James 24:7

This coming Sunday (2/18/07) Christians from around the world will join together to sing the hymn Amazing Grace as a way to commemorate the work of William Wilberforce, the British parliamentarian credited with introducing and driving through the first anti-slavery laws in the British Empire in 1807.

So what's the connection between Wilberforce and Amazing Grace?  Amazing Grace was written by John Newton, a slave trader turned pastor, in 1752.  Several years later, Newton became Wilberforce's mentor and told him that God had raised him up for the good of the nation and of the church.  The work of Wilberforce and Newton had a profound influence upon the  abolition of slavery in the America.

The relationship between Newton and Wilberforce and their work toward the abolition of slavery is being featured in a new film that is set to be released on Friday, February 23rd. 

Many of us believe that slavery ended with the American Civil War.  However, some estimate is that slavery produces something like $30 billion in revenue every year.  Some people estimate that as many as 27 million people live as slaves.  Many of those slaves are children who are sold to work as laborers and prostitutes.

I am posting related links below.   My hope is we will all support this film, sing Amazing Grace, pray for those who are bound in the shackles of slavery and do what we can to join with Christ in setting the captives free.

For infomation on the film Amazing Grace, go here.

For information on William Wilberforce, go here.

For information on John Newton, go here.

For information on the hymn Amazing Grace, go here.

For information on the global slave trade, go here.

For an incredible slide show regarding one Missouri mother's quest to rescue one child slave in Ghana, go here.

"The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,

because he has annointed me

to bring good news to the poor. 

He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives,

And recovery of sight to the blind,

To let the oppressed go free,

to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor."

                     -Jesus' Ministry Platform

                      Luke 4: 18-19