Perfect Patience

Patience isn’t one of my virtues. In a world where fast food, airmail and cars rule, most of us want things to happen now. Impatient and hating to wait, we expect everything to go smoothly and quickly. This world has turned into race course; if you want to be on top and successful, you can’t stop and wait for anything; you have to keep speeding on towards the finish line. And that is a dangerous lifestyle; it’s a lifestyle that doesn’t enjoy the moment and doesn’t understand a God whose patience is perfect.

If God was not patient, He would have thrown me out of His Story years ago. Instead, He shows me His everlasting mercy by giving me another chance. When I fail, He doesn’t yell at me to just get lost. He shows me my mistake and promises to never leave nor forsake me. God is patient with us every step of the way on this difficult road called life. He never gives up on us, He never forgets us. Because of His amazing love and mercy, His patience is unlimited. That doesn’t mean we take it for granted and keep on sinning. It means we try even harder than ever to walk in His ways. God’s patience and love give us the strength and perseverance to keep moving on. When we’ve failed yet again, His patience is the promise that He still believes in us enough to be ever-present in our lives.

Facts on Modern Day Slavery

Modern-Day Slavery

Slaves are people who are forced, deceived or threatened with violence to work without pay and they are not able to leave. They have no rights whatsoever and are held in bondage.

They are owned or controlled by a “manager”, treated as a product, bought and sold as property, have limitations of movement, or are dehumanised.

Facts on Slavery

·       There are 27 million slaves in the world today, and half of them are children.

·       There are more slaves today than in any other time in history.

·       An estimated 600 000-800 000 men, women and children are trafficked across international borders each year.

·      Slavery isn’t legal anywhere, but happens everywhere.

·       Young boys and girls in every city on the earth today are forced into sexual slavery

·       1.2 children are trafficked every year.

·       $90 is the average cost of a human slave around the world.

·       There are approximately 250 000 child soldiers worldwide.

·       Majority of slaves can be found in Asian and African countries.

Types of Slavery

·       Bounded labour: to repay a loan, they are forced or deceived into labour and can’t get out of it, as the loan is never compensated. This is the most common form of slavery with about 20 million people.

·       Sexual slaves:  are people who are sold, kidnapped or forced into prostitution against their will. Sexual slavery is usual hidden behind the word “prostitution”.

·       Trafficking:  the transport and/or trade of human beings: labour or sexual slavery.

·      Early and forced marriage.

·      Child labour: many children are sold into labour by deception or force; they work in very dangerous conditions.

·       Forced labour: when people who are under threats are illegally recruited and forced into work, often by governments. Child soldiers are examples of this.

·       Traditional or “chattel” slavery: when humans are bought and sold as products. They are often kidnapped, inherited or given as presents.

·       Slavery by decent: slaves’ children are forced to work and live in slavery as they were born into it. Sometimes the children have to keep working to “pay” off their parents’ “debts”.

Our Part

We are have a part to play in freeing the slaves. Every little action we take to end slavery makes a difference. Don’t be overwhelmed by the problem, start being part of the solution. Here are some practical ways:

·       Pray. Pray for those in captivity. Pray for their owners. And pray that slavery will come to an end, that more slaves will be freed.

·       Create awareness. Tell others about slavery. Let others know what most don’t see. Stir people up to do something!

·       Keep informed. Educate yourself on slavery and how you can help.

·       Donate. There are many organisations that are dedicated to freeing slaves. They need our help and also give other ways of helping. Some websites are listed below.

Websites: freetheslaves.net ; antislavery.org ; notforsale.org