Clay Milford, Staff Writer
On November 12 at eight o’clock pm in Bethany First Church of the Nazarene, students, pastors and many others gathered to raise money alongside No Boundaries International in order to help combat human trafficking in Oklahoma City as a part of Night of Redemption.
The evening began with a rousing welcome by No Boundaries International founder Lori Basey and senior Eric Smith. Said Basey, “As a part of No Boundaries International, we go to where the girls in captivity are and literally break the chains of modern slavery. We can’t just put up a sign; we have to go to them. We must go to the devastation. We all need to pull together, since Oklahoma City is the crossroads of America, our home is literally a hub for human trafficking.
“We are in crisis. In 85 hours, we found over 325 women in captivity right in our hometown, the youngest girl being twelve years old. But we can fight it. We must learn, live and love. We have to intervene and plague human trafficking. We are a small part of something so much bigger, and without Christ it is impossible. It is time to hear the call of liberation and act.” Smith added, “We are here to not only cause awareness but to put our words into action. It is not about tonight. What are we going to do tomorrow?”
The musical facet of the night began with a self-proclaimed “Canadian pastor’s kid duo” by the name of The Royal Royal. They performed two songs, each tinged with electro claps and synthesizers mixed with acoustic guitar, most prominently “Every Little Bit of Praise,” a new song that shouts exactly what it is titled.
Shawn McDonald had the next set and roots-rocked his way through four songs, including synth-pop “Through it All” and the popular “Rise.” Adding to the inspiration for the night, McDonald says, “You know, I spent twenty years without God, and if I can say from experience which side of the fence is better, it is God’s side.”
The Charlie Hall Band followed and played through nine of their best songs, including “Rock of Ages,” “Mystery” and “Revive Us Again.” Hall commented on the night saying, “You may think you can’t do much to help, but you and I have a lot to offer. We have a lot to offer.”
Headlining the music for the night was The City Harmonic, a Canadian band most notable for their song “Manifesto.” They performed their current and new material, including “Holy (Wedding Day),” “Mountaintop” and new single “A City on a Hill.” Embellished by an instrumental drum jam, which included all members of the band and a dubstep interlude amidst the song “Glory.” The City Harmonic’s setlist was a grandiose way to end the show.
Before the last act, however, speaker Bob Goff challenged the audience with doing. “Quit forcing people to drink. If they are thirsty, they will grab the cups from your hands. Simply hold the cups out by the lip. Don’t tell people what they want; tell them who they are: God’s.”
The Night of Redemption will not soon be forgotten, and, hopefully, the shockwave will be felt across the city, state and country. As Goff said, “People should meet Christians and want heaven.”