Join the Fight
When I hear that there are 27 million slaves in the world today, I am struck by a number of emotions: shock, disbelief, anger, and discouragement to name a few. It seems like the issue of human trafficking has only recently started to get a lot of attention, and everywhere you turn there’s an organization that is committed to doing something about the problem. Two years ago we were approached by several organizations to see if there was a way that Mount Hermon could contribute to the fight against human trafficking.
After months of collaboration with groups like the San Jose Police Department, the Salvation Army, and the Bay Area Anti-Trafficking Coalition, we decided to launch our first-ever conference to address the issue of human trafficking. We realized that the best way for us to contribute to the cause was to be a gathering place for all of the organizations that are already doing something.
Last June, over one hundred people from organizations, churches, and the community gathered at Mount Hermon for a perfect blend of encouragement, spiritual refreshment, and training, all with the goal of creating a network of empowered people to fight human trafficking. We heard from law enforcement, pastors, and victim services providers and heard amazing preaching from Mark Labberton that connected the fight for justice to the heart of Christ. The conference ended up being far more than we could ever have expected, and every person in attendance eagerly said that they wanted to come the next year.
{Continuation from Staff Alumni Letter}
As we look forward to this year’s Fight Human Trafficking Conference we are excited, energized, and enthusiastic. Our keynote speaker, Eugene Cho, will bring powerful teaching based on years of pastoral experience and leadership on justice issues. We’re also excited to have Lamont Hiebert, formerly of Ten Shekle Shirt, as our worship leader for the weekend.
Despite all of the negativity that goes along with thinking about human trafficking, I left last year’s conference feeling very hopeful. Seeing that there was a community of believers who are pouring themselves into the fight against trafficking was incredibly encouraging to me. I can’t wait for this year’s conference and to see what God is going to do! If you can, join us on the weekend of May 3-5, it’s going to be awesome!
