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Michelle Addie

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Testimony

Last updated: 01/03/2005

The Date : Saturday 12^th February 2005

Venue : St Thomas ’ Church, Sheffield

Event : Territorial Youth Rally – Human Traffik 40.

In a way I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. It’s certainly a statement that makes you think and look twice. From a leaflet I read, it spoke about the illegal trafficking that is occurring around the world affecting men, women and children. Having a career in childcare, this played on my mind.

The rally was being held in London ; both events were screened simultaneously. It was amazing to see that so many young people from the territory were wanting to find out more.

During the afternoon session all attendees were separated into 3 groups, and with a traffic warden guided round three zones: Prayer Zone, Cell Zone and Information Zone.

In the Prayer Zone we were encouraged to look round the room at various statistics and poems, some which really reached to the pit of your stomach at the horrific things that happen. We were given an opportunity to write our own prayers and pin them on the wall. It was amazing to see in such a short time the volume of prayers that had been written regarding human trafficking.

In the Information Zone we were given a talk by Sarah Williams, who is from an anti-slavery organisation. She explained some of the work they do to try to abolish slavery. Wristbands were available to purchase throughout the event, which say ”Move It, Pray It, Speak It, Stop It”. This is a simple but noticeable and effective way to speak about the issue when people ask about it. Already from wearing my wristband it’s amazing to be able to have something as a prompt to speak about the issue.

At the evening session we listened to Russell Rook about how we may look at this situation and what we could do to help. All attendees received a pack of 40 cards to lead us to Easter time. Each week concentrates on 1 Bible passage and an introduction for each day broken down into everyday language, to help us focus on the issues that surround us.

With music from Electralyte, featuring their own song titled Freedom to express something of the trafficking. It became evident that God was speaking to every person there, including myself, as an amazing stillness descended on the venue. I felt God was speaking to me to urge me to do what I can to raise awareness. In our every day lives we come across situations that we feel we have no control over and what is happening around the world. Thinking back to the wristband, take three statements from it. Move It: by getting up and doing something, Speak It: to make yourself heard by those around you, Pray It: take time to pray individually and in groups for those around you.

I hope that as I continue wearing my wristband that I will help people hear, as upsetting as the issue of human trafficking is, in the words of Shaw Clifton: “traffic for Christ, not traffic for evil”.

Please take time to think about the people who are trying to put an end to this, also for myself and the young people who have been affected by the issue. As Jesus said: “Let the little children come unto me, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs”.

Bellshill Salvation Army Band