More than 100 people, holding battery-powered candles, gathered for the annual Human Trafficking Candle Light Vigil in the atrium of River Park Square in Spokane on Sunday, January 11, 2015 to protest various forms of human trafficking.<\/p>\n
January 11th is National Human Trafficking Awareness Day.\u00a0 The vigil was organized by Mabel Elsom, Anti-Human Trafficking Coordinator for Lutheran Community Services in Spokane<\/a>.\u00a0 The group of people listened to speakers and musicians.\u00a0 They heard from Amber Dawn McCall who was rescued from human trafficking at the age of six. They watched a theater piece, \u201cWhich Is It?\u201d, written by Jeff Rutherford.\u00a0 In this performance facts and figures were presented, but out of these came people and stories.\u00a0 The actors, Mary Davies and Taylor Pedroza, gave voice to those that don\u2019t have one.<\/p>\n Also during the vigil was a dance performance, \u201cYour Story. My Story. Our Story\u201d.\u00a0 Everyone has a story that defines the life of the one who carries it.\u00a0 The stories of victims are important but they are hard to tell.\u00a0 Once we choose to listen we are changed and compelled to fight for justice and freedom of the oppressed. The vigil ended with a moment of silence.<\/p>\n In attendance were\u00a0Rev. Mike Graef\u00a0and\u00a0members of Spokane Valley United Methodist Church<\/a>, Trinity United Methodist Church<\/a> and the Inland District of United Methodist Women. \u00a0The District UMW’s President, Sharon Stovall’s mother in-law, Charlotte Brecht donated the candles.<\/p>\n This vigil is one way we can lift our voices for the 27 million voiceless people around the world who are enslaved.\u00a0 Please consider putting this event on your next year\u2019s calendar right now. The date is always the same, January 11th<\/sup>.<\/p>\n But in the mean time, pray, keep yourself informed, and speak out for this grave injustice that affects so many children, youth and women around the world.<\/p>\nPhotos:\u00a0A candlelight vigil for Human Trafficking Awareness Day – Inlander<\/em><\/a><\/h4>\n