Shine a Light on Slavery Day

Written by Third Grade Teacher, Lindsey Wilson

Two hundred years ago, a network known as the “Underground Railroad” helped approximately 100,000 slaves seek freedom. While it seemed like everything would get better in the United States after the 13^th amendment was passed, this injustice still exists in our country and around the world. In fact, there are currently more people in slavery today than at any other point in history. Although slavery is illegal in every country, there are approximately 27 million slaves across the globe, and it is still present in 87% of all nations. Often times our culture throws around the phrase, “Ignorance is bliss,” in light of these statistics in order to avoid knowing the truth or being held accountable to it. By ignoring this truth, we are keeping basic rights and freedoms from people who are created in the image of God. As Christians, God has called us to advocate for the most vulnerable of our society in the same way that we would advocate for Jesus himself (Matthew 25:31-46). In light of this reality, the “what you don’t know, cannot hurt you” mentality has no place in the hearts of those who claim to follow Jesus.

After learning about slavery and studying the Underground Railroad, Foothill Christian’s third grade class took time to acknowledge that slavery still exists today. Last week these students partnered with Western Christian High School’s Kingdom Club by sharing stories of people who have been freed from modern day slavery. Students spent time in small groups to pray and to discuss how we can be a light in the midst of dark situations. Students also acted as “modern abolitionists” through participating in the “End it Movement” by wearing red and drawing “x’s” on their hands for the “Shine a Light on Slavery Day”. Through these activities, the third graders learned that we all have an opportunity to play a role in abolishing modern day slavery in three specific ways.

First, we should stay informed and make others aware of the injustices that still plague our world today. Second, it is our duty to be content, thankful, and wise about how much money we spend, where we spend it, and the unintended consequences that can come as a result of our purchases. Finally, the most important thing we can take part in is prayer! Even though we may feel powerless to abolish slavery throughout the world ourselves, it should nevertheless be our aim to understand and implement the Biblical call to seek justice because we serve a powerful God, Who “is a shelter for the oppressed” (Psalm 9:9) and calls us to “open our mouths, judge righteously, and defend the rights of the poor and needy” (Proverbs 31:9).