Helping those exploited Be Free

Be Free is the Elim Missions campaign against human exploitation. It is estimated that some 50 million people globally are victims of human exploitation, often called modern day slavery

One of our Be Free projects is established and operated by our Global Partners in India. Their work is focused on women and girls who have been victims of sexual exploitation through the ancient Hindu system of Devadasi in which young girls are ceremonially compelled to perform sexual duties as servants of the deities, writes Jack Skett.

This practice is based on the Andhra Pradesh tradition that says it is possible to ward off evil by devoting a girl to the temple deity. Whilst the Devadasi system has been illegal in India for over 30 years, it is still practised in some southern states.

Devadasis face social exclusion, political and economic discrimination and stigma, with many remaining in their native villages without prospects of a better life.

Our partners Samson and Shiby Paul have been working to open a home for these women and girls who have suffered greatly from this exploitation.

Finally, on 15 September, the Be Free house they had dreamed about was officially opened! This house will become home to 70 women, and through it they will be shown that though man has treated them as worthless, in the eyes of God they are precious and loved.

Mandy Campbell is the Project Leader for the Be Free campaign.

“When Samson shared his vision with me over two years ago, I had no idea just how much people would get behind the project,” she says. “The response has been amazing, with large monthly donations coming in from some of our churches and lots of ‘Have a Heart’ direct debits. “Have a Heart is an initiative in partnership with Elim Aspire, and I am very grateful to Leanne Mallet and the Aspire team for also carrying this vision with us and helping us to raise funds.”

In a local news article, Samson wrote, “This home is a sanctuary where forgotten women can regain dignity, respect and the chance to rebuild their lives. Our mission is to provide them with a secure, loving environment where they can live without stigma. It is through compassion and collective action that we can truly uplift those who have historically been oppressed.”

The favour of God has been on the project, with the government’s Minister for Women and Child Development attending the opening of the house. The minister said, “Our government is working on policies to uplift women, especially those affected by the Devadasi system, so they can integrate into mainstream society and lead fulfilling lives.”

Elim Missions is privileged to work through our Global Partners in this region to support women and girls who have been exploited and abused, so that they might discover in Christ a love so profound that it can bring healing to such protracted pain and trauma.

We pray for these women who will be coming to live in the Be Free house, that they will encounter Jesus and find healing, restoration and fresh purpose for their lives.

We invite you to partner with us in our Be Free campaign by visiting our website and donating to this vital work.

This article first appeared in Direction Magazine. For further details, please click here.