 |
You hear, O LORD, the desire of the afflicted; you
encourage them, and you listen to their cry,
defending the fatherless and the oppressed, in
order that man, who is of the earth, may terrify no
more. (Psalm 10:17, 18) |
| |
Dear Friends,
During the month of February we celebrate a number of holidays and special times. None is more significant than the Black History Month recognition of our Black brothers and sisters and the tremendous struggle they and their ancestors have endured over the centuries for freedom and equality. Even in these United States, the nation groaned through a brutal Civil War less than 150 years ago to unite over the question of whether one man should own another. Most of us who look back on that struggle wonder how it could even have been a legitimate question in the minds of our ancestral families. More baffling yet is how slavery and oppression can continue to this day.
More than 5000 churches in our country have joined this month to call for an end of slavery in our world. On the 200th anniversary of the abolition of the slave trade in England, churches throughout the world are observing Amazing Grace Sunday on February 18, coinciding with the release of an important motion picture on February 23. Promotional material states "The film Amazing Grace is based on the true story of William Wilberforce, a British statesman and reformer from the early part of the 19th century. It chronicles his extraordinary contributions to the world, primarily his 20-year fight to abolish the British slave trade, which he won in 1807. Wilberforce was also instrumental in passing legislation to abolish slavery in the British colonies, a victory he won just three days before his death in 1833."
The work that Wilberforce started is far from finished. According to National Geographic, 2003, "there are still some 27 million slaves in the world today suffering under the weight of oppression. Modern day slavery takes on many forms including the horrific trade in women and children kept as sex slaves, and entire families working in rock quarries or brick kilns; or children working on rug looms. These are all innocent people robbed of their freedom. These slaves are not free to come and go; they are beaten or threatened with violence. They deserve the chance to be free."
Nearly 2 million children are used in the commercial sex trade, where they routinely face sexual and physical violence. (UNICEF, 2006)
The illegal industry of worldwide, human trafficking generates about 9.5 billion dollars each year. (Trafficking in Persons Report, 2005)
John Newton (1725-1807) wrote the most recorded song in history, Amazing Grace, with over 3200 recordings in existence. He had been a seaman, a slave ship captain, who referred to himself as "The Great Blasphemer," who eventually sold over 20,000 slaves into captivity.
One night during a particularly dangerous storm at sea, Newton went through a great conversion experience: "On that day the Lord sent from on high and delivered me out of deep waters." Only God’s Amazing Grace could and would transform a rude and profane slave-trading sailor into a gifted songwriter. Newton remained forever in awe of God’s grace in his life. He mentored William Wilberforce, who led the fight to abolish slavery worldwide.
We too can speak up — as Wilberforce and his friends did. Join thousands of other Christians now and sign the "Petition to End Modern-Day Slavery" available in the narthex of the church. Signatures will be presented to government officials to demonstrate the voice of the people regarding slavery.
May God help us end the slave trade of our brothers and sisters throughout this world!
See the film Amazing Grace and be moved to action, in the name of Christ our Lord! |
|
|
Howland United Methodist Church
730 Howland Wilson Rd NE
Warren, OH 44484
Phone: 330-856-3463
Fax: 330-856-7037
Website Comments
|
|
