Slaves

Romans 6:12-23

16 Do you not know that if you present yourselves to anyone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin, which leads to death, or of obedience, which leads to righteousness?

Last Friday was World Day of Prayer. I bought some earrings made by women who were brought to Belgium as slaves. They found the safe house and are trying to start a new life. I considered making a donation without buying the jewellery, we have enough 'stuff'. But then I thought about the time and effort that the ladies put into their work, about the pleasure that it gives to sell your product, about how they are taking the hard option, the risks that they have taken to escape from their masters and attempt to lead a life dedicated to truth. I bought three pairs of earrings. 

I have worn some of them this week. When they are admired I can tell the story of their manufacture. Maybe in this way I can draw attention to the plight of the many modern day slaves. Victims of human trafficking, disobedient slaves grasping for a life free from the chains of their masters.

More on the problem in Belgium and Europe in general can be read, for instance, on these pages http://www.breakingchainsnetwork.com/
http://compassion4europe.com/

UK
http://www.soca.gov.uk/about-soca/about-the-ukhtc

USA and worldwide
http://www.polarisproject.org/