Slavery still exists--all over the world--in countless forms and astounding numbers. From April 11-15, Milligan’s International Justice Mission chapter hosted Freedom Week, a week-long event that encouraged students to take a stand against slavery.

 

Events included powerful worship sessions, documentaries, testimonials and prayer meetings to spread awareness of the 27 million people currently in slavery. There was even an opportunity to participate in a 24-hour Stand for Slavery event which involved students standing for one-hour sessions throughout an entire day.

 

Students watched a variety of documentaries including “E-Team” Tuesday evening, “Born into Brothels” Thursday evening and “Children Underground” early Friday morning.

 

Michael and Leah Short from Artisans’ Village, a shop located on Main Street in Johnson City, Tenn., spoke to students about the fair trade industry. According to their Facebook page, the retail sale of fair trade products in the United States was 1.2 billion dollars in 2010.

 

The couple has traveled to Cambodia and Thailand to meet the craftspeople who make their goods--many of them rescued from forced labor or sex trafficking. Students had the opportunity to view and purchase some of these handmade goods which included handmade jewelry, bags, decor, non-perishable food products and more.

 

Students were encouraged to post about their experiences throughout the week using the hashtag #standforfreedom.   

 

Students stand for those who cannot during Freedom Week