considering the resurrection as an end to oppression
According to UNICEF, there are over 27 million slaves in the world today, more than the total trafficked during the entire trans-Atlantic slave trade, representing one of the greatest abuses of power in human relationships.
According to Andy Crouch, Senior Editor at Christianity Today International, power is first and foremost a gift given to the human race from the Creator God.
Something has gone wrong.
And that something will be unveiled and discussed as we do two things on April 11th.
- First, we will face the hard truths about human trafficking by watching together the documentary “At the End of Slavery.”
- Second, we will hear a message of hope that connects the power unleashed in the Resurrection to the vision of a world without such abuse.
This is one of the essential conversations of our generation, one that that church must face into and deal with, and I believe that Sunday, April 11th will be an unforgettable beginning to that conversation.
It is for us as the church.
It is for our friends and neighbors who are curious about Jesus.
It’s for everyone who has ever asked the question “Where is God in the midst of human tragedy?”
Doors open at 6:30pm and a light dinner will be served. Tickets on sale here. If you are going, take a moment and post to your FB page. See you there.
April 15, 2010 @ 12:20 pm
What struck me when watching the film was the fact that in any slavery situation there are three components: the slave, the slave-owner (pimp/ factory owner etc) and the customer/client. For me the challenge is the demand end of the supply/demand equation – how can we be more aware of where our food/clothes are coming from? How do we challenge people who use/abuse children? If there were no clients there would be no slaves….
Andy’s description of benevolent oppression also struck a chord – tying in with a number of speakers I had heard over the weekend at the New Wineskins conference. We have to be so thoughtful, prayerful and humble as we approach the complexities of any form of outreach…. So glad David is preaching on the Holy Spirit at the moment – we need the guidance of the Paraclete in all our choices!