Exodus51 purchases families out of slavery and connects them to jobs, housing, education, and church.
We free slaves
2022
6062
352
910
The Problem
We’ve been called to help out Asia and have been focusing our efforts on people in Pakistan.
4.5 Million
Number of people, including children, trapped in slavery in Pakistan
20,000
Brick kilns where all slaves are forced to work
14 hours
Working these hours per day regardless of conditions
How We SAve
We identify the slave families
We have an amazing team that has worked to build relationships in many of the brick kilns across Pakistan. With an estimated 4.5 million slaves in Pakistan it's not hard to find the slave families, but we work very hard to identify the families that are in the most need first.
We legally buy their freedom
Almost everyone we encounter is born into slavery. Some families are third, fourth, or fifth generation slaves, but they are held there due to a debt that was accrued in the past. Christians are allowed to be owned by law, but if their families debt is satisfied they have to be set free.
Each person usually costs $250. Once the debt is paid off, paperwork is filed with the government office showing that the slave is now free.
We provide housing and food
Once the families are saved they don't have any means to provide for themselves. Our team finds and pays for transitional housing and food for their entire family for six months.
Employment, school, and church
As you can imagine, these individuals are some of the hardest working people you will ever meet. Our team typically can find employment within the first month or two for each family.
Then, because their living expenses are paid for they are able to save all of the money they earn. We help get their children access to schooling. We also connect them to a local church in their area so that one of our pastor partners can walk alongside them.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do people become slaves?
Nearly everyone is born into slavery without knowledge of how their families entered it. In most cases, the cycle continues with each generation becoming the property of the owner. We've only encountered one family sold into slavery. Their story: the grandfather passed away owing a debt to a hospital. Consequently, his son, wife, and children became slaves, to a debt that they didn’t owe.
Why don't slave owners just say no when you offer to buy their slaves' freedom?
The slaves hold significant value for them. Any children a slave has automatically becomes part of their property. However, according to the existing laws, if we step in and settle the debt obligation against a family, they are legally obligated to release them to us.
Aren't you supporting the slave industry by purchasing them?
The slaves are far more valuable than the debt owed to their owners. Their labor generates substantial income, and any offspring are also considered property. Thus, the cost to purchase a family's freedom is minimal compared to their lifetime productivity and that of future generations.
What happens to a family once they are freed?
This is a crucial part of our work. If not handled carefully, satisfying a family's debt doesn't set them up for a new life. After paying off the debt, we obtain legal paperwork from the slave owner, akin to reclaiming a car title. Our legal team files this paperwork with the local government, assigning each person a Pakistani Identification number. Then, we connect them with a church family for community support, provide rent-free housing for six months, and supply six months' worth of food. During this time, we help them find work and assist their children with education.
Is there a risk that the slave owners could come and put them into slavery again?
The only reason they are legally able to be owned is because of their debt obligation. So, when we satisfy that and register them as people and not property, they have rights under the law. The previous owner will not and cannot have a claim over them. This is why legally ensuring the debt obligation and registration of these contracts is such a crucial part of the process.
Have you encountered any families unable to adapt to their new life and ending up back in slavery?
So far, we've never seen a family struggle to adjust to life beyond slavery. Born into it, they embrace freedom when given the chance. With six months of housing and food support, plus guidance from our pastor partners, they adapt remarkably. These hard working individuals transition from laboring long hours for little pay to jobs that sustain their new life. Though we haven't had to step in, our pastor partners are ready to assist if needed, ensuring their success in their newfound freedom.
Why is education so important?
Education is one of the most crucial components because it serves as a foundational tool for success. Typically, any group of people held down is due to a lack of education. When you cannot read or write, you become dependent on others. At that point, you are unable to advocate for your family or function effectively in a society where literacy is vital. Moreover, you are limited in accessing jobs that could elevate your standard of living above the poverty level.
Latest UPDATES
With our mission to free all people from slavery and raise them up we will have many updates. Fill out the following and know what we’ve been up to.
Donate to free families from slavery
With your help, Exodus51 will continue our mission to free all people from slavery and raise them up by providing food, housing, church, education, and continued support.
$300 sets someone free and $25/month saves a life every year.