worried that I would feel so emotionally overwhelmed.  Instead I came away knowing that I can make a difference – Prayer Matters.  And since that time, God has provided small opportunities that allow me to put my hands and feet to action.

So church, what can we do together?  I will be attending the Global Prayer Gathering again this year.  I would love to see a Grace contingent there. If you have any questions, please talk to me.

Locally, the UVA chapter for IJM is hosting their annual 5k – February 27, 2015. You can find the details here.

Grace also already supports the work of the Arbor House, a home that provides long-term housing and holistic aftercare services to adult, female, human trafficking survivors in Virginia.  In this coming year, our missions committee is seeking ways to come alongside them and other local ministries with more than just a check. 

But mostly, just open your heart to the Lord – hear His cry for justice and seek what He would have for you.

O Lord, you hear the desire of the afflicted;
you will strengthen their heart; you will incline your ear
to do justice to the fatherless and the oppressed,
so that man who is of the earth may strike terror no more.

Psalm 10:17-18

I have heard from so many of you that God has planted seeds of passion in this area.  Let those seeds grow and take firm root and let’s walk together for justice.

Much love,

Leslie