Freedom424.org » Bringing Awareness to the Sexually Exploited in Southeast Asia and Beyond

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In order to provide for the women who decide to leave prostitution, a great deal of money is needed to offer them new opportunities. Your donation will provide an existing organization, Beginnings, the money necessary to offer the following to these women:

Education
Housing
Transportation
Health care (physical, emotional, spiritual)
Food

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What is Freedom 4/24?

Freedom 4/24 exists to raise awareness of the rampant sexual exploitation of women around the world. As a non-profit organization, Freedom 4/24's mission is to provide a pathway to freedom for the sexually exploited through Christ-centered ministries that seek to rescue enslaved women and children..

Our Challenge

It’s easy to dismiss the term "sex industry" as being something rural, underground, made up, or only existant in underdeveloped nations. But it’s not—we’ve seen it with our own eyes.

It is real and it is rampant.

Consider this:

Right now, 300,000 women are forced to work as prostitutes in one of Thailand's 60,000 sexual service centers.
This industry brings in $27 billion a year, and those numbers are increasing daily.
More and more young girls and women are being sold, trafficked, or forced into prostitution.

The driving force? Poverty.

It's estimated that close to $300 million is transferred yearly to rural families by women engaged in prostitution in urban areas.
Poverty forces these girls and women to sell the very last thing they have—their bodies and their self-dignity in order to provide for their families.

Our Challenge is complex and enormous. Not only must Freedom 4/24 combat a powerful industry, but we must seek to create relationships with the women and children who are enslaved in it, in order to bring them an opportunity for freedom. We also seek to empower and educate the women and children so they can begin to impact attitudes and customs that currently lead to women being treated as property and often considered "disposable."

Our Vision is to grow Freedom 4/24 into a successfully run international non-profit organization providing relevant information, media and merchandise designed to raise awareness of the sexually exploited by providing a reliable income stream to Christ-Centered organizations who purpose to rescue enslaved women and children.

Freedom 424 desires to bring freedom to the sexually exploited and through Jesus Christ the hope and freedom for eternity. The message of redemption and grace is clear throughout scriptures. It is the hope of Freedom 424 to spread this message in whatever means God provides.

How It Works:

Freedom Begins With A Day. As we continue our fight against the injustice of this issue, we know that a life of freedom begins with a day. One day. 24 hours that can be the beginning of a life of freedom. A life of opportunity, education, employment, health care (physical, emotional, spiritual).

This is an enormous issue that must be addressed on many different levels. But, the end must begin somewhere. Let it begin with $24. Let it begin with one enslaved woman offered freedom at a time. Let it begin with you.

Your Impact

So, how can you make an impact on this problem? First, start by following our Facebook and Twitter pages to get updates and get involved in contests and much more.

Here are some more suggestions for schools, churches, neighborhoods, and teams:

YOUR SCHOOL

Start a campus chapter of Freedom 4/24 » Download a Campus Kit
For more information contact us at: campus@freedom424.org
Empower your school with the message through social networking
Get involved in creating video essays, logos, and contests to raise awareness about this growing issue

YOUR CHURCH

Challenge 100 church members to give $24 to Freedom 4/24.
Start a global team devoted to supporting the ministry at Beginnings.

YOUR COMMUNITY

Take part in Run for Their Lives and form teams of runners in your community

YOUR TEAM

Dedicate a portion of ticket sales to Freedom 4/24
Have your team wear a Freedom 4/24 t-shirt at an event or practice to rally around this cause
Help coach and organize running teams for Run for Their Lives events

Our 990 Form

We at Freedom 4/24 take stewardship very seriously that's why more than 90% of all of our expenditures go to programs that rescue, provide healing and raise awareness about the very real tragedies of slavery, trafficking and sexual exploitation.

View our 990 Form

Board of Directors

Mike Zealand

"My wife and daughters are my motivation for Freedom 4/24. In February 2008, I was challenged to create a running event to bring awareness to the atrocities of slavery and human trafficking. Since that day I have had one thought—I cannot stand by and do nothing knowing what I know now. Every women and child deserves to be shown the respect and protection I want for my family. God has lit this fire in me, and as long as He chooses to use me, I will be serving with this team and working at full speed to bring hope, healing and freedom."

Mike is the President of Freedom 4/24. Mike works full time at the Orthopaedic Center of Central Virginia, where he uses his 14 years of experience as a movement instructor and personal trainer. Mike graduated from Liberty University with a B.S. in Exercise Science. Mike and his wife of 13 years, Leah, have four daughters.

Christi-Anna Boyer

"I have a heavy burden for sexually exploited women and feel compelled to commit a portion of my life in service to help bring hope, healing and freedom to these women and children. I believe that serving on the Freedom 4/24 board is just one way that I can accomplish this task."

Christi-Anna Boyer currently serves as the Global Expansion Team Director at Brentwood Church. After working with at-risk youth for three years and teaching high school English for four, she is now a wife of six years and the proud mother of two boys. Although Christi-Anna always felt burdened by the worldwide epidemic of the sex industry, she made a lifelong commitment to do her part to fight against sexual slavery following her visit to Thailand in 2006.

