SLAVERY TODAY - SETTING THE CAPTIVES FREE
To listen to the audio of this sermon on SermonAudio.com, click here.
“Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.” 2 Corinthians 3:17
The Record of History
It is remarkable how much discussion, debate and media attention is given to the old slavery, that was exposed and opposed by Christians, such as member of parliament, William Wilberforce, over 200 years ago and how little attention is given to the much worse and greater numbers enslaved by the Muslim slave trade, as exposed and opposed by Dr. David Livingstone and others in the 19th century.
Outrageous Silence on Human Trafficking Today
It is scandalous how little attention or concern is given to the ongoing Islamic slave trade to this day. Even more outrageous is the virtual silence over the very worst slavery in history, which is prevalent and pervasive throughout the world today – to this day: Human trafficking and sexual slavery.
Freedom is a Fruit of Christianity
The abolition of slavery was a fruit of Christianity. However, those who believe that the days of slavery are over are mistaken. As Christians have retreated from social and political arenas and as nations, which had once been considered Christian, now move into what they term: “The post-Christian era,” we are seeing a resurgence of all those evils. Yet we are not yet seeing the church of Christ awakened and mobilized to expose and oppose these prevalent and pervasive evils of prostitution, perversion and paedophilia.
A Return to Paganism
Those who reject Christianity will in time embrace all of the vices outlawed by Christianity. So, we are seeing in this apostate age a resurgence of legalised child killing through abortion, the killing of the aged and infirmed through euthanasia, the legalisation of adultery and polygamy, the legalisation of perversion and prostitution and a massive resurgence of paedophilia and human trafficking slavery.
Taken, Whistleblower and Nefarious
The film, Taken, shockingly exposes the kidnapping, human trafficking and slavery that is going on at this very time. The Whistleblower is based on the true story of policewoman Kathryn Bolkovic who exposed the United Nations organisation’s involvement in human trafficking and slavery today. Made in 2011, Nefarious – Merchant of Souls is a shocking Christian documentary of slavery today and the human trafficking industry. Most importantly, it gives practical examples of how to fight it.
Most Member States of the United Nations are Implicated in Human Trafficking
Free the Slaves calculates that there are over 40 million slaves in the world today. 161 UN member-states engage in human trafficking/slavery today. It is a US$ 150 Billion industry. 25% of today’s slaves are children. The cost of the average slave today is $90. When a slave gets sick or injured, most are simply killed. Slaves are cheap, disposable and easily replaced.
Human Trafficking
At a Christians For Truth Conference, Doctors For Life presented a major paper exposing Human Slavery and Prostitution today. They reported that human trafficking has become the third largest international criminal activity after drug trafficking and arms smuggling. According to the American State Department, approximately 800,000 people are trafficked internationally each year. This excludes the trafficking within countries. 80% of these victims are women and girls and as many as 50% are children. The majority of female victims are trafficked for the purpose of sexual exploitation. There is a strong link between prostitution and human trafficking.
Kidnapping
The DFL report included the testimony of one girl from Eastern Europe who had been lured across the border in response to a job offer for a modelling career. She was kidnapped, gang raped, made addicted to drugs and enslaved to a life of prostitution. This prematurely aged her so much that, within 4 years her life was over. She died of a drug overdose.
Legalise Slavery?
Incredibly, in 2007 the then National Police Commissioner (and Head of Interpol), Jackie Selebi, recommended to Parliament that prostitution be legalised for the 2010 Soccer World Cup. In 2008 ANC parliamentarian George Lekgheto recommended that prostitution be legalised for 2010. At about the same time the Durban Municipality announced that they wanted to create “Red Light Districts” for the “sex industry” for 2010. Later Head of Interpol and National Police Commissioner, Jackie Selebi, was removed from office as his extensive links with organised crime was exposed.
Organised Crime Syndicates
Doctors for Life International sent out press statements declaring that DFL “is appalled by the fact that South Africa would consider rolling out the welcome mat for organised crime syndicates who trade in human lives, exploiting the poor and desperate and forcing them into the sex trade.”
