Is It Possible to End Slavery?

I’ve been wondering this for several months now, as I’ve put out books about modern slavery, worked to raise awareness, and supported organizations that work to stop this horrendous crime against humanity. Can we really expect to end all slavery?

As I’ve pondered this, I’ve come to the conclusion that I will work toward total abolition, whether or not it’s possible. I might not be able to help everyone, but if I help one or two who would otherwise have been subjected to slavery, or help restore someone who had been trapped by webs of deception, my work would be worth it. Who knows how many people that one person may help?

What good does raising awareness do?

It does lots of good, and here is why.

When people learn about what happens to modern slaves, many react with righteous anger and often with a visceral response. Such a strong response will cause people to have a paradigm shift, a new path of thinking, and they’ll remember. When they see a girl with too little clothing on a cold night, they won’t rush to blame her as willing participant. When they see a deeply discounted product that looks like its worth far more than what is charged, they may consider the small hands that were forced to make it. It’s a small beginning, but it’s a beginning.

If every person affected took a small step toward doing the right thing, such as befriending or mentoring a foster child, or buying fair trade, or listening to the cry for help beyond the scowl of bitterness, abolition may be within reach. We may not see the total end to slavery before Jesus comes, but that shouldn’t stop us from working toward it.

Have you ever wondered what God really feels about slavery?

The Lord also has a visceral reaction to it. Consider this from Isaiah 42:

Isaiah 42:13 The Lord will march out like a champion,

like a warrior he will stir up his zeal;

with a shout he will raise the battle cry

and will triumph over his enemies.

14 “For a long time I have kept silent,

I have been quiet and held myself back.

But now, like a woman in childbirth,

I cry out, I gasp and pant.

15 I will lay waste the mountains and hills

and dry up all their vegetation;

I will turn rivers into islands

and dry up the pools.

16 I will lead the blind by ways they have not known,

along unfamiliar paths I will guide them;

I will turn the darkness into light before them

    and make the rough places smooth.

These are the things I will do;

 I will not forsake them.“

But be assured of this: there is joy beyond the weeping. It is possible to see people restored from this level of hurt and pain. People are working toward this right now.

Exodus Cry

IJM

Love146

Agape International Missions

Destiny Rescue

 

Novels I’ve written to raise awareness about modern slavery: