Sunday, December 28, 2008

Domestic "Help"

A friend of mine sent an article tonight via email. This email deals specifically with children trafficked from Africa into the United States but it is a problem that happens everywhere. It is hard enough to read and imagine what this young girl went through but the close of the article made me physically ill. Her captors think absolutely nothing of what they have done and so continue.

Child Maid Trafficking Spreads from Africa to U.S.

This is a problem of culture, poverty and violence. It is an evil undescribable and people need to continue to arm themselves with knowledge. How many people saw this little girl in the kitchen window and "had no idea" ?

Proverbs 31:8-9

Thursday, December 25, 2008

Blessed Christmas

For today in the city of David there has been born
for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.
~Luke 2:11

May you and yours be blessed this Christmas
May those who are far from family and friends be doubly-comforted by the presence of the One who came to give His life so we all may have life.


Proverbs 31:8-9

Sunday, December 21, 2008

Just in Time for the Holidays

It never ceases to amaze me the creativity of the human mind. When it is used for good, it is often with incredibe results. When it is used for evil...well...it can sometimes feel like the good don't have a chance. A few articles I read this morning in:

The Jamaica Observer

Market Watch - Weekend Edition

AsiaOne News

Philly.com (Philadelphia, PA news)

Newsday.com

And these are just a few of the articles a quick search on 'human trafficking' in Google netted me.



Proverbs 31:8-9

Monday, December 15, 2008

The SOLD Project

Another idea for your gift giving this season. I received this information in an email today from The SOLD Project. If you're still wondering what to give to someone, check out their site. If you want to have something physical in your hand to give someone, check out their online store for items made by rescued slaves.

This Holiday Season, give a gift in your friend or loved ones name! Gift giving this year is seeming to take a turn towards justice - people are simplifying, and asking 'what really matters?'. Consumers are demanding fair trade, and wanting to give gifts with stories. The SOLD Project recently launched our scholarship program in the northern villages of Thailand, which gives scholarships to children at-risk of exploitation.And so we ask you: This Christmas, what story will your gift tell?

$365 sponsors a child for a year of education
$110 provides school uniforms for a child
$50 buys a child their set of schoolbooks
$35 provides a years tuition to a child
$10 buys shoes for a student


When you donate online at
www.thesoldproject.com/donate, The SOLD Project will mail a custom postcard to the person receiving your gift, alerting them to your generous donation. Minimum gift donation is $5.


And don't forget to check out our store for crafts made by street children in Chiang Mai as part of their art therapy program!
Online Store


This year, you are giving more than a gift. You are giving a story, and changing the lives of children.With love, appreciation, and hope,The SOLD Project [for more gift ideas, you can also browse art donated to The SOLD Project by visiting our etsy store. all proceeds go to benefit the project]


Etsy Store

Tuesday, December 2, 2008

Holiday Shopping

A friend of mine sent me an email today, reminding me about The Emancipation Network's site and store.

As an idea for Christmas shopping this year, check out the various websites and stores available. There are so many extraordinary and beautiful items for sale, made by men, women and children rescued from trafficking. Your purchase of these items goes directly to supporting those who were without hope and are now free. You help them earn a decent living, provide for themselves and their families, an independence they never thought possible.

So - when you are shopping this year, consider checking out TEN's site (Free The Slaves has partnered with TEN so their store has some of the same merchandise in it). They have some wonderful, handmade ideas for your gift giving.

You can also check out the International Justice Mission's Holiday Gift Giving Catalog. They're another option if you're looking for an unusual gift, a unique item that also helps those trapped in the slave trade.


Blessings!

Proverbs 31:8-9