We have a tradition in my house on Sunday mornings:  pancakes, made by me, “the pancake king”. It’s a mad rush between a sleep in and church, but we usually make it. The rush is even more challenging when my five year old son asks if he can help. I love that he asks, and despite the extra time it takes, I usually say yes. He’s learning to work with and for our family, to make a contribution.

Sadly, there are many children and adults around the world today who are forced to work against their will and who are shamelessly exploited.

In recent years I have struggled with the reality of a horrific $32 billion industry that preys on the poor and vulnerable to satisfy a global demand for cheap products and services.

I recently learnt about Pattinathar, a man who spent years of his childhood in bonded labour. From the age of seven until he was 12, Pattinathar was forced to work to repay a debt incurred by his father, rolling beedis [a local cigarette]. He worked every day from six in the morning until he finished rolling his daily quota of 5,000 beedis.

At night, he would sneak out to eat food that his mother had left out for him. After he was caught doing this his legs were tied at his ankles with an iron chain, leaving barely any distance between the legs for him to walk. The chain had no lock. The only way it could be removed was to cut it loose with a saw.
For almost two years Pattinathar lived in chains. He was not due to be released from the bond until the loan of 1,100 rupees was paid back in full—an impossible feat, as any money he made was considered interest only.

It gives me hope that Pattinathar was able to escape this existence with the help of World Vision. Now, fifteen years on, he can support his family and is able to tell his story, so that others may escape similar suffering in the future.

Abolitionist Sunday is an annual day when churches around the country engage with the fight against human trafficking and slavery.

As we pray for those trapped in modern-day slavery on Abolitionist Sunday, we seek justice for exploited children around the world. But as we plead with God to act, may we also ask God to use us.

Leigh Cameron is General Manager, Advocacy & Church, World Vision Australia