Not Ashamed

More and more people are being asked not to share or overtly display symbols (such as wearing a cross) that indicate their faith or religious preferences. This is a troubling trend of taking away people’s freedom of speech and expression of beliefs! It is an issue that Not Ashamed aims to tackle head on.

More than any other person, Jesus Christ has shaped our society, for the good of all. The values and freedoms that flow from Him have been embedded in our culture and laws, bringing great benefit to our nation. Our literature, our art and our architecture have all been influenced by Him whilst the Christian framework has given rise to scientific endeavour, economic enterprise and social institutions such as schools, hospitals and welfare organisations. Today Christians remain heavily involved in society, fuelled by their faith in Jesus Christ and knowing that only He can provide a solid foundation for our communities and nation.

Yet the truths, values and behaviour consistent with that foundation are under attack, to the detriment of the whole of society. There is mounting pressure to exclude Jesus Christ from public life, consigning Him instead to the realm of the ‘private and personal’. Increasingly, Christians are encountering attempts to restrict their freedom to speak and live in accordance with biblical teaching in the workplace and in public life (you can read more about some of those affected here).

The Not Ashamed campaign is about standing together and speaking up for the value of that Christian framework and the place of Jesus Christ in the face of apathy, attack and uncertainty about the Christian message. In the midst of the big challenges that our country currently faces, 'Not Ashamed' provides an opportunity to be visible and vocal for Jesus Christ in public life, explaining how He is good news for our communities and how He is the only one who can provide a robust framework for our life together.

Watch Bishop Michael Nazir-Ali explain the need for Not Ashamed here. Watch other Christians speak about Not Ashamed here.

To support the Not Ashamed campaign, you can WEAR, DECLARE, SHARE. You can also shop in their online shop, or sign a declaration of your commitment to and faith in Christ.

Blessings!

Ronell x

“I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile.” {Romans 1v16} 

OATH against human trafficking

In honour of January being National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month in the US, I thought I would post about Oath Coalition. They are setting a challenge for those who are now aware of human trafficking to take an oath to make a difference.

Oklahomans Against Trafficking Humans (O.A.T.H.) was organised in 2008 by a small group of concerned citizens in Tulsa that had become aware of trafficking problems locally. The initial mission was to bring awareness about human trafficking and the activity of traffickers operating in Oklahoma and to create a victim-centered approach to advocacy.

Currently there are no paid staff positions. Everyone that works with OATH volunteers their time including the Executive Director. Full time volunteer and Intern positions are available.

The main problem that we all still face is ignorance. Most people believe that President Lincoln ended slavery. But the unfortunate fact is that slavery never ended, there are now more slaves in the world than ever before in history.

Most people believe that slavery and human trafficking only happens in foreign countries far away.  Fact is it also happens in developed European nations and in the US. Equally, most people believe that, if it happened in developed nations, that it only happens to illegal aliens or children that are abducted.  The fact is that it can happen to ANYONE! The majority of cases prosecuted in America, for example, are US citizens trafficked through the porn industry and by pimps prostituting women and children.

There is so much ignorance and miss-information about the facts of human trafficking and OATH spends much of their time and resources educating people about the reality that modern day slaves live among us and are being exploited in our own back yard!

OATH screens and shows films on trafficking and their volunteers host awareness events like 5K runs, fun walks, art exhibits, poetry slams, drama productions, live music benefits and we conduct professional trainings. OATH volunteers are willing to come (providing you are local) to your school, church, organization or place of business to present an Awareness 101 with videos. They provide public awareness and host a monthly meeting in cities across the state.

In short, OATH’s Mission Statement is to increase awareness of human trafficking, identify victims and work collaboratively with our partners to provide comprehensive services to identified victims in Oklahoma and throughout America! (and the world I hope!)

So make your OATH today!- it is a commitment to a promise that we can all make after understanding what human trafficking is and who it affects; A vow to self, to others and to the world that we will not rest until this injustice is made right; A pledge to do whatever it takes to end modern slavery in all of its evil forms; A passionate dream that every man, woman and child will live free to pursue their God-given purpose in life; A dedication to our commitment that will not easily be distracted by self-serving comfort or surrendered to opposition. An OATH is what it takes to see justice for all!

To help OATH make others aware: Follow them on Twitter, invite them to speak at your school, church, business or group and go here to volunteer.

Blessings!

