By Gabby Carlson | Echo
Slavery is a major problem in the world today. For many, it means looming death. But through the Freedom for Slavery Fast, students are able to make a difference.
The International Justice Mission (IJM) hosts this event yearly and encourages it to be held in colleges and churches across the U.S. This is a day without food in support of those who can't have food. According to the IJM website, there are over 45 million people in slavery today. With just a $24 donation, participants can help end human trafficking.
IJM's goal is to raise $100,000 nationwide to help save those trapped in the trafficking industry.
Freshman Bree Bailey is holding the event on campus at various locations from 10 a.m. today to 10 a.m. tomorrow. Since it is a fast, and classes are in session, participants are not expected to be together the whole time or go to every event, but the events offered are encouraged.
For the duration of the fast, there will be prayer stations set up in the Memorial Prayer Chapel that students can go to at anytime. Then, at 6:30 p.m. today, there will be a worship service near the fire pits outside the LaRita Boren Campus Center. At 8 p.m., a 30 minute IJM documentary film will be shown in Euler 109 and finally, everyone involved will break the fast together at a 10 a.m. breakfast in the Braden Room at the Hodson Dining Commons.
Senior Briana Wozniak has a passion for ending human trafficking and is excited not only to raise awareness for human trafficking, but start conversations about what action to take when people feel uncomfortable with the subject.
"For those who claim to have a passion for fighting human trafficking, slavery or even social justice as a whole, this is your chance to put action behind your words," Bailey said. "The Lord is waiting for us to join Him and seek His power in order to break the literal chains holding our brothers and sisters in bondage. For some, another day in these conditions means death. The time to take a stand is now!"
The events are structured to allow as much or as little participation as people would like. The goal is to raise awareness for human trafficking and place the people who are passionate about this issue in a situation where they can help, according to Wozniak. You can sign up online on the IJM website or make a donation toward IJM's ministry without participating.
