MARYSVILLE — When the Rev. Kevin Austin served as a missionary in Thailand, he saw that human trafficking was real.
He watched women and children being forced into prostitution, robbed of their freedom and dignity. He decided to do something about it.
Now a pastor at LifePoint church in Lake Stevens and Everett, Austin became involved with the nonprofit Not For Sale. The organization helps fight human trafficking worldwide and educate people about it.
Austin’s job is to partner with different faith communities to raise awareness of human trafficking through fundraisers and other events. One of these events is happening Aug. 27 at Marysville Free Methodist Church.
Several hundred people are expected at the Free2Walk campaign, which includes a 5K walk and a presentation on human trafficking. All funds raised during the event will benefit groups working in different countries to eradicate modern-day slavery.
Participants will walk to show their support for the freedom of every human being, said Karen Sallee, who is organizing the walk. She also put on last year’s event in Lake Stevens.
Sallee, 32, of Marysville, grew up in Kenya and other countries where her parents served as missionaries. She knew human trafficking was real because she saw it with her own eyes.
“I didn’t really realize at the time the impact it has on our world,” Sallee said. “(Later) I had this longing to do something about it.”
Marysville Free Methodist, LifePoint, First Presbyterian and Arlington Free Methodist are sponsoring the walk this year.
Austin said the Free Methodist Church is continuing its long-standing legacy of fighting slavery. The denomination was active in the abolitionist movement in the 19th century.
All religious communities are uniquely positioned to create powerful change, Austin said. He calls them culture-shapers. “We need to change cultural values that create an opportunity for slavery to thrive,” he said. “And we can’t do that just by changing laws.”
Katya Yefimova: 425-339-3452; kyefimova@heraldnet.com
Take a stand
Free2Walk registration starts at 8:30 a.m. Aug. 27 at Marysville Free Methodist Church, 6715 Grove St. Suggested donation is $25. Rally with Kevin Austin is at 10, and BBQ is at 11 a.m. www.notforsalecampaign.org/free2walk. For more info, email sarah@notforsalecampaign.org.
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