On April 7th, Campus Crusade at UNO hosted an event called iEmpathize (iE).  This event was a “teaser” to gauge the interest among students regarding the issue of human and sex trafficking.  Around 30 students showed up to hear Mark Brende talk about the heart and mission of iE and the work they are doing around the world in Mexico City, SE Asia, Russia, and the United States and how students can come alongside iE and make a difference in the lives of vulnerable, exploited children.  Based on the event, surveys, and conversations with students, we as a staff team have decided to (Lord willing) bring Mark and his team back in the fall for “Empathy Week.”  This event will give students—Christian and non-Christian —the opportunity to come together and work towards the goal of raising funds and awareness for what is happening around the world.  More importantly, this event will create an avenue for the students we disciple to engage in conversation with non-believers regarding this extremely relevant issue AND to share the hope we (and the children) have in Christ, the restoration only He can bring, and life change He can work in our lives.  We want our students to use social issues, current events, etc. to begin dialoguing with their peers and to take the opportunity to bring the message of Christ into their conversations naturally.