Natalie Grant to share music and human-trafficking concerns

Editor's note: The following story has been edited to correct the website for Abolition International.

When Grammy-nominated Christian vocalist Natalie Grant comes to Cape Girardeau on Friday, she will be sharing more than her music.

Grant, 42, in 2005 started a charity -- Abolition International -- to raise awareness of and help bring an end to human trafficking.

The Cape First Church, which is hosting the event, has a human trafficking awareness ministry of its own called Gorgeous Girl. It was this connection that inspired the church to invite Grant to Cape Girardeau.

The singer-songwriter of contemporary Christian music has received the Gospel Music Association's Dove Award for female vocalist of the year four consecutive years.

According to Ben Crass, general manager at Christian radio station KHIS, a promoter of the event, the Cape First women's ministry typically holds an annual event centered around the issue and invites a special guest to speak. When Grant agreed to come and speak about her organization, Crass said they decided to expand the event into a concert and open it to the public.

"In addition to her concert, she'll talk about her organization," said Crass. "A representative from her organization will be here as well with information and pamphlets to show people how to get involved."

He said the issue of human trafficking really struck a chord with the Cape First women's ministries, and several other groups across the globe, because no country is immune to the problem.

"People tend to think it's a Third World problem, but it's extremely prevalent here in the United States, even in St. Louis, which is just two hours from here," Crass said.

Because Cape Girardeau is only hours away from St. Louis and Memphis, Crass said it is important local people realize the city could be affected.

"I think people would be surprised that it could happen, and maybe does, around here," he said.

Grant's organization reaches out to women and children who are victims of human trafficking in countries including Cambodia and India, but also focuses on the problems at home. Abolition International has built aftercare programs in cities across the United States and also set a standard of care to make sure those who seek shelter there receive quality care.

According to the organization's website, abolitioninternational.org, the vision for Abolition International surfaced in 2005 when Grant was exposed to the plight of women and children around the world oppressed by sex slavery. After researching the issue and speaking with anti-human trafficking groups and caregivers, it says, Grant realized the need for quality aftercare for survivors. With that in mind, she founded The Home Foundation to support aftercare programs around the world. Since then, the foundation has grown and evolved into Abolition International under the leadership of Stacia Freeman.

The website says Abolition International has helped launch, expand and improve aftercare programs in India, Moldova, Cambodia and the United States. As the organization continues to develop and fund more projects, its has focused on creating model programs, standards of care, resources for shelters and quality education for lifelong abolitionists.

"Abolition International is committed to creating a collaborative community of inspired abolitionists who are determined to end sex slavery," the website says.

Crass said he's excited to see Grant come to Cape Girardeau and share her message and has high expectations for the concert's turnout. He said about 600 tickets have sold so far, but he expects that number will continue to rise.

"We're hoping to see the place packed out, with about 900 or 1,000 attending," he said. "That's the goal. Our expectation is to sell out the sanctuary."

When Cape First brought "American Idol" finalist Colton Dixon to perform in March, Crass said about 400 paper tickets were sold the week before the concert. He expects many people will buy tickets last minute for Grant's concert at well but said he still encourages people to get their tickets early.

"A Night with Natalie Grant" takes place Friday at Cape First Church, 254 S. Silver Springs Road. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the concert begins at 7 p.m. Tickets may be purchased at the Cape First offices from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday or at the door Friday if still available. They also can be purchased online at khisradio.org or capefirst.me or by calling Cape First at 334-4421.

254 S. Silver Springs Road, Cape Girardeau, Mo.