More than 27 million people worldwide are currently entrapped in the circles of trafficking, but today, students are gathering in the Innovator’s Auditorium of the Dr. Robert K. Jabs School of Business Building to expose these truths and incite change.
Every two minutes, a child is trafficked for sexual exploitation — it is time to take a STand.
Some teachers have canceled classes to allow students the opportunity to learn about this suffering and make a difference at the “STand For Freedom” event.
All students are welcome to attend this event, which will take place from noon on Tuesday, Nov. 13 though 3 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 14 — a total of 27 hours in honor of the 27 million victims of this modern-day slavery.
Dr. Amy Stumpf, assistant professor of Christian studies and California Baptist University’s International Justice Mission chapter adviser, said IJM has asked six schools across the nation to pilot this “STand For Freedom” campaign to raise awareness about human trafficking.
CBU is the only school on the West Coast actively participating in this campaign; however, IJM will expand its reach to 200 schools by spring.
Jocelyn White, IJM director of church mobilization, began the event with opening remarks. Students will pray for the people affected by human trafficking every other hour, as well as participating in activities such as lawn games, sing-alongs, a movie and a pajama party.
Students can get involved with CBU’s IJMchapter by contacting Stumpf or attending one of its weekly meetings. The International Justice Mission also offers internships, which can be found at IJM.org.
Students who wish to make a difference can do so by praying for victims, donating at this on-campus event, volunteering with IJM or other affiliates such as StopTheTraffik.org, PolarisProject.org and NotForSaleCampaign.org, or by donating money to FAAST’s Rapid Response Kits, which provide basic clothing, hygiene and transport to a safe place for trafficking victims.
The CBU International Justice Mission chapter hopes to raise $2,700 over the course of this event, and 100 percent of the donations will be directed to IJM and its cause.
