World Hope International named July 1, 2012, “Freedom Sunday,” to help raise awareness of human trafficking issues. The organization partnered with The Wesleyan Church in this anti-trafficking endeavor.
Several Wesleyan districts throughout the United States encouraged their churches to participate. Prior to July 1, dozens of churches requested resources and material for use on Freedom Sunday. Several World Hope staff, including President/CEO Tom Armiger and Programs Special Assistant Steve Grudda, served as guest speakers at churches.
Donations were received to help fund rehabilitative stays at World Hope’s International Assessment Centers in Cambodia and Sierra Leone for trafficking victims. Wesleyans have given via offering plates, online, and text messaging. Final donation numbers are still being totaled.
Steve Grudda spent Freedom Sunday at Gladys Wesleyan Church in Gladys, Virginia. Some in the congregation had never heard of human trafficking and “were moved by the survivor stories and God’s redemptive work through World Hope.”
“[Rev. Stephen Miller] was so touched by the message that he called for the church to take a special offering to support the young survivors cared for by World Hope and plans to take another offering in a following week,” says Steve.
“The whole congregation was excited to stand in solidarity with other Wesleyans on Freedom Sunday.”
World Hope President/CEO Tom Armiger also had a positive report about the trafficking awareness event.
“I had the privilege of speaking at First Wesleyan Church in Urbana, Illinois, on behalf of trafficking victims and World Hope International’s partnership with The Wesleyan Church,” says Dr. Armiger. “Urbana First, like churches across the U.S., expressed its support and partnership with World Hope to rid the world of modern day slavery.”
For more information, visit the World Hope International website. World Hope International is the official relief and development partner of The Wesleyan Church.