Putting an end to slavery around the world has been Julie Slagter’s job since she graduated from the Grand Rapids Theological Seminary (GRTS) with a master’s degree in Intercultural Studies in 2009.

“We focus on all forms of slavery: sex slavery, labor trafficking, debt bondage, child soldiers, forced marriage and begging rings,” said Slagter, who serves as coordinator of Anti-Slavery Ministries for International Teams, a non-profit organization that focuses on bringing people together to help the oppressed.

 Slagter and her team bring people together on multi-culture teams to help end slavery through awareness, prevention, demand abatement, outreach/rescue and aftercare efforts.

Even in Grand Rapids.

“We’re building a network of volunteers to develop initiatives throughout the community,” said Slagter of Grand Rapids.

Along with her work in Grand Rapids, she is also working to launch an anti-slavery team in Brazil sometime this year.

“Brazil is a major source country for human trafficking and one of the worst in the world for child sex-trafficking,” said Slagter. “Girls and boys are often promised a life as a model or soccer player, but instead are sold as slaves. Our team will be working to prevent that along with the local church in Brazil.”

Her passion for ministry comes from her commitment to Jesus Christ and the furthering of His Kingdom, she explained.

She was first drawn to International Teams after spending a year in Athens, Greece ministering to those trapped in sex slavery.

“It was this opportunity that opened my eyes to the severe problem of slavery and human trafficking that exists in our world today. After witnessing this evil first-hand, I knew I was being called to devote my life to helping people trapped in slavery.”

Slagter is building a life that matters by joining God’s work already in progress. She sees this as a great privilege, but also an even greater responsibility.

She admits that it is often hard to love those involved with the trafficking of slaves, but wants to follow Christ’s example and love her enemies.

“Building a life that matters means taking love seriously and following the example of Christ,” she said.

For more information on Slagter’s work and International Teams, visit www.iteams.org/endslavery.