The World Cup
DFL reported that approximately 40,000 women and children were trafficked into Germany for prostitution during the previous World Cup Soccer. The same could be expected for South Africa as women and children were to be used as merchandise to cash in on the event. Pimps, syndicates and drug dealers would line their pockets during the event and would not go away at the end of games.
The abolition of slavery was a fruit of Christianity. However, those who believe that the days of slavery are over are mistaken. As Christians have retreated from social and political arenas and as nations, which had once been considered Christian, now move into what they term: “The post-Christian era,” we are seeing a resurgence of all those evils. Yet we are not yet seeing the church of Christ awakened and mobilized to expose and oppose these prevalent and pervasive evils of prostitution, perversion and paedophilia.
A Return to Paganism
Those who reject Christianity will in time embrace all of the vices outlawed by Christianity. So, we are seeing in this apostate age a resurgence of legalised child killing through abortion, the killing of the aged and infirmed through euthanasia, the legalisation of adultery and polygamy, the legalisation of perversion and prostitution and a massive resurgence of paedophilia and human trafficking slavery.
Taken, Whistleblower and Nefarious
The film, Taken, shockingly exposes the kidnapping, human trafficking and slavery that is going on at this very time. The Whistleblower is based on the true story of policewoman Kathryn Bolkovic who exposed the United Nations organisation’s involvement in human trafficking and slavery today. Made in 2011, Nefarious – Merchant of Souls is a shocking Christian documentary of slavery today and the human trafficking industry. Most importantly, it gives practical examples of how to fight it.
Most Member States of the United Nations are Implicated in Human Trafficking
Free the Slaves calculates that there are over 40 million slaves in the world today. 161 UN member-states engage in human trafficking/slavery today. It is a US$ 150 Billion industry. 25% of today’s slaves are children. The cost of the average slave today is $90. When a slave gets sick or injured, most are simply killed. Slaves are cheap, disposable and easily replaced.
Human Trafficking
At a Christians For Truth Conference, Doctors For Life presented a major paper exposing Human Slavery and Prostitution today. They reported that human trafficking has become the third largest international criminal activity after drug trafficking and arms smuggling. According to the American State Department, approximately 800,000 people are trafficked internationally each year. This excludes the trafficking within countries. 80% of these victims are women and girls and as many as 50% are children. The majority of female victims are trafficked for the purpose of sexual exploitation. There is a strong link between prostitution and human trafficking.
Kidnapping
The DFL report included the testimony of one girl from Eastern Europe who had been lured across the border in response to a job offer for a modelling career. She was kidnapped, gang raped, made addicted to drugs and enslaved to a life of prostitution. This prematurely aged her so much that, within 4 years her life was over. She died of a drug overdose.
Legalise Slavery?
Incredibly, in 2007 the then National Police Commissioner (and Head of Interpol), Jackie Selebi, recommended to Parliament that prostitution be legalised for the 2010 Soccer World Cup. In 2008 ANC parliamentarian George Lekgheto recommended that prostitution be legalised for 2010. At about the same time the Durban Municipality announced that they wanted to create “Red Light Districts” for the “sex industry” for 2010. Later Head of Interpol and National Police Commissioner, Jackie Selebi, was removed from office as his extensive links with organised crime was exposed.
Organised Crime Syndicates
Doctors for Life International sent out press statements declaring that DFL “is appalled by the fact that South Africa would consider rolling out the welcome mat for organised crime syndicates who trade in human lives, exploiting the poor and desperate and forcing them into the sex trade.”
The World Cup
DFL reported that approximately 40,000 women and children were trafficked into Germany for prostitution during the previous World Cup Soccer. The same could be expected for South Africa as women and children were to be used as merchandise to cash in on the event. Pimps, syndicates and drug dealers would line their pockets during the event and would not go away at the end of games.
A Cry for Help
Prostitution is an act of violence, which is intrinsically harmful and traumatizing to people in prostitution. Improving the circumstances in which the prostitute works does not reduce the harm done. In South Africa, the cry for help in this regard was echoed in a survey carried out among 475 sex workers. When asked, “What do you need?” 89% replied: “To leave prostitution!”
