Feb. 27 is a day to bring awareness to the slavery of the 27 million men, women and children trapped in slavery all over the world, including our own country.
Freedom fighters will be displaying a red “X” on their hand to spread the word that slavery is very much still alive today and they won’t stand for it.
The End it Movement is less than a week after The Justice Conference 2014, which took place in Los Angeles. This year marked the fourth year of the conference, which serves to educate, inspire and connect those who share a concern for the vulnerable and oppressed.
The conference involves the gathering of teachers, leaders, artists, pastors and advocates who share what God has placed on their hearts to do in the justice movement.
I have had the good fortune to be a part of this powerful conference in person the last two years, and this year I had the opportunity to hear from the inspiring speakers through a simulcast. I think Lynne Hybels said it best when she closed out the conference stating the conference continues to improve every year. This year was no exception. WOW. The main speakers included a stacked lineup of those who work to bring justice, because it’s what God calls us to do.
Sometimes the messages were heart wrenching, sometimes they were funny, sometimes they made you angry, and always the messages were inspiring. We can make a difference when we give our life away to help others.
I wanted to use this post to share what spoke to me last weekend from the two-day conference. Here are some highlights:
Ken Wytsma (conference founder) — justice is not a fad. You have to become less and others have to become more.
Donald Miller (author) — in reference to Seahawks coach Pete Carroll befriending gang members, Carroll doesn’t have the “I can’t change something” mentality. Turn your pain into a beautiful project to try to change the wold; not to succeed, but to find meaning.
Nicole Baker Fulgham — standing up for educational equity with The Expectations Project. Why does education matter? A: it’s a pathway out of poverty. The church is needed to raise awareness, take action in their local community and advocate.
Rick McKinley (pastor) — in a passion for justice you can become arrogant. How will you sustain the passion for people? If you believe you’re God’s beloved, He will let love extend from you to others and that will change the world.
(This was just from the first night!)
somerbhanson.wordpress.com 