5 Weeks for Freedom

So today I'm highlighting a way cool event that's going on this summer. Brian and I are supporters of IJM (International Justice Mission). I few years ago I read "Just Courage" by Gary Haugen. Gary Haugen is the founder of IJM. That book changed me. It's incredible and if you haven't read it then you need to! IJM is a human rights agency that works to bring justice to victims of slavery, sexual exploitation, and other forms of violent oppresion. There are 27 million people that are trapped in slavery around the world. There is an estimated 500,000-600,000 people trafficked across international borders every year. Each month I read about new ways that they are working to bring freedom and a voice to those that cannot speak up for themselves. At Christmas they provide opportunities to donate in honor of friends/family. A Christmas present can directly affect a girl that is trapped in a brothel. I mean it's incredible...seriously, I am amazed at this organization.

So let me tell you about 5 Weeks for Freedom. It is an awareness and advocacy campaign to support IJM's work. A team of people are giving up 5 weeks of their summer to go on a bike ride. They are going to cycle 1800 miles of the Underground Railroad. They chose that route because "it reminds us that change happens when ordinary people do what they can to stop injustice, that the evil of slavery has been defeated once, and that together, we can do it again."

There are several ways to participate. Go here to check them out: http://www.5weeksforfreedom.org/get-involved/
One major way is to text and donate. Right now it's only available for AT&T and T-Mobile Customers but others will be up soon. So if you are on one of those networks you can
Text FREEDOM to 20222 now to give $10 to IJM’s work! Click here for other ways to give: http://www.5weeksforfreedom.org/give/

Because Jesus came to preach good news to the poor, to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners.