Externally Processing My Way Through Life

This is something our church is taking a part in. How cool.

In 2008, 12Stone Church, along with 8 other Metro Atlanta churches, researched the problem of the sex trafficking of children in Metro Atlanta. What we discovered was disturbing. We were disturbed to discover that Metro Atlanta (including Gwinnett County) ranks among the top 10 destinations in the world for adults looking to pay for sex with children.

We were disturbed that victims are often kept as slaves in horrible conditions. We were disturbed that between Thursday night and Sunday, every week, some 250 girls under the age of 18 will be raped for profit. We were disturbed that most people are completely unaware of this horrific injustice happening in our own backyard.

So, we joined with the 8 other churches to form an alliance known as Street GRACE. We developed a strategic plan that has 5 elements:
1. Create an Advocacy “Outcry” Campaign that will inform and educate broad audiences across Metro Atlanta on the injustice of child sex slavery that exists.

2. Develop a Metro-wide Church Mobilization Campaign that will equip churches to effectively engage on the issue.

3. Build/establish a “mobilized” Prayer Network that will intercede for the victims and abolitionists who are fighting the issue.

4. Sponsor Strategic Aftercare for Child Victims that will resource and equip facilities to care for victims.

5. Support At-Risk Youth/Mentoring Networks Programs that will drastically reduce victims by education and prevention.If you're interested in joining in the fight against child sex slavery, join the Facebook Group of Street GRACE. Just search on Street GRACE in the Groups module, or visit http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/group.php?gid=51873772098


Each year, 6 to 800,000 women, children and men are enslaved and trafficked across international borders. 70% are female. 50% are children. As many as 17,500 are brought into the United States against their will. According to the United Nations, 79% of slavery is for sex. 18% for forced labor, forced marriages, or forced organ donation. Approximately 200,000 American children are at risk to be forced into prostitution.

The FBI & United Way have consistently ranked Atlanta as one of the top cities where PEOPLE are trafficked every year.

Where is freedom?

Where is hope?

Where is justice?

Who will hear their cries?

Who will stand for them?

Stand with us, April 1st, 2009 at Eddie's Attic in Decatur, GA to Rock For Justice! Many Atlanta artists, including Dove Award winner Aaron Shust will lend their voices to raise awareness and money for those enslaved in our city. All funds are being donated to Wellspring For Girls, a safe house ministry for underage girls coming out of the sex industry. Stand for truth. Speak up for the downtrodden. Rock For Justice.