What is the next thing Heritage is doing to address the Human Trafficking issue in Columbus?

Maybe you have already met Marlene Carson, survivor of Human Trafficking.  Maybe you have even joined with her to meet some of the women she is reaching.  Perhaps you have been following the horrific stories about victims and perpetrators in the Columbus dispatch. You’ve heard.  You’ve responded.  Now let’s move.  As 2010 begins, I’d like to give you an opportunity for taking the next steps in addressing human tafficking in Columbus, OH.

We are partnering with Doma (a local nonprofit) to launch Project Green Light in Columbus, Ohio. ProjectGreen Light exists to create safe communities for those who are victims of and vulnerable to Human Trafficking while supporting Rahab’s Hideaway and other local initiatives. Approximately 20 youth, with an average age of 12-14 years old, are reportedly trafficked each month in Columbus.  There is a critical need for intervention and we’d like to see Project Green Light Communities all over Columbus!

Our first meeting will take place Saturday, January 30^th at 9:30am.  Education is the first step to prevention.  Relationship is the first step to intervention. We need you to be a voice for the voiceless.  The agenda will include:

1)      Hearing from the Green Light leadership team about Heritage Christian Church becoming a Green Light Community, including the different opportunities where you can personally volunteer.

2)      Presenting options to get more information or get involved immediately.

3)      Meeting with a team to form a 2010 strategic plan for Heritage.

You will learn how your time and willingness can impact homeless youth (the most vulnerable to human trafficking) in Columbus as well as adults vulnerable to Human Trafficking.  When we join our resources together to become Green Light Communities, safer places exist for our children and more stabile environments allow for healthy development. Let’s mobilize.  And please share this communication with your life group and friends that have an interest in this area.

Human Trafficking: Creating a Green Light Community
Saturday, January 30th, 9:30-11am at Heritage Christian Church
Childcare is available.  Please RSVP with number of attendees and number/ages of children.

The documentary “Call and Response” on the issue of human trafficking is coming to Columbus, December 15th at 7pm.  The film will be shown at the Drexel Theatre and tickets are on sale now.  Human Trafficking is a global issue and a Bexley HS student is trying to address this inhumanity by bringing awareness to Columbus.  You can view a trailer for the documentary by clicking on the link below. 

http://callandresponse.com/trailer.html

Many Heritage families and life groups have asked about serving opportunities in Local Missions for this holiday season and we’ve listed some recommended partners below with a brief discription.  For more specific information about their needs and openings, please contact them directly.  Be a blessing!

WARM (Westerville Area Resource Ministry) - Help distribute or pack food for local Westerville families.  Contact  614.899.0196

Better Way - located in the Short North – Provide a Thanksgiving meal.  Contact Wanda Campbell wanda5805@insight.rr.com or 614.348.2263

New Salem Baptist Church, Serve at food pantry in North Linden. Contact Rev. Jones 614.267.2536 x446

Helping Hands Community Food Bank, Serve at a food pantry in Northland. Contact Libby Streamer destreamer@yahoo.com 614.270.8204

Needs for the Homeless – Sleeping Bags, Flashlights, Candles and Tents needed. Contact BetterWay Ministries wanda5805@insight.rr.com or 614.348.2263

Feed My Sheep – Serve meals to the homeless Tuesday evenings 7-8p or 8:30-9:30p. Contact John Mowry johnmowry@wowway.com or 614.370.9059

Fruit of the Vine – An outreach of Vineyard Columbus.  Serve meals at their food pantry on 5^th Ave. or take food to homeless camps around the city.  Contact Rhodie Shreve, 614.259.5441 or Rhodie.Shreve@vineyardcolumbus.org

International Friends - Invite international OSU students to your home for a holiday meal.  Contact Kathy Davis Kathy_J_Davis@sbcglobal.net or 614.794.9172

Linden Initiative - We’re collecting 50 Bibles to make a Christmas package to deliver to families in Linden.  Contact Rich Johnson 898.9412 x105

Giving Tree - Experience the joy as you sort and deliver the gifts to the families receiving the gifts from our congregation.  Contact Lori Scholten at Heritage Care Ministry