The missionaries from Cross Cultural Connections who are working to rescue women and children victims of human trafficking are coming back to Michigan for a brief visit and will be honored at a dessert reception at 4 p.m., Nov. 13, at Belleville First United Methodist Church.
The public is invited to attend the free event. The missionaries will have time to speak and answer questions about their work in foreign lands with the victims of human trafficking.
There will be an opportunity to buy jewelry made by women rescued from slavery so they can become independent.
“It will be a great way for folks to do some of their Christmas shopping while helping women who have made a giant leap into a safe house,” said Susan Walker, who brought the missionaries to Belleville’s Methodist Church two years ago.
And, just like two years ago when they came, they ask that their names or the country they work in not be published for their safety.
“Find out what you can do to help,” said Walker, noting the missionaries set up safe houses and teach Bible studies and classes where the women and children find hope and healing through Jesus.
According to the Cross Cultural Connections web site, there are between 27-30 million slaves right now and about 80% of those are women and children forced into the sex industry.
In some of the global conflicts, Christians are being targeted and once they are vulnerable, their women and children are fair game to human traffickers.
Cross Cultural Connections is a Christian rescue project that offers a safe haven to women and children victims and has set up a cottage industry for the women, who learn how to make jewelry.
For more information, go to: http://www.crossculturalconnections.org or call Belleville First United Methodist Church at 697-7398 or Susan Walker at 734-250-0485.
Belleville First United Methodist Church is at 417 Charles Street in downtown Belleville.