Fighting Slavery

The Blogger outage of May 11 seems to have deleted the original version of this entry, so I have had to re-write it.

The Well has joined the fight against human trafficking, which is the name commonly given to modern day slavery.  This is a horrific organized criminal reality, and we believe God has called us to actively fight against it.  Our contribution to this cause is called Making Waves.

We are raising funds and raising awareness in many ways, including a garage sale this weekend that my wife and I hosted and a plant sale that another church member hosted.  Both were part of the Batavia city-wide garage sale and raised a total of more than $500.  The Well also sponsored and organized and a 5K run/walk on May 14 to raise funds for a community training class on May 21. "The training is for first-line responders (or anyone in a position to serve youth).  The training will equip participants to recognize the signs of human trafficking and will empower them with the proper tools for response."

"Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, 

  whose hope is in the LORD his God,

  who made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them,

  who keeps faith forever; 

  who executes justice for the oppressed,

  who gives food to the hungry.

The LORD sets the prisoners free; 

  the LORD opens the eyes of the blind.

The LORD lifts up those who are bowed down; 

  the LORD loves the righteous.

The LORD watches over the sojourners; 

  he upholds the widow and the fatherless,

  but the way of the wicked he brings to ruin."

- Psalm 146:5-9