Two weeks and almost 450 miles into their 1800-mile journey, the 5 Weeks for Freedom riders cycled into Nashville and got a warm Music City welcome! At an array of events throughout the weekend, the riders – and special guests – were able to reach hundreds of people with their message of “one person can make a difference in the battle against modern-day slavery.”
Christ Community Church (CCC) in historic Franklin, TN, played host on Friday night. The event featured a panel discussion with several of the 5 Weeks riders – which left the audience laughing, as well as inspired by what passion for injustice can commit a group of people to doing – and the difference it can make. The night closed with a screening of the star-studded “rockumentary” Call + Response — which gives a sobering look at the reality of modern-day slavery.
The Nashville community continued to rally around the 5 Weeks cause and turned out in force at Belmont Church on Saturday night for Freedom Night – an evening of powerful music, interpretive dance, a film screening and more.
GMA Songwriter of the Year and acclaimed vocalist Christa Wells took to the stage – joined by her sister Mandy – to sing out powerfully against modern-day slavery. A big thanks to their parents who joined their super-talented daughters to support the 5 Weeks cause. The night also featured renowned musician Derek Webb, known for his searching lyrics and intense stage presence. He didn’t let the crowd down; his words stirred the audience of 250, and left them questioning ways they could combat injustice. Pua __ offered an interpretive dance that expressed the pain of oppression and the freedom that can be brought by people who stand up to it. Again, several of the 5 Weeks riders took to the stage and left the audience moved by their great humor and big spirits. The night closed with a screening of IJM’s documentary, At the End of Slavery, that provides a first-hand look at the evil of slavery in the world today and the hope that exists to put an end to it.
Special thanks to CJ the DJ from The Fish 94 FM who came down to Belmont Church to be with us, and raised awareness of the 5 Weeks campaign over the airwaves the whole weekend.
Sunday morning saw the 5 Weeks riders at churches all about town – Mt. Juliet, Franklin and Nashville – spreading the good news that slavery really can be stopped, and this time for good! They spoke at congregations at Abundant Life (which gets special thanks for hosting the riders!), Grace Fellowship, The Bridge Fellowship, First Presbyterian Church of Nashville, and Christ Community.
Acclaimed singer/songwriter – and longtime IJM friend – Sara Groves and IJM Vice President Jim Martin, joined by the 5 Weeks for Freedom riders, addressed the 9:00 and 10:45 a.m. Sunday Services at Christ Community Church – and just couldn’t get enough, so headed back that evening!
Sara – joined by husband, manager, drummer and best friend Troy, and talented musicians Melody and Aaron – took the stage in front of a nearly packed house. The evening also featured a lively panel with several of the 5 Weeks riders that left the audience howling at some points – and again, moved by the commitment and passion of this team of big-hearted athletes. Jim Martin closed the evening with a rousing message about the Biblical mandate for seeking justice. Special thanks and great praise to Pastor Scotty Smith of Christ Community – who has led so many into the mission field by powerful example and to Cammy Bethea, whose great skills and tireless dedication made the weekend’s event possible!
The riders pushed off Monday morning at 7am for Dover, Tennessee. Ah, Nashville was looking real sweet in their rearview mirrors as they headed into their 90-mile day.
Follow along as we track the riders live from their bikes. Our next event is in Louisville, KY—we hope to see you there, or at least online! And remember, we’re looking for 100,000 people to text FREEDOM to 20222 to give $10 to IJM’s work—will you help us raise real money for real rescue – and spread the word?
The 5 Weeks for Freedom riders also took the stage, sharing client stories as evidence that when ordinary people stand up to help the vulnerable, freedom IS possible.
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