Ronell x

“Unfortunately, in today's world we have to be reminded that the power of an oath derives from the fact that in it we ask God to bear witness to the promises we make with the implicit expectation that He will hold us accountable for the manner in which we honor them.” {James L. Buckley}

Compassionart: Joining the dots between art and poverty

For those of you who follow this blog regularly, I just firstly want to apologise. I completely forgot to post yesterday, as I was completely caught up with packing! I am moving tomorrow on very short notice, so things are a bit hectic my end!

Today’s post is about Compassionart, a charity that joins the dots between art and poverty. It raises money to help breathe life into the poorest communities, restoring hope and igniting justice.

This is how Compassionart’s describes its beginnings:

It all started with a sense that music really ought to be able to sit well with justice. Yet in a world of album sales and royalty cheques, it can be hard to see how the two link up. So, a plan evolved; create a little music (and eventually, quite a bit more) and use all of the proceeds from album sales and royalty cheques to support those working among the world's poorest communities.

These thoughts came first to the heads and hearts of Martin and Anna Smith. Martin's years at the front of the stage with Delirious have given him a unique perspective; across every continent he has seen at first hand the potential that music has to connect. And he has seen poverty – the crushing sort, the type that chokes hope and suffocates life. And he has seen remarkable people doing remarkable things to break poverty's hold.

In January 2008 – after more than a year and a half of planning – Martin and Anna were joined by 11 other songwriters from the world of Christian music for a week of writing. Out of it came 22 songs, but something much more; a sense that there might be something in this – that compassion and art might just be a relationship worth investing in.

You can support Compassionart by shopping online or donating. Or why not take a leag from their book and create music, or any other kind of art, that supports and promotes a cause that you are passionate about! The four main causes supported by Compassionart are:

·      Joyce Meyer’s Hand of Hope

·      Ray of Hope

·      Watoto

·      Stop the Traffik

Please support this cause, or take inspiration on how to support another!

Blessings!

Ronell x

“Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all you lands.” {Psalm 100v1}

January: National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month in the US

As I have mentioned previously, human trafficking is one of the closest causes to my heart. I have posted about it a lot, so today when I saw a post by the A21 Campaign in my facebook feed, I knew I had to share! So below is information shared by the A21 Campaign about how awareness about human trafficking is being raised in the US in particular:

Just a few weeks into 2013, the dark industry of sex trafficking is being brought to light and people are committing to change. It’s been mainstream media and unlike many passing trends, this isn’t a social justice cause; it’s human rights.

In one of the most significant efforts towards awareness, January has been declared National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month in the United States. If you haven’t read President Obama’s proclamation, read it here. And tomorrow, Friday, is a day designated to spreading awarenes

Come alongside The A21 Campaign for National Human Trafficking Awareness Day:

Be a voice for the voiceless by sharing why abolition in the 21^st century is important to YOU! Go on Twitter or Instagram and use the #BeCause hashtag. It could be your personal declaration, photos of yourself in #BeCause gear, or you get really creative with text designs. Go to our Facebook page and write on our wall about why you are making a difference.

Are you involved #BeCause ? One moment of our time could mean a lifetime of freedom for someone!

Maybe #BeCause there are 27 million in slavery today, our generation MUST move to action.

Or maybe everything else just became a little less important #BeCause you found a way to make the world a better place.

We’ll share, retweet, repost, and highlight why YOU are involved from our own social media platforms. We’ll be doing this from Friday, January 11 – Wednesday, January 15.

This year we are going to make significant strides towards truly abolishing modern slavery. Kick it off by sharing why you’re taking a stand!

Thank you for support for this amazing cause!

Blessings!

Ronell x

“Have you not known?
Have you not heard?
The everlasting God, the Lord,
The Creator of the ends of the earth,
Neither faints nor is weary.
His understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the weak,
And to those who have no might He increases strength.” {Isaiah 40v28-29}

Stop the Traffik: People Shouldn’t be Bought and Sold

Men, women and children are trafficked within their own countries and across international borders. Trafficking affects every continent and every country, whether it's an origin country where people are trafficked from; a transit country where people are trafficked through; or a destination country where people are trafficked to. Often a country will be all three.

Due to the hidden and illegal nature of human trafficking, gathering statistics on the scale of the problem is difficult. The UN Office on Drugs and Crime stated that “People trafficking is the fastest growing means by which people are enslaved, the fastest growing international crime, and one of the largest sources of income for organised crime”.

