Fresno Tour Enlightens Pastors About Human Trafficking *Plus News Coverage!*

On Tuesday, May 14, over 30 local pastors and spiritual leaders toured Fresno yesterday and saw first hand the intensity of human trafficking in our city.

The group was taken on a bus tour throughout Fresno, stopping at locations where human trafficking happens regularly. Fresno PD shared true stories of both the horrific realities of human trafficking and also the success stories of transformed lives. Back at People’s church, the group heard testimonies from one of our ministry partners, Christine Riley, who shared her story as a human trafficking survivor. Sgt. Curtis Chastain, head of the Fresno Police Department Human Trafficking Vice Unit, Jessica Pittman of Central Valley Justice Coalition, and Andrea Shabaglian of Made For Them were also among many who cast vision at this event.

The event was an incredible opportunity for the leaders to dive in and be more attentive to the need for their congregations to be involved in the fight against human trafficking and how they can partner with local organizations.  Jessica Pittman noted after the event, “God continues to remind us he is a God of justice and mercy! Thanks to all our partners who work around the clock to bring freedom to those who have been oppressed, and thanks to Christine for sharing her story and for partnering with our Coalition.”

KSEE 24 and CBS 47 covered well not only the event, but information on the reality of human trafficking in the Central Valley. The reports can be viewed at the links below:

“Combatting Human Trafficking In the Central Valley” KSEE 24, 5/13/13

“Valley Pastors Learn First Hand About Fresno’s Human Trafficking Problems” CBS 47, 5/3/13

This event was presented by Made for Them and Fresno Police Department, and we hope to have information soon about the next tour. Sign up for our e-newsletter so you will be notified about upcoming opportunities!

Thank you for participating in Just Act!

The Coalition thanks to ALL who joined us April 19 & 20th for Just Act! A special thanks goes to the 50+ people who spent late hours on Friday night or early Saturday morning ACTING in our community! By supporting this event you all helped us to bring about holistic and lasting change to those impacted by human trafficking. Petitions were signed, demonstrations were held, training occurred, and fervent prayer took place. Friday night there were 25 people who walked and prayed on Parkway Drive – these people took a courageous stand to demonstrate our intolerance of the injustice of human trafficking.

If you are not on our e-newsletter list, fill our our form  so we can contact you about upcoming opportunities. There will be more Just Acts happening soon!

The Coalition desires to continue growing and increasing in impact. To do that, we need money! We ask you shamelessly to give because we believe without a doubt that what we are doing makes a difference. Please click here to learn more about donating.

Just Act 2013 T-Shirts

One side of the new design for the Just Act shirts! Come Friday, April 19th to get one while supplies last!

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Just Act 2013

Just Act 2013!

April 19, 7:00 p.m.  at Fresno First Baptist Worship Center & April 20, 9:30 a.m. at various locations

Registration is now closed. However, COME ANYWAYS and sign up when you arrive!
Come Friday night for worship, prayer, art and inspiration. Then “JUST ACT” on Friday night (after the event) or Saturday morning at 9:30 a.m. by taking part in activities to fight human trafficking.
FREE T-SHIRTS ARE GONE BUT you can buy one at Just Act ($12) Spread the word; download our Just Act 2013 printable flyer.

CVJC Speaking At City Summit – Join us!

Central Valley Justice Coalition has the privilege of doing a breakout session on human trafficking at the Fresno City Summit, to be held March 16 and 17.
City Summit is a powerful event where people with a heart for their community come together to be equipped and challenged to engage their city in a new way. City Summit “was created out of need to bring more people in our community into the conversation of what God is doing and could be doing in our city.”
The event will feature guest speaker John Perkins and includes 19 break out sessions that cover such topics as church based job creation, immigration, healthy approach to helping, and more. In addition to our session, these discussions are important for those seeking to get more involved in an effective and comprehensive human trafficking response.

Follow the link below for more information and to register.