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First and foremost THANK YOU to all the runners, walkers, and bikers who braved the rain this past Saturday during our Walk/Run/Ride to end Human Trafficking!!  We were so elated at the response despite the rain; our greatest thanks go to all of you.  

A couple things struck me about the morning as I was registering those more athletic than I...

#1...we could be so much bigger!! Don't get me wrong, we are sooo thankful for all that came out...but after talking about the morning I found out that a large circle of my friends didn't know about the event!  In a city like Sioux Falls, where everyone is connected somehow this shouldn't happen! :) I was amazed to see some of the faces I saw at the past event, actually a lot of the faces...but I wonder what would happen if everyone who participated told a few friends what they did, and what our next events are?!  Because remember, the 

MOST 

IMPORTANT 

way to fight trafficking iS

EDUCATION!!

So do us a favor; follow our blog.  Like our Facebook page. And 

Tell 

Your Friends!!!

#2....we are only skimming the surface on what is happening in OUR CITY AND STATE!!  I had a person approach me the other day about what I do with this blog...her response was "how lucky we are to live in a place that doesn't have this..." 

my.

heart.

sank.

We do. We have for a while. We must face it.

Join Be Free in helping us spread the word that this IS happening to these United States; even South Dakota; even Sioux Falls.  The longer we keep it in the dark, the bigger the problem will get.

What can YOU do?  

I will tell you.

Host a Screening of 

Sex + Money.

Follow our Blog.

Like our Facebook Page.

Educate.

Donate.

Spread the word.

Pray.

Thanks for stopping by.

Always Trust. 

Proverbs 56:3

P

'Women hold up half the sky.."

I had never heard that Chinese Proverb before.

But I am glad I did.  

I just recently finished reading a book called "Half the Sky" where I first learned of this Proverb...and this wasn't the only thing I learned from this gut wrenching, heart breaking, eye opening work by Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn.

This book gives personal stories mixed with mind boggling statistics that leave the reader bewildered and ready to spring into action.  "Half the Sky" gives detailed ways any one person can help, and urges organizations to band together whenever possible; and rally behind organizations already put into place by women surviving there...and slowly working towards change.

PBS is also airing a Documentary based on the Book on October 1st and 2nd.  Check out their website for more information.

I HIGHLY recommend this book.  You can buy it here, now.  Getting the conversation started is half the battle...

so let's get going.

*A social justice book club/discussion group is in the works by myself and Susan, Director of Be Free Ministries...please stay tuned for details.*

While you are waiting for your book check out these events happening...or consider hosting a screening of the Sex + Money film for a group of people you know.  No group too small or too big; please contact Be Free Ministries for more information!!

Check out Be Free Ministries Facebook page for more details on this amazing event benefiting Be Free Ministries and Bethany International Ministries!

Host a screening.  Let's get ourselves and our communities educated.

Sex + Money Film.

As always. Thanks for stopping by.

Always Trust.

Proverbs 56:3

P.

Thank you to....

EVERYONE who came out to support Be Free Ministries and Tapestry International at the Screaming in the Silence event this past Tuesday.  

A big Thank You as well to Coffea Roasterie for providing exceptional, and remarkably fast, service during the event; donating all the proceeds from the beverages purchased to the cause!!

Thank you as well to ALL the artists, photographers, jewelry designers, cosmetologists, and many, many, many, more for not only giving your time to these amazing causes; but an incredible gift of time, talent, and love displayed in each of your pieces.  

Each guest who attended deserves a warm thank you as well.  Every one of you is a vital piece in both of these causes and getting our communities educated.  Take what you learned and tell your friends, co-workers, family members, and anyone who will listen!! We can not even begin to fix these issues in our community without first, acknowledging that there is indeed a problem.  




For more information on the evening there click HERE to see a short video and read what The Argus Leader had to say about the event!

DIDN'T MAKE IT TO THE SCREAMING IN THE SILENCE EVENT?