Courage
Member of Parliament, Cheryllyn Dudley was to be commended for having the courage to call trafficking for what it is: Slavery. In a statement before Parliament, Cheryllyn Dudley called human trafficking and prostitution what it so obviously is: Slavery.
Modern Slavery
ACDP MP Cheryllyn Dudley said: “The report funded by the United States Agency for International Development claims crime syndicates of human traffickers (slave traders) are increasing operations in South Africa…organisations involved in investigating cases and providing therapy for victims say that human trafficking for sex and slavery is rife in the Eastern Cape. Human rights activists this week said they feared that things could escalate as the 2010 World Cup being hosted in this country draws near…We urge the government to beef up dedicated police units to close down human traffic operators…more must be done to educate South Africans of the dangers of being lured by promises of work only to find themselves abducted and captive to modern day slave traders.”
Brothel Protests and Outreaches
Over the years, I have led numerous Africa Christian Action and Christians For Truth outreaches outside escort agencies. As we began to sing Hymns, pray and hand out evangelistic literature to passers-by, we came under vicious attack by pimps who accused us of undermining their “business.”
Assaulted
I was assaulted on a number of occasions. On one occasion some very large pimp picked me off my feet and lifted me high over his head, flinging me over a parked car into West Street. Tyres were screeching and cars were swerving to break and avoid running over me as I rolled into this main road. On another occasion I had a bucket of beer, wine and viler liquids poured over me - drenching me from head to toe. Pimps and prostitutes threw all kinds of things at us, including condoms filled with liquids, shouting that they were sharing their AIDS with us. One of our people had his nose broken by some violent pimp.
Corruption
At one “escort agency” brothel in West Street, Durban, the pimps organised for some corrupt policemen to arrest a group of Christians praying and singing outside. This matter went to court and the police were forced to pay out compensation for wrongful arrest. However, it all demonstrated the deeply entrenched corruption in this form of human slavery.
Islamic Slavery
We have also documented in the Faith Under Fire in Sudan book and in Sudan: The Hidden Holocaust film the ongoing Islamic slavery in Sudan. Anti-slavery organisations have documented the prevalence of slavery in Mauritania, Sudan, Saudi Arabia and other Middle Eastern countries. Mende Nazer published her autobiography: “Slave: My True Story” documenting her enslavement. Mende was captured in the Nuba Mountains in 1992. She was first a slave to a rich Arab family in Khartoum. Then in 2002 she was sold to a Sudanese diplomat in London. She managed to escape and sought political asylum in England, publishing this expose.
Communist Slavery
Numerous communist countries, such as Red China, also make use of huge slave labour camps to produce cheap items for export.
Prostitution is an act of violence, which is intrinsically harmful and traumatizing to people in prostitution. Improving the circumstances in which the prostitute works does not reduce the harm done. In South Africa, the cry for help in this regard was echoed in a survey carried out among 475 sex workers. When asked, “What do you need?” 89% replied: “To leave prostitution!”
Courage
Member of Parliament, Cheryllyn Dudley was to be commended for having the courage to call trafficking for what it is: Slavery. In a statement before Parliament, Cheryllyn Dudley called human trafficking and prostitution what it so obviously is: Slavery.
Modern Slavery
ACDP MP Cheryllyn Dudley said: “The report funded by the United States Agency for International Development claims crime syndicates of human traffickers (slave traders) are increasing operations in South Africa…organisations involved in investigating cases and providing therapy for victims say that human trafficking for sex and slavery is rife in the Eastern Cape. Human rights activists this week said they feared that things could escalate as the 2010 World Cup being hosted in this country draws near…We urge the government to beef up dedicated police units to close down human traffic operators…more must be done to educate South Africans of the dangers of being lured by promises of work only to find themselves abducted and captive to modern day slave traders.”
