As you can tell I got busy with other things and haven't posted recently. I received an email this morning from Passion City Church saying that today is day 72 of the freedom hand and "72 days for freedom". which means, it will come down. Even though the hand cannot remain in the parking lot forever, it doesn't mean the fight for freedom is ending. At Passion 2012, an event for college aged students, we stood 40 thousand strong against slavery, brought it to attention in the community and city of Atlanta and throughout the world. Now we stand, united together, WAY more than 40 thousand strong. Passion students brought back the passion to end slavery to their hometowns literally all over the world. We collectively raised funds for organizations throughout North America, Canada, and other countries world wide for the process of freedom, justice, and love. We have already began to make a difference and we will continue this journey. It doesn't end here. The freedom hand will always be in our hearts and we will always raise our own hands to fight for freedom for women, men, and children all around the world. Everyone deserves to be free and NO ONE deserves to be a slave.
Together we can make a difference. Together we can end slavery. Together we can make sure history Does NOT repeat itself. Together we can choose to educate and inform ourselves so that we are not ignorant about this situation. Together we can decide that indifference simply is NOT an option. Together we can raise awareness. Together we can support, pray, and encourage those that have been and are enslaved. Together we can keep raising our hands. TOGETHER WE ARE A FORCE FOR GOOD.
Raise your hand as I raise mine!
For Freedom
Thursday, May 17, 2012
Monday, April 16, 2012
day fifty
I
I visited the hand for the first time since passion 2012. It's still has as much of an impact.
www.72daysforfreedom.com
A21 is dear and near to my heart. A21 is the people that send out the letters of encouragement to sex-trafficked girls who have recently been rescued. It's one of the 21 ways to help that is listed on their website. That was a great experience for my students, for their friends, for their teachers, and for me. In the process of encouraging people, we ended up learning so much more.
I encourage you to take the time to write a letter of encouragement. You'll be surprised at how much YOU are the one that is being encouraged through the process.
Here's the A21 website for more information:
www.thea21campaign.org
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
Day 44
April 10: Pray for awareness and action to stir in the hearts of the
CEO’s of America’s largest corporations. Pray the would be challenged to
take another look at their supply chain sources and use their influence
to fight for freedom.
Friday, March 30, 2012
day thirty-three
March 30: Pray for the women being restored at the Suti Sana project in
Bolivia. Praise Jesus for the way these women are learning a new trade
and learning a new lifestyle away from the brothels.
Here is a website for the Suti Sana Project: http://www.sutisana.com/
although this website is under construction and does not give a ton of information, the project is still happening and hope and restoration is still being poured out into lives.
This image is from Passion 2011. At passion 2011 one of the causes at the "go center" was to restore ten girls through the Suti Sana project. Just ten. and we thought that was a HUGE accomplishment back then....Who knew we could do soooo much more for so many more beautiful women in just one year at passion 2012. If we keep this up, we can end this thing.
Together we are a force for good!
268generation.com
72daysforfreedom.com
Here is a website for the Suti Sana Project: http://www.sutisana.com/
although this website is under construction and does not give a ton of information, the project is still happening and hope and restoration is still being poured out into lives.
END SLAVERY in the 21st Century.
Together we are a force for good!
268generation.com
72daysforfreedom.com
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Day Thirty
The freedom hand is still standing. And it CAN be seen from the interstate! dosomethingnow!
I have fallen behind this past week in my posts. But I haven't forgotten about freedom. I'm so encouraged, excited, and impressed that I see the talk of ending slavery daily. The more I know about slavery, the more I open my eyes to God's love, the more I pray, the more I spend time reading the bible the more I see how we really are one body. We truly are one and together we are a force for good. It's like the term "it's a small world" , and it really is a small world when you think about the power of God and how God's people, no matter where they are in the world, are working together for the same cause. :) crazy.
