When Jesus saw the crowds, who were “harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd” he told his disciples to pray for workers to be sent to this harvest. “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.” Jesus invites us to pray for workers and become workers who act with compassion on behalf of those who are “harassed and helpless.”
On September 16 we began ABOLITION, a seven-week project to help each other become advocates for justice, inspired by the life and teachings of Jesus. Our whole family is participating in this project together. On Tuesday nights we have walked, prayed and looked for signs of human-trafficking in various neighborhoods. Many of these establishments are front businesses for enslaving young women who have been deceived by traffickers.
Here’s how we explained the project to the forty-five people who have joined us:
Abolition is invitation into a transformational encounter we like to describe as a JESUS DOJO. Dojo is a Japanese word for “place of the way”—a space for active training. We believe that one of the best ways to learn to live “in the Way of Jesus” is through:
(1) A group experiment; (2) inspired by the life and teachings of Jesus; (3) in which we commit time and energy to a set of practices; (4) in conversation with real needs and opportunities in our society; and (5) reflect on how this experience can shape the ongoing rhythms of our lives.
On the first evening we reflected on what Jesus described as the purpose of his life—to be good news to those in bondage to oppression:
“The Spirit of the Lord is on me,
because he has anointed me
to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners
and recovery of sight for the blind,
to set the oppressed free,
to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”
For this project we are inviting participants to take 8 steps towards abolishing modern day slavery:
1. Wrestle with what Jesus taught about service and advocacy—through weekly reflections on the words of Jesus
2. Become more educated on the issue and scale of human trafficking locally and globally. Participate in mapping/intercession walks. Read Ending Slavery by Kevin Bales & suggested articles. Research local issues
3. Examine how your personal habits may contribute to the problem and experiment with tangible changes in action. Complete weekly homework “experiments”
4. Provide tangible care for victims of human trafficking. Collect items and funds for victim’s safe house.
5. Practice political advocacy for victims of human trafficking. Write letters to government officials & corporations.
6. Raise awareness of this issue through your relational network and public propaganda. Use simple grassroots techniques to raise awareness among friends, family and coworkers. Participate in propaganda night and art show
7. Give time and financial resources to organizations addressing and preventing this issue. Identify your “next steps” beyond this 6-week experience.
8. Fast and pray for victims of trafficking and their oppressors. Adopt dietary restrictions Monday 7 p.m. to Tuesday at 7 P.M. during this project. Write a “poetic intercession”
