Helping the exploited to 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.

… story continues