Amazing Grace--the Movie

Did you know the hymn, "Amazing Grace" was written by an ex-slave trader in the 1700's? John Newton made his living kidnapping and then selling Africans during the height of the British slave trade. Then things changed.

A major storm at sea left Newton thinking that perhaps there is a God and in the course of time he came to know Jesus Christ. It changed him. He became a pastor, a hymn writer and a staunch opponent of human trafficking. Newton became an ally of William Wilberforce, a young man who had been elected to Parliment. Wilberforce fought against staggering odds and in 1807, after more than 40 years of standing against slavery, Parliment outlawed the slave trade in the British Empire.

2007 marks two hundred years since Parliment acted, but unfortunately slavery and human trafficking continues. The followers of Jesus Christ need to speak up on behalf of those enslaved. We will participate in "Amazing Grace Sunday" this week, along with thousands of others, to raise awareness and to petition our government to greater diligence.

Next week the movie about Newton and Wilberforce, "Amazing Grace" will be released. The nearest theater is Spokane, unfortunately, but it will be worth the trip. Take some friends and be inspired.

For more information check out Amazing Grace