Rob Finestone Photography

Stand4Freedom is a multisite event all around the world during April 6 – 12. Standing for 24 hours in one location is a unique way to raise awareness about modern day slavery.

Rob Finestone photography

According to the Global Slavery Index there are an estimated 36 million slaves in the world today. Other estimates have the figure at nearly double that amount

Rob Finestone Photography

We joined the IJM Australia Stand For Freedom effort for two reasons. One was that very few people are aware that slavery is still an issue in our world.

Matt and Tereza stopped by and signed the petition

The other is that as people serious about the Gospel of Jesus we can’t just sit back and let that situation slide. Every Christian, every church, every community of Christ followers should be worried by the sheer prevalence of violence, human trafficking, and slavery that exists in our world. In many cases, these horrific incidences of slavery exist in contexts where the Christian church has a distinct presence.

Sarah and Shelly – total legends

It could be that standing in our safe and secure suburbia might not change the experience of many of those 36 million slaves.

But one thing is for sure: all the people we chatted with during the 24 hours, the nearly 100 people who signed the Locust Effect Petition, and even all those people who just drove past really slow and read the signage – all of them now know something more.

Monday morning crew at Cockburn Central

And somewhere down the track, maybe even on the Day of Days, when we all stand before the Christ who bought our freedom, none of us will be able to say that we didn’t know.

Jase & Jules – huge commitment from these two!

Way to go IJM Australia! Way to go Gateway Community Church #Stand4Freedom team!

Cockburn Central Town Centre – our home for 24 hours

Thanks for showing your support and your care for the people who, at least at present, have no chance of reading this blog.

Grace and peace,

Dave