Shine A Light On Slavery Day.

In the U.S.A we study the Emancipation Proclamation and think that slavery has ended. Freedom for all no longer ended at the Mason-Dixon line when this document was signed by President Lincoln.

When I became an adult, it was shocking to realize that slavery, legally, still exists in many parts of the world. Weren't we all enlightened enough to know that one person shouldn't own another?

In the 1990s there was publicity about slavery in the Sudan, where Muslims were attacking mostly Christian villages and stealing young adults and children to sell into slavery in Muslim territories. Young girls sold at the highest price.

I remember a sad documentary where a father was using an American agency to try to locate all the members of his family to buy back their freedom. He located the children and eventually his wife and the agency paid for the return of each. It ended with the husband vowing he would not ask about anything his wife was forced to do for her "master" while she was his slave.

Even in "civilized" countries there is an underbelly of evil where illegal slavery exists. Underground networks keep women captive for sex trafficking. I can't even imagine the kinds of people who would frequent such a place.

There are organizations trying to address these issues and make a change. Here are some that were passed on to me:

 https://www.freetheslaves.net/   --Works to liberate slaves around the world.

 http://www.theexodusroad.com/about/  --Funds rescue missions in Asia and the U.S.A.

This site truly touched my heart because it showed such hope. Former sex trafficking victims are rebuilding their lives by designing and selling jewelry. I think I may do some shopping, buy some jewelry and help change lives, all at the same time. Here's the site:

 http://www.emancipationnetwork.org/