Against All Odds, IJM Goes Back to Find One Girl in the Heart of Kolkata Red-Light District

Fri, 12/06/2013

KOLKATA, INDIA – When IJM first went with police into the heart of Kolkata's largest red-light district to rescue a young teen named Sashmeeta*, she was hidden away in a locked room.
The chances of a girl being moved once police have been looking for her by name are extremely high. But when the rescue team returned three weeks later on November 22, Sashmeeta was still trapped inside the same building.
IJM Kolkata Director Biju Mathew added, "This brothel knew police were looking for a minor. They kept her anyway—they thought they were above the law. The fact that we got Sashmeeta out of this 'untouchable' brothel shows how things are changing in Kolkata. The rule of law is proving stronger than even the most audacious brothels." {Read More Here}

God is moving in the world of slavery and saving lives!! We Praise His mighty name for His goodness!!

"For the Son of man came to seek and to save that which was lost." Luke 19:10

Did You Know?

Contemporary slavery is not present in just one area, forced labor lies within the realms of sexual abuse and prostitution, state-enforced work, and many others. According to the International Labour Organization, someone is in slavery if they are:

forced to work through mental or physical threat
owned or controlled by an “employer,” usually through mental or physical abuse or the threat of abuse
dehumanized, treated as a commodity or bought and sold as “property”
physically constrained or have restrictions placed on freedom of movement {source}

'As of 1981, slavery is not legal anywhere. That year, Mauritania became the very last country in the world to abolish slavery.' {source}

But we all know that just because there are laws that forbid it, doesn't mean the problem is gone. All over the world today there are individuals that are being taken advantage of, by tricks, threats, bribes, debts, and violence, and being bought and sold like cattle. All over the world, these modern-day slave holders are getting away with criminal acts. The local authorities do not get involved and the poor, those being abused are just as scared of the local 'law enforcers' as they are the criminals. With no consequences the perpetrators continue their criminal cycle.

We [Kerry, Sara, Hope and Holly] have partnered with Grace at Campaign1:17 to raise funds for the International Justice Mission.

IJM seeks to make public justice systems work for victims of abuse and oppression who urgently need the protection of the law. {source}

Wanna join the fun?

Commit to Praying for Sara, Hope and I this month so we can continue to stand strong in our challenge this month to stand with those who stand alone. Leave a comment below to let us know you're praying!
Sponsor Hope, Sara and/or I, by giving to Campaign 1:17. Go Here to hear the story behind the campaign and Go Here to Donate [be sure to add a note to say who you're sponsoring!]
Go To the Campaign 1:17 blog and leave a comment for Grace to encourage her to continue the fight!