Here's today's prayer:
March 27: Pray for the families who are searching for their lost daughters who have been trafficked. Pray comfort to cover them daily. Pray for the rescue of their daughters. Pray that the Gospel of Jesus would be made known and bring healing to the families.
Learn more:
www.72daysforfreedom.com
Do more:
-Teach young people that slavery still exists and challenge them to get involved. Parents, educators, youth and college pastors can help raise up the next generation of abolitionist. Parent and Educator Discussion Guide:
cnn.com/2011/US/studentnews/04/04/freedomproject.teacher.guide/index.html
-Volunteer, teach a life skill class, be an academic mentor, or participate in home improvement project to help restore the women at Wellspring Living recovery shelter in Atlanta, GA. wellspringleague.org/?page_id=163
-Eat Fair Trade chocolate and tell leaders in the chocolate industry to stop using child slave labor and institute labor standards among their suppliers.
I have fallen behind this past week in my posts. But I haven't forgotten about freedom. I'm so encouraged, excited, and impressed that I see the talk of ending slavery daily. The more I know about slavery, the more I open my eyes to God's love, the more I pray, the more I spend time reading the bible the more I see how we really are one body. We truly are one and together we are a force for good. It's like the term "it's a small world" , and it really is a small world when you think about the power of God and how God's people, no matter where they are in the world, are working together for the same cause. :) crazy.
Here's today's prayer:
March 27: Pray for the families who are searching for their lost daughters who have been trafficked. Pray comfort to cover them daily. Pray for the rescue of their daughters. Pray that the Gospel of Jesus would be made known and bring healing to the families.
Learn more:
www.72daysforfreedom.com
Do more:
-Teach young people that slavery still exists and challenge them to get involved. Parents, educators, youth and college pastors can help raise up the next generation of abolitionist. Parent and Educator Discussion Guide:
cnn.com/2011/US/studentnews/04/04/freedomproject.teacher.guide/index.html
-Volunteer, teach a life skill class, be an academic mentor, or participate in home improvement project to help restore the women at Wellspring Living recovery shelter in Atlanta, GA. wellspringleague.org/?page_id=163
-Eat Fair Trade chocolate and tell leaders in the chocolate industry to stop using child slave labor and institute labor standards among their suppliers.
Monday, March 19, 2012
day twenty-two
March 19: Pray for Gary Haugen, IJM CEO. As a leader in the fight for freedom pray for favor, wisdom, and vision.
http://www.ijm.org/
http://www.ijm.org/
Friday, March 16, 2012
DAY NINETEEN
Today was the final day for the students to finish their letters of encouragement for rescued a21 sex-trafficking victims. I told you in early posts that since we were reading a book on Harriet Tubman, I thought I would incorporate this activity to let the students know that slavery still exists. I got all of my information on how to write the letters, what to put in the letters, how to address the letters, and where to send them from the A21 Campaign Website: http://thea21campaign.org/WRITE-A-LETTER.PHP&lang=en
I thought this would be a fun activity and the students would write so-so letters that were decent but not fantastic....But I was completely wrong. The letters they wrote turned out to be fantastic! Since they are younger, I didn't want to mention sex-trafficking so we settled for just saying "slaves". Today many of the students asked me if they could turn their letters in on Monday. I told them they had to finish today because I was going to mail them over the weekend. To my surprise almost all of the students said, "Wait, these are real girls? You're really mailing them to people?" ---this is the problem we are facing today. It's so easy to not care if you do not know or are not involved personally in a situation. It's so convenient to say, "oh yeah, there are slaves today, but I'm not really sure whats going on and I'm not really sure where they are..I just have heard about it..."
Well, for my students and I, indifference is not an option. and ignorance is not an excuse. So students from ages 9-12 banned together in my classroom this week and became modern day abolitionists. While they couldn't raise a lot of money, donate from their pockets, or host an event to spread the word, these students wrote letters of encouragement, restoration, respect, and love to girls, the exact same age as them, to let them know that people do care and are doing something about it.
and i'm so proud.
