Did you know that the very first time Jesus ever spoke publically He declared that He had come to “set the captives free?” Justice for oppressed, marginalized, exploited people is central to His mission. We love Houston, but we are also starting a church in a city that is a hub for human trafficking. Men, women, and children created in the sacred and beautiful image of God are regularly and routinely exploited for sex and labor in our city. This injustice is so common that it is almost guaranteed to be happening just a few blocks away from where you work, or live, or even where your church gathers on Sunday mornings.
We are kicking off our anti-human trafficking initiatives at Restore Houston and are thrilled to be able to host Titus Benton and Elaine McGinnis Andino of United Against Human Trafficking on the Kindling Rhythms. The discussion is led by our very own Matt Garry. Titus and Elaine walk us through the nuances and complexities of the issue with grace and clarity.
If you are like us, knowing exactly what your first step is in addressing the issue can be overwhelming. Jesus beckons us to love our neighbor, but how do we love our neighbor who has been trafficked? The good news is, it is not as complex or difficult as you might think! As Elaine so gracefully suggests, loving our neighbor starts by developing a simple awareness of them. When we turn our hearts toward others around us, we see them, we become aware of their stories, their suffering, their pain, and even the injustices they may be enduring. We hope you’ll join Titus and Elaine as they offer some helpful first steps that you can take to participate with Jesus in His mission to set the captives free.
