Trade In Hope is hosting a Benefit Showcase on Saturday, March 24th, from 7:00-10:00pm at the For the City Center. Come early when the doors open to take part in a silent auction and an interactive art experience, and mix and mingle with other activists, artists, professionals and community members. Then stay to watch an exclusive screening of a short film from Trade In Hope, with the original score performed live during the screening! The night will also feature music from composer Casey McPherson from Alpha Rev, Sara Overall, and Ramy Antoun and the 1211 band. Pre-Sale tickets are now available on the Trade In Hope website. Proceeds from the night will support the Trade In Hope feature film. So come stand in solidarity with us - together we are working to end human trafficking in our community through the completion of this documentary!
Our family has been getting to know this project and the excellent human beings who're fueling it with energy, passion and humble conviction. In fact, we've been trying to get our families' busy schedules to sync up for a dinner together because I want our family to better understand the reality of suffering in our city and the kind of people who take action for the helpless.
Dinner hasn't worked out yet, but here are three questions I asked our friend John (Director of Outreach and TIH). I thought you all would enjoy reading the insightful answers he gave.
Tamara: Why did you choose to connect with and give your energy to the Trade in Hope project?
Tamara: Why did you choose to connect with and give your energy to the Trade in Hope project?
John: I can't think of many things that so completely reject and defame the image of God in another human being more than modern slavery and human trafficking. My choice to give my energy to TIH flows first from my belief that every human should be valued and treated with dignity.I first learned about this global pandemic when I watched a documentary in 2008. The film focused on human trafficking in Southeast Asia. I remember feeling disbelief, then feeling sick to my stomach, and finally feeling complete outrage. I walked out thinking, "I have to do something about this!" followed by "I have no idea what to do about this." I don't want future audiences to suffer a similar, dis-empowering experience.
John Nehme
Trade In Hope focuses on trafficking in our own communities, and what we can do to stop it. I believe the end result won't just be powerful - it will be empowering.
Third, the project Director, Michelle, is my older sister. I've always looked up to her!
Tamara: What are some reasons you are excited about the progress of the project?
John: We've entered the third and final year of production, and it's exciting to see the finish line in the distance. Those three years gave us the chance to peel back the layers of this issue to see what's really going on. Consequently, the film has become about so much more than just domestic sex trafficking -- it unpacks truths about personal identity, family and community. The process refined our team and ensured the production of a solid, time-tested final film.
Tamara: What are some ways you find joy in the middle of working with such an intense subject matter?
John: I once heard that "Sorrow enlarges the capacity of the heart for Joy." Yes, working on the subject matter brings you face to face with despicable human abuses. But it also brings you face to face with the truth that hope can overcome fear, that good can push back evil, and that the broken can heal. It's those stories -- the stories of trafficking survivors and those dedicating their lives to fighting it -- that bring me joy each day. It's their stories the world needs to ehar, so we can all heal.
You say you don't live in Austin and can't attend the Showcase? Here are other ways to act.
Five Ways You Can Act To Stop Sex Trafficking
1. Give: Click here to contribute to the production of the documentary and be a part of the film.
2. Advocate: Promote the work of Trade In Hope through their social media locations:
3. Pray: Connect with the Trade In Hope team about being a prayer advocate - info@tradeinhope.com
4. Volunteer: Connect with a local anti-trafficking agency. They need your help!
5. Consume wisely: Examine supply chains when you make purchases; by slave-free or free-trade products..
(visit chainstorereaction.com for more information)
