Forsyth County High Schoolers - Shining a Light on Slavery and Human Trafficking

At this very moment there are 27 million men, women, and children held captive,
against their will, in some form of enslavement.

The "End It Movement" (enditmovement.com) is a movement where the main goal is to "Shine a Light on Slavery" and raise awareness on the issue. A caring group of high schoolers from all of Forsyth County have designed a night at West Forsyth High School dedicated to the cause.

From 6:30-8:00 on Wednesday night, the West Forsyth gymnasium will be hosting an "End It" event open to the entire community through West Forsyth's FCA club (Fellowship of Christia Athletes). The night includes worship music led by Brett Younker and his band, three important and caring speakers; Forsyth County Superintendent Dr. Buster Evans, Forsyth County Sheriff Duane Piper, and Bryson Vogeltanz from the End It team and Passion City Church. There will be testimonies of people who were formerly enslaved and there will also be opportunities for donations to the organizations International Justice Mission, Love 146, and the Polaris Project. Chick-fil-A of The Avenue Forsyth is also providing meals for $5. With Chick-fil-A proceeds, donations, and the selling of "End It" materials, the students have set a goal to raise $500 towards the charities and organizations.

The issue of slavery isn't necessarily the slavery of the 1800's that we initially think of. Brutal, forced labor still occurs around the globe today. The forms of "slavery" that occur most in the U.S., particularly Atlanta, is trafficking and forced prostitution.

Although we can't resolve the entire issue of human trafficking and slavery, we want to do what we can. We as students have discussed that if we were in the
shoes of a young girl or boy enslaved in the Philippines, or even an American city, and we were aware of a group of teenagers in Cumming, GA who could help in whatever way they could, we would want them to help. And so that's our mission for Wednesday night. We want to be a voice for the ones who have few, if anyone, to speak for them and raise awareness of this serious issue. It will be a wonderful night for worship, friendly gathering, and awareness building.

Editor's Note: Mason Waters is the senior class president at West Forsyth High School and first-time blogger on Cumming Patch.

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