WE RELY ON OUR FOUNDATION. Read a Note From Jen Human trafficking is modern day slavery. It is the very pinnacle of humanity’s evil bent towards oppression, aggression, manipulation, depression, violence and addiction. It is always difficult to see these realities in humankind, but they are evident. As a species, we are broken, victims of our universal rebellion against God, which started with Adam’s fall from grace and continues onto this day. The only hope we have of restoration is the Gospel of Jesus, which alone can overcome a fallen heart. This Gospel also establishes a church that is to function as a raceless, classless society with everyone on equal ground at the foot of the cross. In absence of this Gospel, we are what we see clearly in these days, a mixture of good, bad, ugly and everything in between. As an organization, we are certainly saddened by the horrific killing of George Floyd. Prayers have been prayed for the Floyd family and all families who have lost loved ones at the hands of any law enforcement. We mourn the fact we live in a world where he was murdered right in front of us on social media. Our emotions were not designed or intended to process seeing murder midday by a supposed civil protector. These events serve as a reminder that that we must come together in solidarity to stomp out racism and other injustices in society, including the horrific evil of human trafficking. We never condone violence in any form, but we acknowledge that anger, frustration, pain and exhaustion are reflective of the feelings of many who have protested peacefully across the country. We also acknowledge and stand with those innocent victims who have lost businesses in the chaos of the last week, as well as the many Law Enforcement Officers and their families who have voluntarily risked their lives daily. The guilt of this one officer in Minnesota cannot be attributed to anyone but him. There is a quote by Dr. King showing up all over the place right now which simply says, “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.” I believe this quote reflected this great man’s heart for God. Christ is the light of the world and God is love. In him there is no darkness, only love and hope. May we shine as hopeful lights during this dark season in our country and represent our Lord appropriately. ~ Jen T. |