Together we can end this thing. To do something more about slavery, you can visit 72 days for freedom website and read the list of ways to help. Pick a way, and pour your whole heart into it. Let Freedom Ring!
Here's that website: www.72daysforfreedom.com
And since the final drafts are now written, I thought I'd share them:)
Letter 1 :
Dear lovely,
You are beautiful. You are great. You are magnificent. I think you are outstanding just the way you are. Follow your dreams and you can achieve great goals. Love, Blayne
Letter 2:
Dear Gorgeous,
You are important! Don't let anyone get you down. You are perfect the way you are, so keep your head up high and don't ever let it down. You are my role model and a lot of people love you. You are sweet and intelligent and brave. So always keep your head up and keep being strong. Your Friend, Kayla
Letter 3:
Dear Friend,
You are as cool as music. I think of you all the time. I think you are intelligent. I think you rock. You are also brave. You are powerful. You are my friend. You are special. Keep on being great. Love, Michael
Letter 4:
Dear Beautiful,
You are the sweetest thing in the whole world. You're courageous and you're gorgeous in all the ways you can imagine. You are perfect the way you are because you are special and brave. You can accomplish anything you set your mind to. Plus, don't ever think you're not beautiful and special because you are. You are strong, powerful, and glorious! You're magnificent! You're unstoppable and you're smart. I hope I see you one day. Your friend, Tasha
Letter 5:
Dear Beautiful,
You are pretty as blossoms from a tree. You are as sweet as honey. You are very intelligent. You are always in my heart. You are kind. I love you. love, Jacob
Letter 6
Dear Lovely,
You are amazing just the way you are. I am very inspired by all of your kindness. Your soul is like a rainbow of colors. You're also talented. You have been a huge inspiration to me. You have taught me so much, but most importantly: to never give up. You're sweet as sugar, delicate as a rose, and pretty as flowers on a hot summer day. And most of all, you're awesome. Your friend, Anna
P.S: You're the best! Forever and always.
Letter 7:
Dear Beautiful,
You are so wonderful. You need to stay brave because you as sweet and wonderful. You are as pretty as roses growing on beautiful bushes. Roses are red, violets are blue, the roses are beautiful and so are you. You are so beautiful! Love, Randy
Letter 8:
Dear Lovely,
You are an intelligent girl who is capable of anything. You are perfect, brilliant, and courageous. Always try to live your dream. You Rock! What an outstanding girl you are. You're very strong and brave! Don't let anyone tell you that you can not accomplish anything because you can! You are a super star. I believe you can do anything you try to do. What an inspiration you have been. You encourage me and so many others. Live your dream the way you want. Keep being courageous! Don't put your head down because people want to see your face! Love, Madison
Letter 9:
Dear Beautiful,
You are perfect in any way. You are as beautiful as the gorgeous sun flowers that the sun shines on. You are as delicate and gorgeous as a red pretty rose. I know you can always accomplish your goals. You are so pretty. You shine like the morning sun every day. Every time you light up a room. You are special just the way you are. You don't ever need to change the way you are. Your friend, Emilee
Letter 10:
Dear Beautiful,
I think that you are very POWERFUL! I think of you every second! you are brave and strong. I think that you are glorious. You are nice and pretty as a flower. I think that you are friendly. Never think that I don't love you because I do! Smile and keep being strong like you already are. Love your friend, Katherine
Letter `11:
Dear Beautiful,
You are so inspiring! Never say you aren't loved because we love you. You are gorgeous and you are so important to me and every body else. You are so wonderful and sweet. You are so smart and intelligent. Love Samantha
Letter 12:
Dear friend,
You are strong inside and out. You are brave, beautiful, and lovely. You are inspiring to every one. Believe in yourself like I believe in you. Let your dreams fly. Don't let anyone tell you you can't dream big. You are awesome, outstanding, and VERY important. You will stay the same through your life. You rock! Love, Savannah
Letter 13:
Dear Gorgeous,
Everyone thinks of you every second. You are powerful, brave, and glorious! I know you're beautiful! You are like a perfect sun on a horizon. You inspire everyone! They see how gorgeous you are! You're so sweet! Your friend, Ashley
Letter 14:
Dear Sweetie,
You are beautiful like roses. I think of you every second. You are special and powerful. Don't ever stop believing in yourself. You are so courageous and awesome! I wish I could meet you some day. You are a popstar! You are a good friend! Your Friend, Rachel
Letter 15:
Dear Gorgeous,
Never think you're not amazing because you are. You don't know how inspiring you are to me. Never ever give up because what ever you set your mind to truly soon you will accomplish it! Never put your head down because everyone wants to see your beautiful face! Your friend, Nicole
Here's Today's Prayer:
March 16: Pray for President Obama (and the President/Prime Minister/Primer of your nation) as he leads the United States. Ask God to awaken his heart and provide him wisdom as he makes decisions that impact freedom and modern day slavery.