Find out more about the scale of human trafficking and read some real life stories.

Today’s post is about an organization called STOP THE TRAFFIK. Stop the Traffik is a global movement of individuals, communities and organisations fighting to prevent human trafficking around the world.

Every instance of trafficking involves a person being trafficked from a community into a community. Therefore the community must work together to prevent it. Stop the Traffik are turning communities into places where it is harder for traffickers to hide their activities and their victims. They work to inspire, inform, equip and mobilise communities to:

•               Know what trafficking is and how to identify it

•               Know how to protect themselves and others

•               Know how to respond

They aim unite people around the world through our global campaigns and promote the motto that we are stronger and can create greater change when we work together.

Stop the Traffik campaigns to:

•  Target decision makers to exert their influence to prevent human trafficking

•  Build the global movement by continually reaching out to new people 

•  Raise money for projects that protect those who are most vulnerable

•  Gather information from the community to develop up-to-date information to rival the trafficker's network

STOP THE TRAFFIK was set up in 2006 and has over 45, 000 members in 257 countries around the world.

To get involved, visit the Take action section of their site. You can also

find groups, activists and campaigns near you to get involved with!

Blessings!

Ronell x

“The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me,
Because the Lord has anointed Me
To preach good tidings to the poor;
He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted,
To proclaim liberty to the captives,
And the opening of the prison to those who are bound;” {Isaiah 61v1}

International Justice Mission: Seek Justice

Tonight we had a guest speaker for Life Skills (re:think) at re:generation church. Maggie is originally from Atlanta, Georgia and is currently working with an organisation called International Justice Mission at their UK partner office.

International Justice Mission is a human rights agency that brings rescue to victims of slavery, sexual exploitation and other forms of violent oppression. IJM lawyers, investigators and aftercare professionals work with local officials to secure immediate victim rescue and aftercare, to prosecute perpetrators and to ensure that public justice systems - police, courts and laws - effectively protect the poor. 

IJM's justice professionals work in their communities in 16 field offices in Asia, Africa and Latin America to secure tangible and sustainable protection of national laws through local court systems.

IJM investigators, lawyers and social workers intervene in individual cases of abuse in partnership with state and local authorities to ensure proper support for the victim and appropriate action against the perpetrator. Such collaboration is essential to obtain convictions against individual perpetrators and to bring meaning to local laws that are meaningless if not enforced. Find out more about the work of IJM.

In the tradition of heroic Christian leaders like abolitionist William Wilberforce and transformational leaders like Mother Teresa and Martin Luther King, Jr., IJM's staff stand against violent oppression in response to the Bible's call to justice (Isaiah 1:17): Seek justice, rescue the oppressed, defend the orphan, plead for the widow.

IJM seeks to restore to victims of oppression the things that God intends for them: their lives, their liberty, their dignity, the fruits of their labor. By defending and protecting individual human rights, IJM seeks to engender hope and transformation for those it serves and restore a witness of courage in places of oppressive violence. IJM helps victims of oppression regardless of their religion, ethnicity, or gender.

There are currently more than 27 million slaves in the world (including the UK) and 40-50% of that number is represented by children under the age of 18!! Worldwide trafficking is worth and estimated $32billion (roughly £20 billion)! IJM is an organisation which is not only working on the ground, but is also fighting to change legislation to prevent injustice.

You can donate financially  (UK / US) to the work of IJM, or you can get involved (UK / US) in other ways (e.g. volunteering).

Blessings!

Ronell x

“He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” {Micah 6v8}

Live58: Fast. Forward. The end of poverty.

We have everything we need to end extreme poverty, but will we do everything it takes to do it? This is the burning question asked by Live58.

Live58 is a Christ-centered global initiative to end extreme poverty in this generation. The name comes from Isaiah 58 where we realise that caring for the poor is not an option but a command to Christians that comes deep from God's heart. Live58 is calling on churches and Christian communities to join them to seek to end extreme poverty in our lifetime.

58: THE FILM tells the story of the global church on the move, rising up to its remarkable potential to end extreme poverty by bringing God's words through Isaiah to life in our time. Arrange a viewing to show the film and to get support for this cause from your family, friends and the Christian community around you. Your non-Christian friends and family  would get involved with a cause like this too, so don't make this exclusive to Christians that you know!

Blessings!

Ronell x

"Is not this the kind of fasting I have chose: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke?" {Isaiah 58v6}