You Changed the World for 213 People

Elsa Cruz
Elsa Cruz
Aug 25, 2017 · 2 min read

In September 2016, Jess and I commited to raising $25K to fight human trafficking through the Freedom Challenge.

We immediately felt two things — the enormity of the problem (there are about 30 million slaves in the world at this moment) and the clear goal of setting 166 women and children free (this required $25K in funds going by the Freedom Challenge’s model of rescuing and restoring one person for $150 worth of resources).

The number 166 struck us because of Luke 1:66, “what will this child be?” The biblical audience asked this question about John the Baptist. We asked “who will they be?” about the freed slaves as we saw their true identity like a sunrise on the horizon. We knew the story wasn’t over for them. We saw their futures and we saw hope.

Now almost a year later, we have news we couldn’t have imagined!

YOU helped us raise over $32K to go directly towards fighting human trafficking.

From wine tastings to boutique fashion events, from selling candy in negative degrees Alaskan winters to performing original songs in South Florida — you advocated for the voiceless in your workplaces, schools, and neighborhoods.

You launched meal programs, baked cupcakes, organized garage sales, cleaned houses, started your own fundraising campaigns.

You lived on $1/day, hosted Esty sales, painted paintings, designed logos. You opened your homes, gave up your weekends, gave up your savings.

…..And guess what happened. You helped us surpass our goal of just 166 people rescued. The $32K that you raised = 213 women and children free!!

And we’re not stopping here! Watch for updates through September as we hike the Salkantay trail to Machu Picchu to continue raising awareness for those trapped in slavery.

Thank you for changing the world for so many people.

Their story is just beginning. Who will you free?

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