Brothel Protests and Outreaches
Over the years, I have led numerous Africa Christian Action and Christians For Truth outreaches outside escort agencies. As we began to sing Hymns, pray and hand out evangelistic literature to passers-by, we came under vicious attack by pimps who accused us of undermining their “business.”
Assaulted
I was assaulted on a number of occasions. On one occasion some very large pimp picked me off my feet and lifted me high over his head, flinging me over a parked car into West Street. Tyres were screeching and cars were swerving to break and avoid running over me as I rolled into this main road. On another occasion I had a bucket of beer, wine and viler liquids poured over me - drenching me from head to toe. Pimps and prostitutes threw all kinds of things at us, including condoms filled with liquids, shouting that they were sharing their AIDS with us. One of our people had his nose broken by some violent pimp.
Corruption
At one “escort agency” brothel in West Street, Durban, the pimps organised for some corrupt policemen to arrest a group of Christians praying and singing outside. This matter went to court and the police were forced to pay out compensation for wrongful arrest. However, it all demonstrated the deeply entrenched corruption in this form of human slavery.
Islamic Slavery
We have also documented in the Faith Under Fire in Sudan book and in Sudan: The Hidden Holocaust film the ongoing Islamic slavery in Sudan. Anti-slavery organisations have documented the prevalence of slavery in Mauritania, Sudan, Saudi Arabia and other Middle Eastern countries. Mende Nazer published her autobiography: “Slave: My True Story” documenting her enslavement. Mende was captured in the Nuba Mountains in 1992. She was first a slave to a rich Arab family in Khartoum. Then in 2002 she was sold to a Sudanese diplomat in London. She managed to escape and sought political asylum in England, publishing this expose.
Communist Slavery
Numerous communist countries, such as Red China, also make use of huge slave labour camps to produce cheap items for export.
Hollywood Scandals
The Harvey Weinstein sexual abuse “Hollywood Gate” and Jeffrey Epstein child abuse scandals highlighted how pervasive paedophilia and sexual abuse are in the entertainment industry.
The War Against Slavery is Not Over
From these and many other examples it should be clear to us that the war against slavery is not yet over. Christianity has always been the greatest movement for liberty. So, it should not surprise us that, as Christianity is rejected and excluded from the public sphere, we are seeing an increasing resurgence of paganism, including infanticide, polygamy, perversion, prostitution, paedophilia and slavery.
What Has Enabled This Abuse to Flourish and Fester?
Organised crime, government corruption, greed, lust, cowardice of Christians and hypocrisy of the left make this outrageous slave industry possible. Most Christians have been deceived and distracted into silence, apathy and therefore complicity in this colossal crime of slavery and abuse today. It is a disgraceful silence.
Who Will Rise Up?
May God raise up a new generation of Reformers, Missionaries and statesmen who, in the tradition of William Wilberforce and Dr. David Livingstone, will maintain personal integrity, while combining evangelistic zeal with concern for justice. “Who will rise up for Me against the evildoers? Who will stand up for Me against the workers of iniquity?” Psalm 94:16
The Spirit of the Lord
“The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me, because the Lord has anointed Me to preach good tidings to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and the opening of the prison to those who are bound; to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn, to console those who mourn in Zion, to give them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they may be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified. And they shall rebuild the old ruins, they shall raise up the former desolations and they shall repair the ruined cities, the desolations of many generations… instead of your shame you shall have double honour and instead of confusion they shall rejoice in their portion. Therefore in their land they shall possess double; everlasting joy shall be theirs. For I the Lord love justice; I hate robbery…I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for He has clothed me with the garments of Salvation, He has covered me with the robe of righteousness, …so the Lord God will cause righteousness and praise to spring forth before all the nations.” Isaiah 61:1-11
The Truth Sets Free
“And you shall know the Truth and the Truth shall make you free.” John 8:32
Stand Fast
“Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free and do not be entangled again with the yoke of bondage.” Galatians 5:1
Called to Liberty
“For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use your liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.” Galatians 5:13. By God’s grace we must preach Good News to the poor, bind up the broken hearted, proclaim freedom for the captives and release for the prisoners. We must comfort those who mourn and encourage those who grieve, working for beauty instead of ashes, gladness, praise and righteousness, rebuilding civilisation on the Bible, restoring God-honouring laws and renewing Christian vigilance with everlasting joy throughout all nations. “Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.” 2 Corinthians 3:17
“Proclaim liberty throughout the land…” Leviticus 25:10
Dr. Peter Hammond
Livingstone Fellowship
P.O. Box 74 Newlands 7725
Cape Town South Africa
Tel: 021-689-4480
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Website: www.livingstonefellowship.co.za
See also:
Stop the Traffick!
