When I mention the word "SLAVERY", what images come to mind? Perhaps southern plantations in the 18th and early 19th centuries? Or more recently, forced labor in Southeast Asia making designer clothes, sneakers, and handbags? Or maybe child soldiers wielding machetes and automatic rifles in Uganda?
Unfortunately, the problem is much larger and closer to home than you may have thought possible. Yes, slavery is alive and thriving today, right here in the land of the free and home of the brave. Recent statistics indicate that more than 300,000 human beings are trafficked in the U.S. each year. Upwards of 10% (THIRTY THOUSAND people) are trafficked right here through Greater Boston!
I am so excited that Netcast has a community group that refuses to stand idly by while this activity goes on around us. We have partnered with a safe house for women who have been rescued from the bonds of sexual slavery. These women are in dire need of physical and psychological healing, which experts will provide. The community group is sponsoring a room at the safe house to provide a comfortable and safe environment for such healing to occur. The room will accommodate two women (for six to 18 months, depending on the extent of rehabilitation required). We are supplying everything for a room, including but not limited to: beds, dressers, nightstands, lamps, alarm clocks, clothes hangers, bed linens, blankets, pillows, window treatments, and wall coverings.
In order to organize the contributions and avoid duplication, we have developed a registry for items that will be donated to the safe house, much like a wedding or baby registry.
This registry also affords an opportunity to those who may want to participate at arms length. Once an item has been obtained, it will be removed from the list, so that only those items still needed will be listed.
This is an ambitious effort that will have untold impacts on some very hurting women. Please be in prayer for these women, the safe house, and this project.
If you feel moved to participate in this initiative, we would welcome any additional assistance that God sends our way.
Here's the link to the registry:
http://www.myregistry.com/visitors/GiftList.aspx?param=1&sid=95109dd7-d5d3-45f7-8dbb-ef034986e85d
Financial Contributions can be made as a "Special Designation" at https://netcastchurch.ccbchurch.com/trx_submit.php?type=public_gift
I challenge anyone reading this, to pray about how God may invite you to participate in this effort.
Blog written with assistance from Alan Day and the Wednesday Night Danvers Community Group.
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