There were more slaves in the single year of 2004 than in all the previous centuries put together.

That’s what the speaker told us.

Last night, I attended an event for International Justice Mission. While we dined on wine and cheese, a worker from India told us stories of slaves–men, women, and children–working in brick kilns. Some were beaten. Some were sexually abused. One man had seven-inch needles driven into his thighs.

These are the people they save.

I first learned of IJM from the band, Jubilee, who supports them with the proceeds from their music.

IJM gathers evidence, takes it to the local authorities, and goes on raids with the authorities. After freeing the slaves, IJM takes them back to their villages and begins after-care, which includes training for a new job and counseling. They also work to hold the slave owners accountable by taking that evidence to the courts.

IJM workers are driven by their Christian faith–their belief in the sanctity of life and their responsibility to carry out the gospel through freeing the oppressed.

You can support IJM financially, through volunteering, and with prayer. They’re especially looking for lawyers, case workers, and police authorities to help with their skills.

Last night, I picked up a book that tells the stories of some of the rescued victims and the people that saved them, Terrify No More: Young Girls Held Captive and the Daring Undercover Operation to Win Their Freedom. I’m looking forward to learning more about IJM through these stories.