Ben Nichols is with All People Free (APF), an organization working in Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Cambodia on the issue of slavery and human trafficking. Their goal is of course to eradicate all bonded/slave labor and trafficking.

What has stood out to me about their work?

• They have taken the time to build lasting relationships and have developed and/or supported existing indigenous leadership to lead the work.

• They have been creative AND adaptive in their strategies from buying people out of slavery, providing the support services and programs to help make it less likely they end up back there (fast track schools, job/trade training, micro-business, health services, etc.), and looking at buying the factories that work under these bonded labor/slave labor models thus ending the practice.

• They are a Christian organization, but they do not lead with proselytization and have strong "interfaith" relationships with the Muslims, Buddhists, Hindus, etc., partners and leaders they work with.

• The heartbreaking stories of abuse and misery of those they so passionately serve who have been victims of this great injustice and evil in our world. The hopeful stories of those they have been able to help.

APF produced an award-winning documentary that has been making the circuit at many film festivals around the world. On Saturday November 22 Immanuel PC will be screening the documentary (50 minutes long) in the fellowship hall at 4:30 pm, after a short introduction from Ben and Ruth from APF.

Following the documentary there will be a Q & A with Ben and Ruth. Hospitality will be provided with beer, wine, NA beverages, and small plate snacks.