A Tale of Two Islands
William Wilberforce - Setting the Captives Free
Volunteers Needed for Women’s Day Outreaches
ATROCITIES OF MODERN SLAVERY
WOMEN’S DAY Awareness Campaigns Against Human Trafficking
The Harvey Weinstein sexual abuse “Hollywood Gate” and Jeffrey Epstein child abuse scandals highlighted how pervasive paedophilia and sexual abuse are in the entertainment industry.
The War Against Slavery is Not Over
From these and many other examples it should be clear to us that the war against slavery is not yet over. Christianity has always been the greatest movement for liberty. So, it should not surprise us that, as Christianity is rejected and excluded from the public sphere, we are seeing an increasing resurgence of paganism, including infanticide, polygamy, perversion, prostitution, paedophilia and slavery.
What Has Enabled This Abuse to Flourish and Fester?
Organised crime, government corruption, greed, lust, cowardice of Christians and hypocrisy of the left make this outrageous slave industry possible. Most Christians have been deceived and distracted into silence, apathy and therefore complicity in this colossal crime of slavery and abuse today. It is a disgraceful silence.
Who Will Rise Up?
May God raise up a new generation of Reformers, Missionaries and statesmen who, in the tradition of William Wilberforce and Dr. David Livingstone, will maintain personal integrity, while combining evangelistic zeal with concern for justice. “Who will rise up for Me against the evildoers? Who will stand up for Me against the workers of iniquity?” Psalm 94:16
The Spirit of the Lord
“The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me, because the Lord has anointed Me to preach good tidings to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and the opening of the prison to those who are bound; to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn, to console those who mourn in Zion, to give them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they may be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified. And they shall rebuild the old ruins, they shall raise up the former desolations and they shall repair the ruined cities, the desolations of many generations… instead of your shame you shall have double honour and instead of confusion they shall rejoice in their portion. Therefore in their land they shall possess double; everlasting joy shall be theirs. For I the Lord love justice; I hate robbery…I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for He has clothed me with the garments of Salvation, He has covered me with the robe of righteousness, …so the Lord God will cause righteousness and praise to spring forth before all the nations.” Isaiah 61:1-11
The Truth Sets Free
“And you shall know the Truth and the Truth shall make you free.” John 8:32
Stand Fast
“Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free and do not be entangled again with the yoke of bondage.” Galatians 5:1
Called to Liberty
“For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use your liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.” Galatians 5:13. By God’s grace we must preach Good News to the poor, bind up the broken hearted, proclaim freedom for the captives and release for the prisoners. We must comfort those who mourn and encourage those who grieve, working for beauty instead of ashes, gladness, praise and righteousness, rebuilding civilisation on the Bible, restoring God-honouring laws and renewing Christian vigilance with everlasting joy throughout all nations. “Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.” 2 Corinthians 3:17
“Proclaim liberty throughout the land…” Leviticus 25:10
Dr. Peter Hammond
Livingstone Fellowship
P.O. Box 74 Newlands 7725
Cape Town South Africa
Tel: 021-689-4480
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Website: www.livingstonefellowship.co.za
See also:
Stop the Traffick!
A Tale of Two Islands
William Wilberforce - Setting the Captives Free
Volunteers Needed for Women’s Day Outreaches
ATROCITIES OF MODERN SLAVERY
WOMEN’S DAY Awareness Campaigns Against Human Trafficking