Wednesday, August 17, 2011

Redeemed Ministries Host Prayer Walk for Human Trafficking in Harris County

Press Release
Family Event to Fight Human Trafficking in
Harris County through Prayer and Awareness

Houston, August 15, 2011   - 

The public is invited to join a collaboration of area churches in “Just Pray”, a prayer walk from noon to 3 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 17, on the grounds of Northwoods Presbyterian Church, 3320 FM 1960 West. The afternoon event is part of the “Just Cause” first annual gathering of metro area events to raise awareness about the growing existence of modern day slavery – including forced labor and commercial sex exploitation – throughout Houston, Harris County, and surrounding suburbs.

 “North Harris County residents daily drive by establishments in local shopping centers that house victims of human trafficking. People are shocked to learn how many sexually oriented businesses (spas, massage parlors) are right here in very close proximity to our homes and schools in the FM 1960 area, Spring and Tomball,” according to Redeemed Ministries, which is coordinating the Prayer Walk.

‘Just Pray” is a family friendly event open to all. A special children’s activity zone will be set aside for families so parents will be free to learn more about this tragedy that has infiltrated our neighborhoods. Live entertainment including praise music, dance, and dramatization performances by local talent will follow the Prayer Walk. Snacks and drinks will also be available for participants.

Prayer stations, each focusing on an aspect or fact about modern day slavery, will be throughout the wooded church grounds, giving participants the opportunity to move through the walk at their own pace. The culmination of the prayer walk will be through the arbor to the outdoor labyrinth. 

Participants may pre-register on-line through the Brown Bag link at http://www.redeemedministries.com. The $12 registration fee includes a “Just Pray” t-shirt. Pre-registration is strongly encouraged, but not required for attendance. T-shirts will also be available during the event.

The community is urged to come by to learn more about this insidious crime that is occurring in our community, and growing worldwide. Volunteers from Redeemed Ministries and other organizations including Not for Sale will provide additional information and offer volunteer action opportunities. The objective of “Just Pray” is to educate and increase in number those committed to pray for human trafficking victims and the eradication of the crime in the North Harris County community.

Redeemed Ministries is a local volunteer organization that reaches out to victims to provide outreach, survivor aftercare, and legislative advocacy, as well as educating the community.  Redeemed Ministries is committed to meeting God in earnest prayer and by being engaged in efforts to Educate People, Seek Victims, Build Relationships, Identify Resources, and Redeeming the Value of survivors.  For more information, please visit our website http://www.redeemedministries.com.

For so long we have ignored or accepted that women are trapped and exploited in the commercial sex industry by choice. However, many – including children – are victims of the growing crime of modern day slavery. Human trafficking victims are abused through the use of force, fraud or coercion. Worldwide an estimated 27 million people are enslaved. Of those, 80 percent are female and 50 percent are children. U.S. citizens comprise an estimated 200,000 to 600,000 of that total, with 100,000 of them American children aged 14 and under. Annually, there are 6,000 runaways in Houston and it is estimated that one out of three will be prostituted within the first 48 hours according to Houston’s Children at Risk.

Houston is considered a main trafficking hub city and a major destination. In the first quarter of 2009, 58 percent of the trafficking calls to the National Human Trafficking Hotline that originated in Texas came from the Houston area, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

“Just Cause” is a cooperative initiative of churches, faith-based ministries, and local businesses and organizations, including Redeemed Ministries, that are committed to addressing God's passion for justice for the oppressed in our own community and beyond.  Other events during the week of September 10-17, 2011 throughout the Houston area include “Just Eat!”, “Just Run for a Just Cause”, “Just Golf – Tee Off Against Trafficking”, “Just Shop” and “Just Rap.” Details on all events are available at http://justcausehouston.yolasite.com/. 


Press Contacts: 
Stephanie Luna – Email: redeemedministries_Prayerwalk@yahoo.com
Bobbie Marks, Director, Redeemed Ministries
Kathy Williams 281-433-7156






Tuesday, August 16, 2011

Patti Bolli Nelson Speaking at Public Safety Meeting Aug. 18th

Here is an article written about our August 18th public safety speaker. Don't miss out on a great presentation.

Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Public Safety - Great Speaker August 18th 10 a.m.

Are you interested in learning something new and meeting other community leaders?  The Houston Northwest Chamber of Commerce Public Safety Committee has researched and brought you Patti Bolli Nelson to teach you how to prevent Identity theft and some of the new laws that will affect small businesses. Public Safety Co Chairs Jerry Hays and Wren Neely encourage you to take some time out of your day to come hear and network with some of North Houston's finest in Public Safety!

Monday, August 8, 2011

Buzz Word - ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT


This week at the Chamber the Buzz Word is Economic Development. How can we help our community grow not only through business development but general community business sustainability.  The Houston Northwest Chamber works hard to promote better business and provide each of members with the necessary tools to create a positive and community focused work environment.  The Healthcare Committee and the Economic Development Committees within the Chamber of Commerce have teamed up to create a forum that is not only beneficial to your business but will hopefully enlighten to you as well.

to view the event flyer!

Do you have an opinion or question about the Chamber? or Economic Development forum?  Utilize your chamber membership by posting to one of the forums, or by creating your own!  If you need your log in name and password call the chamber today! 281-440-4160 or email ChamberInfo@houstonnwchamber.org

A letter from the President!

It has been a month, friends, since we sent you an Edge E-Newsletter. What do you think of a less frequent communication? Email ChamberInfo@HoustonNWChamber.org with your thoughts.

Rep. Riddle is asking us what issues we believe need attention in the next legislative session? View her letter to Speaker Straus and comment to Scott.Riling@house.state.tx.us  or plan to attend the Wednesday, September 21st Government Affairs meeting when Rep. Riddle will be with us at 8:30 a.m.

Just prior to our September 8th Membership Luncheon, we will host 50 local veterans at a Turbo Networking Session at 10:45am at Shirley Acres. Whether you are looking to hire or not, come participate in a valuable exercise with these fine young men and women under the guidance of Master Networker Art Barasch.

We want to welcome two new committee co-chairs of the Small Business Excellence Committee: Deborah Hroch of Hroch & Associates and Carlos Rosales of FocalPoint Coaching of Greater Houston. These two will co-chair this important commitee. Congratulations and thanks to these two fine professionals.

I hope you have a productive week and do not let Washington or Wall Street events discourage you!

Barbara Thomason
President