SAS toolbox for churches
// The SAS Toolbox for Churches
The SAS Toolbox for Churches (available early 2015) is a package of resources intended to equip, inform and unsettle the church in New Zealand around the issue of modern slavery. We intend it to ultimately bring followers of Jesus to a place of deliberate, pro-active engagement with these issues from a deep conviction about the heart of God, the call of Scripture and the dignity of all humanity.
“There are three places where we find God’s justice: the cross, the judgement and the church.” - Eddie Byun, Justice Awakening
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Why do we need a Toolbox for Churches? // “Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne; steadfast love and faithfulness go before you.” Ps 89:14 Justice is an integral part of the nature and heart of God, and modern slavery is a justice issue. The SAS Toolbox for Churches helps the people of God to understand, engage with and act upon the will of God for those who have been exploited and abused by the greed of others. It is a huge issue – one that could be seen as too big to tackle. The SAS Toolbox for Churches will equip churches with resources that they can use at any and every level, to inform and mobilise God’s people around these issues in clear, simple ways and so become advocates for justice in their own context. “And where should we look first? I believe it is the Church. Outside of Government the Church provides the greatest level of community services in our nation, and it is mandated by Jesus to do so. We need a clarion call as the body of Christ to take in the enslaved as well as the hungry and the poor and the sick and naked and the imprisoned and the widowed.“ Peter Mihaere, CEO SAS, in his address to the Church Leaders of Aotearoa New Zealand 2 Sept 2014 SAS Toolbox for Churches // 3
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Is slavery an issue for New Zealand? // “Some Asian and Pacific Islanders migrate to New Zealand to work … and are subsequently subjected to forced labour. Some… have their passports confiscated and contracts altered… but do not complain about it because they are afraid of losing their temporary work visas.” US Department of State Trafficking in Persons Report, 2014 (p.291) Modern slavery happens in every corner of the globe, including New Zealand. Wherever one person has power over another without checks and balances, exploitation occurs and leads to enslavement. To believe that it isn’t happening on our doorstep would be naive. However, even if it weren’t a reality in New Zealand, the fact that between 20 and 30 million people worldwide are subjected to some form of slavery should be enough to call us to action. These are people made in God’s image, reduced to the status of chattels and commodities for the profit of others. Whether on our doorstep or across the globe, God calls us to demonstrate His kingdom to them. “People have… become like Styrofoam cups. You buy them cheaply, you use them, you crumple them up, and then when you’re done with them you just throw them away.” Kevin Bales ‘How to combat modern slavery,’ TED Talks SAS Toolbox for Churches // 5
// What does the SAS Toolbox for Churches cover? Within the SAS Toolbox for Churches are numerous resources to help you and your church come to terms with the issues and to form an appropriate response. The toolbox covers things like: What is modern slavery? Defining what modern slavery is, and how it is experienced by those it affects. The SAS Toolbox for Chruches will help people come to terms with the stereotypes and realities of slavery in the 21st century. What is God’s stance? Scripture says we follow a God of justice and righteousness. By exploring the Bible we can come to grips with God’s heart for His creation and all who were made to enjoy it. What can we do? Not everyone can go out into the world to free the enslaved. There are, however, numerous ways people can engage with slavery without leaving their home town. What’s more, by becoming sensitised to the issues and examples of slavery, people will be more aware of just how easily it could be going on in their own neighbourhood, and what they can do about it. 6 // SAS Toolbox for Churches
What does the SAS Toolbox for Churches contain? // Any good toolbox has a variety of tools for the different jobs that might need doing. Ours is no different. The initial toolbox will be a framework for creating a service, programme or materials for churches and groups wanting to engage with the issues of modern slavery. These resources can be customised according to your needs and level of involvement and will be drawn from a growing library of resources on our website that will expand as people participate and contribute, building a community of collaborators resourcing one another for the work of ending slavery. Small Group Materials Bible studies, case stories, video clips, and discussion starters for small groups that will draw people into dialogue about the heart of God, the issues of modern slavery and our place in the issue. Worship Materials
Suggested prayers, readings, scriptures, sermon outlines, activities and audio-visual resources to facilitate people’s engagement with God on these issues in a regular worship service context.
Youth & Childrens’ Materials Age-appropriate activities and discussion starters for children and young people to help them understand the issues and how God calls us to respond. Community Connection Materials Ideas for meaningful engagement with the wider community over the issue of human trafficking, and ways to equip individuals and groups to take appropriate action in your local context.
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Pre-register for SAS Toolbox for Churches // Please pre-register our Church and contact me as soon as the SAS Toolbox for Churches is available: I’m interested in making this a...
Name & Position:
Single Sunday event Non-Sunday event Weekend event Multi Weekend event
Church: Email:
I’m interested running an event:
Phone:
Possible Dates:
Whilst the base SAS Toolbox for Churches will be a free downloadable package we can provide additional services to help make this a successful event. Please select the areas you might be interested in discussing with the SAS team.
Event Speaker1
An SAS Speaker An Abolition Speaker
Personalised Promo Material2
(i.e. not from SAS but an excellent speaker for your event) 1 - A speakers fee and travel costs maybe required.
Flyers
Posters 2 - Quotes will provided for production costs.
SAS Support Products3
SAS key rings (made by Freeset) SAS bracelets (made by a Freedom business)
3 - Quotes will be provided at time of discussion.
Once completed please hand to an SAS team member or post to Stand Against Slavery, PO Box 12220, Penrose, Auckland 1642. 8 // SAS Toolbox for Churches // Pre-registration
“Behold my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen, in whom my soul delights; I have put my Spirit upon him; he will bring forth justice to the nations. He will not cry aloud or lift up his voice, or make it heard in the street; a bruised reed he will not break, and a faintly burning wick he will not quench; he will faithfully bring forth justice. He will not grow faint or be discouraged till he has established justice in the earth; and the coastlands wait for his law.� Isaiah 42:1-4 [ESV] +64 9 526 6361 www.standagainstslavery.com info@standagainstslavery.com /sasnz @stoppingslavery 477 Great South Road, PO Box 12220, Penrose, Auckland 1642, New Zealand