July 1, 2018 is Freedom Sunday—a day when Wesleyan churches around Canada will stand united for freedom and advocate for human rights around the world. Freedom Sunday seeks to raise awareness and understanding about modern slavery and unite the church in action and prayer, catalyzed by the Holy Spirit.
Join the Fight on Freedom Sunday: The Toolkit
Lead the charge at your church, join us in prayer, or share information about World Hope and The Wesleyan Church’s anti-trafficking efforts on social media or with your friends. Here are a couple easy ways you can join the fight:
1. Start a conversation with others.
Share a message on social media or simply have a conversation with family and friends. Awareness is imperative! Check out the signs for recognizing trafficking from Polaris and familiarize yourself with rcmp-grc.gc.ca to learn more about how to identify traffficking and report it.
2. Involve your church.
Freedom Sunday is an excellent opportunity for your church to learn more about modern slavery and commit to prayer and advocacy. Here are some key components to use on Sunday morning, July 1:
- Print the July 1 Church bulletin insert. Download and include this insert in your bulletin July 1 so that congregation members can be introduced to Freedom Sunday.
- Get the facts and give. We strongly encourage your church to become informed about human trafficking and then hold an offering for anti-trafficking programs. World Hope works within local communities to educate people on their rights, perform rescues, and provide aftercare. By supporting World Hope, you come alongside us as we seek to bring justice and healing to vulnerable people around the world. Set a goal for your congregation or gathering.
- Stream or download a video for July 1. This video highlights a common narrative that repeats itself often in rural Liberia, as parents send their children into the cities in hope of education, where they are often trafficked for labor and never obtain safety or schooling. Download MP4 or stream via YouTube
- Draw on these Scripture passages. Use these verses that address freedom and justice to speak to your congregation about our call to combat human-trafficking.
- Songs for worship. “For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them” (Matthew 18:20). Use these songs and liturgies to join with one voice in bringing our prayer for justice to God.
- Pray with us. Prayer is our most powerful tool. We hope that Wesleyans around the world—in churches, in their homes, and with their friends and families—will come together in prayer on July 1. As James assures us, “The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” (James 5:16b) Our friends at the Faith Alliance Against Slavery and Trafficking (FAAST) created a one-week prayer calendar to guide you in prayer for victims of trafficking.
Please send check donations to our PO Box at:
World Hope International (Canada)
ATTN: Gift Processing
210 Prescott Street, PO Box 982
Kemptville, ON K0G 1J0
To donate by phone, call toll-free: 877-482-1499
Spending of World Hope International (Canada) funds is confined to Board approved projects. Funds designated towards a project are used as designated, with the understanding that when the need for that project has been met or cannot be completed for reasons determined by the Board, the remaining funds designated will be used where needed most.