Christine Gelatt

"It is a privilege to be a part of something that so practically fulfills God's desire to bring justice and a way of escape for those who are in bondage (Isaiah 61). It is exciting to watch as God continues to expand the vision and influence of Freedom 4/24 both locally and globally. He has equipped talented leaders to advance the mission of this organization, and it is an honor to serve with this team of highly dedicated individuals."

After witnessing the sex industry first-hand in the summer of 2008, Christine felt called to start Freedom 4/24 as a way to bring awareness to this issue and provide funding for organizations that are working with exploited women and children around the world. Christine received her undergraduate education at Liberty University, where she studied English and secondary education. She and her husband, Michael, live in Radford, VA, where she is currently pursuing her Masters in English and teaching freshman writing classes at Radford University.

Dr. Richard Lane, MD, MPH &TM, FACPM

"Vision requires the audacity to believe we can do great things through small acts. Freedom 4/24 is a vehicle to facilitate a small act for an exploited young woman so her life can be transformed. To me, that is a great thing but I am truly energized knowing our ministry can make the difference for so many more."

Richard is the Director of the Master of Public Health Program at Liberty University. He has been a practicing physician in Lynchburg, VA, for over 20 years. His experiences in tropical medicine have taken him around the world to provide basic medical services to people with no access to medical care and to lecture on HIV/AIDS to health care providers and educators. Richard and his wife, Cindy, came to Lynchburg after he served as a flight surgeon in the USAF for seven years. They have two grown daughters.

Dr. Robert Vogel

"I pray the Lord will use me to help to expand the ministry He has set before us Freedom 4/24 I have a heart for the least among us (Matthew 25:40) and look forward to serving this population for His sake."

Robert graduated from Brandeis University with a degree in biology, followed shortly thereafter by a Master's degree in exercise physiology. He then graduated from the University of Miami Medical School and did a residency at the University of Virginia in ophthalmology. He did further training in retinal surgery at the University of Texas. He is currently a law student at Liberty University and is enrolled in the joint JD-MBA program.

Sam Patel, Esq.

"It is my great honor to serve on the Board of Directors of Freedom 4/24. I am excited to be a part of an organization that is bringing physical and spiritual freedom to women and children all over the world in the name of Christ."

Sam M. Patel is a managing partner with Patel & Dalrymple, PLLC, a general practice law firm with a focus on real estate, estate planning and business law. He attended Texas Tech University and graduated from the University of Pittsburg School of Law. Prior to his entry into private practice, he served as a student law clerk to the Chief Justice of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court and the Chief Judge of the United States Bankruptcy Court, Western District of Pennsylvania. He is an Adjunct Assistant Professor of Law at Liberty University School of Law. He is also a husband and proud father of two children.

Stephanie Barrick

"I am so excited about the vision that God has given the leaders of Freedom 4/24, and how it is growing. I love the approach of the ministry and how it has linked up with such dynamic local ministries. I believe I can contribute creativity and an approach that can offer ways to make Freedom 4/24 personal and adaptable to crafters, businesses and families."

Stephanie is a stay-at-home mom of two young boys. She graduated from Liberty University in 2007 with a degree in Sports Medicine. She has started two small businesses from her home, creating baby products and wedding cakes.

Steve Pettit

"It is my honor to serve on the board of directors for Freedom 4/24 where I hope to make a strong contribution among a very competent team of leaders. I long to help advance the vision of Freedom 4/24 through humble leadership and a visionary spirit. God has given me 30 years of global experience initiating and establishing ministries in over 32 countries. I deeply believe in the goal of Freedom 4/24 and hope to resource many Christ-centered ministries that are in the trenches rescuing victims of human trafficking and sexual exploitation."

Steve is the Life Development Pastor at Brentwood Church in Lynchburg, VA. He attended Capital Bible Seminary in Washington, D.C., before pastoring a church in Derwood, Maryland for 25 years. He and his wife of 33 years, Sherrie, have four children and seven grandchildren.

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View FAQ

Is Freedom 4/24 a non-profit?

Yes, Freedom 4/24 is registered with the state of Virginia and federal government. All gifts given to Freedom 4/24 are tax deductible.

What do I tell my kids if they ask why we are supporting Freedom 4/24?

We suggest teaching your children that slavery is very much alive today. People from places where there is great poverty are often taken and displaced around the world. Freedom 4/24 partners with organizations that are reaching out to those who are especially vulnerable to this kind of oppression.

Does my $24 support a Thai Bar?

Yes, this is a contact point for opening the door for freedom. The bar owner will get his $24 for the night regardless of whether we pay it or a customer pays it who will want serviced. A woman who allows us pay her bar fee does not make any additional monies for the remainder of the evening. That alone is a big decision for them. And trust is a huge factor. Most girls were deceived by someone they trusted which got them into the position that now entraps them. A seemingly nice sincere person made it look like they were offering an opportunity of a lifetime to make good money being a bar maid…only to find out that this meant serving as a prostitute.

Does this $24 night of freedom guarantee freedom forever?

