Sheldon Armitage, Interim Director of the European Freedom Network

Over 100 abolitionists from 27 countries gathered outside Lisbon, Portugal for the European Freedom Network’s Bridge 2024 conference. The theme of Bridge 2024 was “Connect, Collaborate and Create” which is at the very heart of EFN’s mission to be a Christian community that combats human trafficking and commercial exploitation and seeks the restoration of victims in partnership with strategic stakeholders.

In the past, Bridge conferences have had many plenary sessions featuring outside experts from many different sectors and organizations. This Bridge was unique in that it was almost exclusively member-led. The EFN operations team polled members as to what topics they wanted to discuss and then approached members to facilitate sessions, called Collab and Create. A wide range of topics were covered including Church Engagement; Jobs for Survivors; Ethical Storytelling; A Survivor’s Journey in an Aftercare Program; Focusing on the Traffickers; Staff Health and Organizational care and many more.

This approach not only embodied the network spirit of EFN it also made sure Bridge was meeting the real expressed needs and desires of its members. As one participant said, “Really loved the way the sessions were facilitated in a way that enabled and promoted collaboration with helpful questions to spark discussion and create solutions and learnings from each other. Excellent summaries by the facilitators that made participants feel heard and contributions valued.”

Every aspect of Bridge 2024 was intentionally designed to help members connect to each other and foster a spirit of collaboration across cultural, national and organizational lines. Throughout the conference, members were meeting together, planning point projects, learning from one another and worshiping together. The spirit of the network was even alive and well during our half day tour to the western-most point of continental Europe and Sintra as well as during our EFN Sings! Karaoke night.

Yes, even abolitionists need to cut loose and have a good time!

One of the most encouraging aspects of Bridge 2024 was the amount of first time participants and younger generation leaders who attended. It was great to see a new generation of abolitionists participate and create connections amongst themselves and others. As one participant said, “I also enjoyed meeting people in such different areas and seeing how people can be involved in counter-trafficking in so many ways. Overall I’m really glad I’ve connected with EFN and that I came to the conference.”

While most of Bridge was member led and facilitated, we did have two external speakers address the participants The first was the co-general secretary of the EEA, Connie Duarte who shared two devotionals and led us in a time of communion. EFN is so thankful for the support and partnership of the EEA, especially because churches can and do play an important role in combating trafficking and helping survivors in their restoration journey. Connie’s words encouraged us to keep connected to each other and encourage each other forward in the massive task God has given to us.

The second guest speaker was Stieneke van der Graaf, a former member of the Dutch parliament and a passionate anti-trafficking advocate. She reminded the delegates of the power of local and national political advocacy and gave practical tips on how to work with politicians. We are thankful to our partners at the European Christian Political Movement (ecpm) for recommending Stieneke and making it possible for her to attend. ECPM have been incredible partners and sponsors of Bridge conferences over many years.

Other highlights from the conference included times of morning prayer, an interactive panel session using real-time polling, worshiping together in multiple languages, watching new national and regional networks begin to take shape and of course, the amazing Portuguese weather!

The conference itself would not have been possible without the incredible hard work of many EFN members but especially Portuguese EFN member Elsa Pereira who worked tirelessly behind the scenes and led us in beautiful moments of worship. Elsa also arranged for the president of the Portuguese Evangelical Alliance, Dr. Timóteo Cavaco to come and bring us some opening remarks and a blessing for the conference. 

Though Bridge 2024 is over, the work of EFN continues. There are many new ideas, connections and actions to follow up on. The success of Bridge 2024 is not just in the connections that were made but in the new ways EFN members act and the impact they make as we fight trafficking and commercial exploitation together.