Two years ago, the transformational church pillar of the Latin American Area began sponsoring “Freedom Week” to create awareness of modern-day slavery and to begin initiatives to combat trafficking. Area-wide programming in the first year inspired more churches to join in “Freedom Week” activities in the second year and start their own programs.

The Free Methodist (FM) Church in Santa Cruz, Bolivia, invited local police to give a workshop about the Alerta Juliana (similar to the Amber Alert used in the USA). Police explained how this alert system is becoming increasingly necessary in Bolivia because, within five years, the confirmed cases of human trafficking of Bolivian citizens have nearly doubled, and over 54% of the rescued victims have been minors. The police also taught participants how to initiate and use the alert system.

Four months later, Juan*, the 14-year-old grandson of one of the Santa Cruz church members, was kidnapped on his way home from school. The news was devastating, but the family knew what to do because of the Alerta Juliana workshop. An immediate alert was issued, spreading the information to the community and authorities. Thanks to their quick action and the use of this tool, within 24 hours Juan was found and rescued. Not only that, but it helped officials uncover a human-trafficking ring and rescue several girls who, like Juan, were on the verge of being illegally smuggled into Chile.

We thank the Lord for the many ways the Free Methodist Church in Latin America participates with God in the restoration of the region and actively seeks love-driven justice through initiatives that bring about community transformation for the glory of God.

*Name changed for security reasons.