Check out the events below and make sure you check out Be Free Ministries Facebook Page for more upcoming events!!

Get your bike.
Get your tennis shoes.
Get your family.
Get your friends.
Get ready.

You will not want to miss this event!!  Something for everyone Saturday July 28th!!!

CAN'T MAKE IT TO ONE OF THE EVENTS...CREATE YOUR OWN EVENT!

Host a showing of the documentary Sex + Money.  Watch the trailer just above.  Get a huge group, or just a small gathering of friends.  Education is KEY when it comes to starting our fight with Sex Trafficking in our communities....contact Be Free Ministries for a FREE showing today.  We look forward to hearing from you.

Always Trust. Psalm 56:3

P.

FBI: Nationwide child prostitution sweep leads to 104 arrests, 79 children rescued

What do social media and prostitution have in common?  ALMOST EVERYTHING!  

Social medial outlets like Facebook, Craigslist, Backpage, and more allow pimps access to more young girls than ever before.  They know what to look for in a child, and they know the children that can be easily groomed.  These children are lured in by the promise of everything from a warm meal, to love and attention that they feel they aren't receiving elsewhere.  For more information on keeping your child safe on the internet click here.

Though 79 children were rescued, many are expected to return to the harsh world of prostitution and trafficking largely in part to the grooming process.  They have been convinced this is what love feels like, and they know no other lifestyle.  Rehabilitation and numerous outlets to heal will be necessary for these victims to overcome the tragedy they have endured.

For the full article please click the link below:

http://www.cnn.com/2012/06/25/us/child-prostitution/index.html

If you think you know a victim of trafficking, or have been trafficked/sold without your permission please contact Be Free right away.  We are here for you always.

Want to help?  

Here are a few ways:

You can attend one of these events and raise funds and awareness for organizations working to help the victims of these situations.

                                                     

You can also get some people together and host a screening of Sex + Money.  A documentary geared towards spreading the word regarding trafficking, prostitution, and the horrible combination of sex and the people willing to buy it.

http://sexandmoneyfilm.com/

Thanks for stopping by.

Polly

Get your tennis shoes, your bike, and get moving....for Be Free!

There is another event coming up for Be Free Ministries!

Be Free is partnering with Bethany International to host a 

Walk. Run. Bike. Against Human Trafficking.

The start/end location is to be determined and will be announced shortly.

The event starts on Saturday, July 28th at 8:00 a.m.

To register to ride/run/walk or to sign up to help email

ride_run_BeFree58@ymail.com

Keep following Be Free's Facebook page for all the event information!

See you there!

Always Trusting.

Polly

Be Free Ministries has a new Facebook page!!

As opposed to the Group setting Be Free was utilizing before, they now have a page option that one can just 'like' and then follow all the important updates, events, and opportunities to serve.

You can also share this page with your friends (which would be great if you would!)

To do this:

There is a little drop down menu next to the actual "Like" button, and "message" button.  

On this drop down menu there is an option to 'SHARE'.

You can post on your wall, on a friend's wall, or even private message.

Here is the link!

https://www.facebook.com/BeFreeSiouxFalls

On there you will also see information on the Screaming In the Silence event I blogged about eariler.  This is going to be a fantastic event benefiting Be Free Ministries and Tapestry International.  What more could you ask for in an evening? Coffee from Coffea Roasterie, local artwork, and making a difference all in one place. Be there!!!!

Hello Be Free Followers!

There a multitude of events coming up, all working to raise awareness of Human Trafficking right here in Sioux Falls.

On July 10th Coffea Roasterie  will be partnering with Be Free Ministries and Tapestry International to host a Silent Auction of local artists to raise money for these ministries.  Proceeds from the coffee drinks bought during this event will also be donated to Be Free Ministries and Tapestry International.

Come drink some great coffee, browse some local artwork, and learn how you can help these ministries combat these crimes against humanity.

This event will be Tuesday, July 10th from 6:30 to 8:30! Be There!!

See you Soon.

Polly D.