Walking for the Freedom of women in Athens

This weekend, 19 – 20th November, an awesome team of people from a Riverstone Community Church are going to hike 18km to raise awareness of and funds for, victims of human trafficking.

Inspired by a project of the Hillsong Colour Sisterhood, the “Walk for Freedom” team will follow the ‘Summit Walk’ from Charlotte’s Pass to the peak of Mt Kosciuszko, camp overnight and then return to Charlotte’s Pass the following day.

All of the money raised will be donated to Nea Zoi, which is a Greek national organisation that works in partnership with International Teams. It is dedicated to the support and restoration of women, men, and children in prostitution, many of whom are also victims of human trafficking.

Some of the members of the Nea Zoi Team in Athens have sent messages to the walkers – sharing stories and offering thanks and encouragement. Following is an excerpt from Annette Wilson’s letter, including a story about one of the women with whom the team is working…

Thank you so much for your commitment to supporting the work that is being done on the other side of the world, in Athens, Greece. I am actually from Newcastle, just up the road from you and I love hearing of people from my side catching the heart for this heartbreaking issue and taking action.

‘Grace’ – Nigerian. Only been here for a few months but has spent 6 months in various detention centres. Misses her family terribly. We praise God for a very quiet night on the streets last week which allowed her the freedom to come back to the office with us and spend an hour sitting in a comfortable warm place, sharing with us instead of on the cold dark & dangerous streets! She would love alternate work.

Thank you again! We’re praying for endurance, strength and energy for you on this day and showers of blessing in return!

Another Nea Zoi worker wrote…

We are encouraged by your passion for these women and men. Please be covering in prayer those that we minister to on the streets. There are many women that end up turning to drugs to cope with the life of prostitution. They need these chains to be broken and reminded of how much God loves them and that they are a beautiful creation made in God’s image.

Please be specifically praying for one Bulgarian girl that never expresses emotion, but who responded one night to prayer that she was happy to be there to receive it. Pray that she will realize she is a beautiful creation of God and He looks on her with such deep love as His daughter. Pray that these little seeds of Christ’s hope will transform these women’s lives into trees of righteousness – a display of His splendour.

International Teams Australia is so encouraged by the commitment and compassion of the Walk for Freedom team from Riverstone and by the faithful ministry of those who serve with Nea Zoi. We thank God for you and we will be praying for energy, strength and safety as the team walks this weekend and as Nea Zoi continues to reach out in troubled Athens.

Let’s End Slavery. Together. Pray. Go. Give. Click here to find out more about how you can make a difference too.

To give to the ministry of Nea Zoi in Athens, click here