Event at SWU focuses on human trafficking

Fact Sheet - Human Trafficking* Fact Sheet - World Hope International* *pdf files - Adobe Reader is required

Slavery is more than just dark chapters written in old history books - it is a real problem today.

Dr. Jo Anne Lyon of World Hope International will be at Southern Wesleyan University Feb. 14 to address human trafficking, the horrible global crime that is also well entrenched throughout the United States. This event is being co-sponsored by First Wesleyan Church/ALIVE Women's Ministry and Southern Wesleyan University.

Trafficking in persons, particularly in women and children, is the modern day slave trade. It is a multi-billion dollar business and the third largest criminal industry, comparable to illegal drugs and weapons. The International Labor Organization estimates that global profits from forced labor and human trafficking are more than $44 billion every year. An estimated 27 million people are held captive around the world at any give time. As many as 55,000 children and women are brought into the U.S. each year.

Rev. Tom Harding, Pastor of First Wesleyan/ALIVE said, "We feel privileged to sponsor this event and anticipate many people will want to become today's abolitionists to work toward eradicating this devastating injustice. It is my prayer that our community can become a catalyst of change to end human trafficking locally and around the world."

Dr. David Spittal, president of Southern Wesleyan University added, "The first steps to meaningful change in our world is awareness. The scourge of sexual trafficking and exploitation around the world is a sin against God and humanity. Christians must be aware of the significant work being done to rescue and restore those whose lives are of no value to their exploiters, but are precious in the God's sight. This program will provide an awareness and first steps leading to the elimination of this atrocity."

This event will begin at 7 p.m. in the Newton Hobson Chapel and Fine arts Center on the Southern Wesleyan's campus in Central.

Dr. Lyon is Chair of the Board and Founder of World Hope International, Inc., author, licensed professional counselor, recipient of three honorary degrees, first female General Superintendent of the Wesleyan Church, wife and mother of four.

For more information about this event for yourself or your group please contact First Wesleyan/ALIVE at (864) 639-2313. For further information about Dr. Lyon and World Hope International, visit www.worldhope.org.

Southern Wesleyan University