Amazing Grace

On February 23, in theatres across America, the movie Amazing Grace will debut. Its about the life of William Wilberforce, a member of the British Parliament whose efforts led to the abolition of the British slave trade. Wilberforce began in 1789 at only 30 years of age, and slogged away at it for nearly 20 years, enduring fierce opposition, until his legislation finally passed in 1807.

Wilberforce was joined by a group of "radicals" and mentored by the converted slave ship captain, John Newton. They fought political corruption, promoted Christian morality in society, and forced the British East India Company to allow missionaries. During this time, Wilberforce was president, vice-president or a member of 69 compassion societies!

When the slave trade was abolished, Wilberforce and his companions set about freeing the 700,000 slaves remaining in British colonies. He succeeded in 1833, just three days before his death.

By exercising his Christian convictions in the political sphere, William Wilberforce became one of the most influential men of his day. This in spite of being young when he began (in his 20s), frequently ill, and the object of mockery and vicious criticism. Wilberforce's tomb in Westminster Abbey says it best: "He was among the foremost of those who fixed the character of their times..." (from Jeff Myers, Get Ready to Lead)

Living in Asia, we are very much aware of the modern day slavery that exists...child sex trade in Thailand fueled by Western tourists, children chained to rug looms in Pakistan, other children sold in to slavery in Cambodia to pay a family debt....the list goes on. In the middle of our comfortable, middle class lives, all of us can do our part to abolish this despicable industry.

Pray. Our stories are a part of God's bigger story of redemption and love and He wants to partner with us to accomplish what we could never do alone.
Learn. Read articles and books. Check out websites such as www.hagarproject.org (founded and run by one of our dorm daughter's parents), www.theamazingchange.com, www.globalfundforchildren.org and many other like these.
Act. All the education about modern day slavery is useless unless we do something. Support an orphanage that rescues children, take time to work at one of many rehab centres across Asia, write an editorial to your local paper, gather with like-minded people to brainstorm ways to make a difference.

Anyone who doubts whether a small group of people can make a difference must take to heart the example of William Wilberforce and his companions. As Margaret Mead remarked: "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has."