For More Info:
http://thecnnfreedomproject.blogs.cnn.com/2012/03/15/human-trafficking-a-national-security-issue-obama-task-force-told/
I thought this would be a fun activity and the students would write so-so letters that were decent but not fantastic....But I was completely wrong. The letters they wrote turned out to be fantastic! Since they are younger, I didn't want to mention sex-trafficking so we settled for just saying "slaves". Today many of the students asked me if they could turn their letters in on Monday. I told them they had to finish today because I was going to mail them over the weekend. To my surprise almost all of the students said, "Wait, these are real girls? You're really mailing them to people?" ---this is the problem we are facing today. It's so easy to not care if you do not know or are not involved personally in a situation. It's so convenient to say, "oh yeah, there are slaves today, but I'm not really sure whats going on and I'm not really sure where they are..I just have heard about it..."
Well, for my students and I, indifference is not an option. and ignorance is not an excuse. So students from ages 9-12 banned together in my classroom this week and became modern day abolitionists. While they couldn't raise a lot of money, donate from their pockets, or host an event to spread the word, these students wrote letters of encouragement, restoration, respect, and love to girls, the exact same age as them, to let them know that people do care and are doing something about it.
and i'm so proud.
Together we can end this thing. To do something more about slavery, you can visit 72 days for freedom website and read the list of ways to help. Pick a way, and pour your whole heart into it. Let Freedom Ring!
Here's that website: www.72daysforfreedom.com
And since the final drafts are now written, I thought I'd share them:)
Letter 1 :
Dear lovely,
You are beautiful. You are great. You are magnificent. I think you are outstanding just the way you are. Follow your dreams and you can achieve great goals. Love, Blayne
Letter 2:
Dear Gorgeous,
You are important! Don't let anyone get you down. You are perfect the way you are, so keep your head up high and don't ever let it down. You are my role model and a lot of people love you. You are sweet and intelligent and brave. So always keep your head up and keep being strong. Your Friend, Kayla
Letter 3:
Dear Friend,
You are as cool as music. I think of you all the time. I think you are intelligent. I think you rock. You are also brave. You are powerful. You are my friend. You are special. Keep on being great. Love, Michael
Letter 4:
Dear Beautiful,
You are the sweetest thing in the whole world. You're courageous and you're gorgeous in all the ways you can imagine. You are perfect the way you are because you are special and brave. You can accomplish anything you set your mind to. Plus, don't ever think you're not beautiful and special because you are. You are strong, powerful, and glorious! You're magnificent! You're unstoppable and you're smart. I hope I see you one day. Your friend, Tasha
Letter 5:
Dear Beautiful,
You are pretty as blossoms from a tree. You are as sweet as honey. You are very intelligent. You are always in my heart. You are kind. I love you. love, Jacob
Letter 6
Dear Lovely,
You are amazing just the way you are. I am very inspired by all of your kindness. Your soul is like a rainbow of colors. You're also talented. You have been a huge inspiration to me. You have taught me so much, but most importantly: to never give up. You're sweet as sugar, delicate as a rose, and pretty as flowers on a hot summer day. And most of all, you're awesome. Your friend, Anna
P.S: You're the best! Forever and always.