No, but it’s the first step to opening the door for potential freedom. Most girls in the sex industry are there because they were either trafficked or their parents forced them into the business of prostitution to find a better level of living or just to survive. A woman who leaves prostitution is forsaking her family. It’s a huge decision for a girl to “abandon” her family. It is a disgrace. And here again is another challenge that Beginnings faces. The prostitute is contracted by the bar owner. A fee must be paid to the owner of the bar if she is to be really free. Though prostitution in Thailand is “illegal” it is completely embraced. So, if a ministry like Beginnings tried to take a legal route to get the girl free without paying her redemption fee, soon no bar would allow Beginnings, and the women who left prostitution, to come back to the bar to try to rescue others.

Is there a home/place for them to live long-term?

Yes, Beginnings is that place. They offer the women who have left prostitution an education, skills training for future independence, health care, food, spiritual and psychological healing and biblical mentorship. The women can stay at Beginnings until they are fully educated and able to become self-sufficient.

What are the long-term goals of Freedom 4/24?

The long term goals of Freedom 4/24 are to be able to help other ministries that are balanced, committed to the gospel of Jesus Christ, have very wise leadership in place, and dedicated to rescuing exploited women. There is an underground sex slave industry that requires a very unique rescue team and Freedom 4/24 wants to help support those efforts as well. Freedom 4/24 would also like to launch a viable business that would give the girls an opportunity to work while being mentored and educated.

What if I wanted to give more then $24?

Additional gifts are given to advance the work of Beginnings but also to raise awareness of the sex slave industry that extends globally. Freedom 4/24 is grateful of any gifts of any measure and strive to use those gifts to bring an end to sexual exploitation worldwide. Freedom 4/24 encourages supporters who gave $24 to get 24 other people to follow that example. 24 people giving $24 is $576. But get this. If 24 people get 24 other people (that’s 576 people) to give $24 = $13,824. Share the wealth and spread the word.

What if I want to go to Thailand and help?

Freedom 4/24 always rejoices in that kind of sacrifice. But you need to know that anyone who wants to serve with Beginnings must go through a training process through Brentwood Church. This church has agreed to prepare people for this kind of ministry. The best thing people can do to help Beginnings is make Freedom 4/24 a nationwide movement. This will help us make it possible for the staff at Beginnings to do what they do best. Beginnings wants to reach many more sexually exploited women and children. In 2009 their four-story apartment building was maxed out so they leased another four-story apartment to continue their work of providing a safe haven for the rescuing of exploited women.

What does Freedom 4/24 Believe?

Our Beliefs

God

We believe in a triune God, existing as God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit who all eternally exist as three persons. The three members of the Godhead are distinct in their role and personhoods yet share their divine nature and purpose. (Deuteronomy 6:4, John 17:3, James 2:19, 1 Timothy 2:5, Genesis 1:27, 2 Corinthians 13:14, John 14:16, Jude 20-21, John 3:16)
Scripture

We believe that the Bible (the 66 books of the Old and New Testaments) is inspired by God and infallible in the original manuscripts. As the word of God, the Bible is authoritative, inerrant, and trustworthy. (2 Timothy 3:15-17, 2 Peter 1:20-21)
Creation

We believe that God created all things, out of nothing. God created the human race (both male and female) in his image and for his glory. In its' original state, creation was without defect. (Genesis 1:26-28, 31)
The Fall

We believe that sin entered the world through one man- Adam, and that because of his act of disobedience, the entire human race fell under a curse. From this point forward, God's perfect creation was now marred by sin, and it was necessary for a savior to redeem creation and the human race from the effects of the fall. (Genesis 3, Romans 3:10-12)
Salvation

We believe that salvation is possible only through faith in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ (God the Son) became man and was born of the virgin Mary. As God incarnate (in the flesh) he lived a sinless life in perfect obedience to God the Father. This is the perfect life that is impossible for any man or woman to live as a result of the fall. His sinless, obedient life culminated in his death on a cross at the hands of sinful men. He was crucified, died and was buried in a grave. Three days later, he rose from the dead and was seen by many witnesses. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of God the Father. He sent God the Holy Spirit to dwell within all who put their faith in him. (John 1:14, Philippians 2:6, Hebrews 2:17, 2 Galatians 4:4-5, 1 Corinthians 15:3-8, Ephesians 2:8-9, Titus 3:5)
The Church

We believe that the church, established by Jesus, is His body and bride. The church will remain on earth and proclaim the good news of the Kingdom of God until Jesus returns. (Ephesians 1:22-23, 5:29-32, 2 Corinthians 11:2-4, Revelation 19:7-9)
The Ordinances

We believe that Baptism and the Lord's Supper, both given and blessed by Jesus, are to be practiced and celebrated by all Christians. (Matthew 26:26-29, Luke 18:14-20, Matthew 3:13, 16, Acts 2:41, 8:12-13, 1 Corinthians 12:13)
Last Things

We believe that Jesus will return to the earth to restore creation, and to judge both the living and the dead. Christians will be welcomed to everlasting life, while the wicked will face eternal punishment. (1 Thessalonians 4:16, Acts 1:11, John 14:3, Matthew 25:31-33, Romans 8:1, Isaiah 65:17, Revelation 21:1-2)