UPDATE
February 11, 2010
Today, we received fantastic news from Christine Caine that sixteen girls were rescued last night from human trafficking! What a privilege it is to partner with Nick and Christine Caine and their ministry in Greece—rescuing girls who have been kidnapped and forced into prostitution. Chris spoke at our church two weeks ago and it was so encouraging to hear about the favor they have been given as their ministry and influence continues to grow. I am also grateful to lead such a generous church, which has really gotten behind this cause. From the special offerings to our youth’s recycling program (Going Green for Greece) to our marathon team, together we are making a difference! This morning, sixteen girls woke up to their first full day of freedom in a long time. Thank you for helping to make this possible!
Press On,
Pastor Jim
For more information, visit the A21 Campaign website, http://thea21campaign.org/.
Through our partnership with Nick and Christine Caine we are combating one of the greatest social injustices of our time – human trafficking while also supporting the establishment of an evangelical church. Our target nation is Greece.
Almost 2,000 years ago God used the Apostle Paul to plant significant churches throughout Greece. While Greece is still very religious few people have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. With the decline of Christian influence social injustice runs rampant. Greece has become a major transit and destination point for human trafficking.
Project Greece incorporates a two-fold plan. The first part involves rescuing women and children being held against their will and forced into prostitution. This is known as the A21 Campaign. Our financial support provides for:
a) Legal representation. Christians in Greece will befriend and gain the trust of these women, helping them to understand that there is a way out. Funding will provide a human rights lawyer to represent them.
b) Safe housing. Once they are rescued, housing protecting them from their traffickers will be provided.
c) Reintegration back into society. Special programs will be put in place to help the women deal with their experience and prepare and equip them for the future.
Through our support of A21 these women and children are provided hope and restoration!
The second part of the plan supports the establishment of a balanced and life giving church in Thessaloniki. Imagine a healthy, dynamic church transforming the culture of Greece and fighting for social justice. God has raised us up and given us influence for such a time as this.
If you would like to support this cause and join the fight of bringing human trafficking to an end by donating go to http://www.go2faith.com/give/. Please make sure you specify “Project Greece” under the Fund designation.
April 2009 Update from Christine Caine
The A21 Campaign has had an incredible month of impact and continued development. We are constantly amazed by the opportunities we are given to help victims of human trafficking and bring change to the situation in Europe.
In this last month, another victim of sex slavery was placed into our care. She is a young girl from Eastern Europe who has been severely beaten and repeatedly raped. We have been able to assist her with legal and visa support, and even in the short time she has been with us, we have seen her make incredible progress.
We also recently had an exciting opportunity to present a paper to members of the EU in Brussels on our work in Greece, and the A21 Campaign. There were representatives from all over Europe and it was incredible to see such favor on this project, as well as encouraging to see European leaders coming together and discussing solutions for human trafficking in Europe.
Zoe*, the first victim of sex slavery that came to us, is rebuilding her life with incredible tenacity – she is such a fighter! Zoe has secured a job and is now living on her own while we continue to support her throughout her increasing independence. Another exciting development is that the police recently informed us that they have managed to arrest one of Zoe’s traffickers. It is so amazing to not only see victims set free, but also justice prevail!
Our vision to see a restoration home established is still in its rudiments. This home will allow us to provide in-depth counseling, vocational training and continued medical care to rescued victims.
A recent report from the United Nations said that 99% of trafficked victims do not get rescued. There has never been a better time than right now to take a stand for justice with us. Together, we make a difference.
To learn more about The A21 Campaign visit their website at: www.equipandempower.org
26.2 Marathon Team
26.2 runs the marathon to increase public awareness of human trafficking while raising financial support to bring about immediate and long term solutions in Greece. The team is participating in the rescue of these women by raising funds toward legal representation, housing and reintegration back into society through education and training. The 26.2 team has raised over $75,000 in the past two years! Surviving Saturday long runs, blisters, ice baths and chilly winter mornings is all worth it because lives are rescued and restored!
Epic Culture
Epic Culture junior high and high school has gone Green for Greece! Our students are the next generation raising awareness on injustice around the world. Epic Culture has teamed up to recycle bottles and cans, donating the funds to Project Greece. Everyone is encouraged to bring in bottles and cans with a 
sign and place them in the recycle bins located around the church campus. All funds go towards Project Greece. The students are committed to bringing an end to this injustice, one bottle at a time.
Letters from Epic Culture Junior High Students to the A21 Staff
Dear A21 staff,
It is empowering to know that you are dedicated to rescuing the lost and broken. When I see the sadness in the world I am reminded that you are working passionately with fervor for such an important cause in order for Christians to be known for living for Christ and for healing of human needs to take place. Thank you for modeling true love and leadership to everyone around you. Your work is impacting history in the greatest way.
Dear staff,
I want to thank you for everything because you have really inspired me to try and better this world. I would like to share a scripture from the Bible with you. It's "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit but in humility consider others better than yourself, your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus”. That scripture reminds me a lot of you guys. You take time out of your life to help others.
Sincerely,
Christian
Dear A21 Campaign,
My name is Destiny and I just want to say that you guys are doing an amazing job. I will pray for all the girls and women in Europe who are sold every 47 seconds. I will try my hardest to recycle as many cans as I can. Every time you save one girl it's one less cry and just saving one girl brings hope that another girl will be saved. I thank you and I want you to know how happy I am.
Love,
Destiny.
Dear A21,
I want to start off by saying that my name is Ivan and I am currently 13 years old. All these videos that we have been watching here at Faith Community really touched me because I realized that this could be happening to me but the grace of God protects me. I also want to thank you for everything that you are doing, even if it's saving one life, it's a miracle. I have been praying for this matter many times but sometimes I think that prayer doesn’t help, but God has been sending me messages that prayer is powerful. Again, I just want to say it is wonderful what you guys are going and keep up the great work.
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