Letter 7:
Dear Beautiful,
You are so wonderful. You need to stay brave because you as sweet and wonderful. You are as pretty as roses growing on beautiful bushes. Roses are red, violets are blue, the roses are beautiful and so are you. You are so beautiful! Love, Randy
Letter 8:
Dear Lovely,
You are an intelligent girl who is capable of anything. You are perfect, brilliant, and courageous. Always try to live your dream. You Rock! What an outstanding girl you are. You're very strong and brave! Don't let anyone tell you that you can not accomplish anything because you can! You are a super star. I believe you can do anything you try to do. What an inspiration you have been. You encourage me and so many others. Live your dream the way you want. Keep being courageous! Don't put your head down because people want to see your face! Love, Madison
Letter 9:
Dear Beautiful,
You are perfect in any way. You are as beautiful as the gorgeous sun flowers that the sun shines on. You are as delicate and gorgeous as a red pretty rose. I know you can always accomplish your goals. You are so pretty. You shine like the morning sun every day. Every time you light up a room. You are special just the way you are. You don't ever need to change the way you are. Your friend, Emilee
Letter 10:
Dear Beautiful,
I think that you are very POWERFUL! I think of you every second! you are brave and strong. I think that you are glorious. You are nice and pretty as a flower. I think that you are friendly. Never think that I don't love you because I do! Smile and keep being strong like you already are. Love your friend, Katherine
Letter `11:
Dear Beautiful,
You are so inspiring! Never say you aren't loved because we love you. You are gorgeous and you are so important to me and every body else. You are so wonderful and sweet. You are so smart and intelligent. Love Samantha
Letter 12:
Dear friend,
You are strong inside and out. You are brave, beautiful, and lovely. You are inspiring to every one. Believe in yourself like I believe in you. Let your dreams fly. Don't let anyone tell you you can't dream big. You are awesome, outstanding, and VERY important. You will stay the same through your life. You rock! Love, Savannah
Letter 13:
Dear Gorgeous,
Everyone thinks of you every second. You are powerful, brave, and glorious! I know you're beautiful! You are like a perfect sun on a horizon. You inspire everyone! They see how gorgeous you are! You're so sweet! Your friend, Ashley
Letter 14:
Dear Sweetie,
You are beautiful like roses. I think of you every second. You are special and powerful. Don't ever stop believing in yourself. You are so courageous and awesome! I wish I could meet you some day. You are a popstar! You are a good friend! Your Friend, Rachel
Letter 15:
Dear Gorgeous,
Never think you're not amazing because you are. You don't know how inspiring you are to me. Never ever give up because what ever you set your mind to truly soon you will accomplish it! Never put your head down because everyone wants to see your beautiful face! Your friend, Nicole
Here's Today's Prayer:
March 16: Pray for President Obama (and the President/Prime Minister/Primer of your nation) as he leads the United States. Ask God to awaken his heart and provide him wisdom as he makes decisions that impact freedom and modern day slavery.
For More Info:
http://thecnnfreedomproject.blogs.cnn.com/2012/03/15/human-trafficking-a-national-security-issue-obama-task-force-told/
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Day 17
March 14: Pray for David Batstone and the team at Not For Sale as they
partner with large corporations to bring justice and raise awareness
about modern day slavery.
http://www.notforsalecampaign.org/
http://www.notforsalecampaign.org/
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Day 16
PRAY:
March 13: Pray for the team at CNN Freedom Project as they gather and tell stories of slavery and rescue.
Ways to do more:
spend some time on CNN Freedom Project's website:
http://thecnnfreedomproject.blogs.cnn.com/
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