'Be the Voice' benefit raises awareness of slavery

On Thursday, February 4, 2010, 'Be the Voice' awareness club will be holding a benefit concert and the funds raised will be sent to the International Justice Mission to raise awareness of the slavery still in the modern world and even in our own country.  There are 27 million people in slavery worldwide today: men, woman, and children alike. Three years ago Sharon Heuving began the campaign “Be the Voice” in hopes to raise awareness about continuing slavery. She had been speaking at individual dorms for devotions and during one of these devotions Sharon's passion for justice spilled over and filled Allison Clark's heart with the same enthusiasm. Together they initiated a student senate funded club this year at Redeemer, the Social Justice Club. This four member club raises awareness through dorm devotions, fundraisers, and speaking at high schools.

“Be the Voice” is off to a great start this year, but has faced some set backs getting started. During their tours to the high schools they notice the positive responses from the high school students and the impact they're having in the lives of those students, but unfortunately the student body of Redeemer is not yeilding the same enthusiastic results. The members of “Be the Voice” are trying to help Redeemer realize that global slavery still exists and that we as Christians are called to be just and fair and that we must do something about this issue. Slavery effects everyone and everything. The products of slavery include the clothes we wear, the food we eat, the gadgets we use, and so much more. Sharon Heuving says, “We can't close our eyes and ignore” the slavery around us anymore!