William Wilberforce was born in Hull, England in 1759, and first elected to the House of Commons at the age of 21. During his time in Parliament, Wilberforce led the political battle to abolish slavery and its trade throughout the British Empire. He introduced numerous bills to Parliament in the 18th and early 19th centuries, all of which were defeated. In hopes of persuading the British government to support abolition, Wilberforce and his fellow abolitionists scoured the England, collecting evidence of the slave trade’s crimes. As part of this effort, Wilberforce collected 390,000 signatures from British citizens in support of the anti-slavery cause. Finally, after 20 years of struggle, Wilberforce saw the end of the British slave trade when his 1807 abolition bill passed by a large majority. Twenty-six years later, just three days before his death, slavery was abolished across all British colonies as well. Despite chronic illness and repeated defeat of his anti-slavery bills in Parliament, Wilberforce persisted in his mission to abolish injustice in the world. For his abiding courage and conviction, Wilberforce earned the title, “conscience of Parliament.”

Many people find it hard to believe that slavery still exists. Whether it's bonded slavery with men, women and children toiling on plantations, in rice mills, brick kilns and many other industries; or, the deplorable and prevalent trade in humans to serve as sex slaves, slavery is flourishing in many parts of the world. It is still every bit as ugly as it was 200 years ago and it must end. To celebrate Wilberforce's victory and to bring awareness and freedom for slaves, the Pillar of Fire is sponsoring "Freedom Ride", a bike ride through England to raise funds for the Pillar of Fire missions in India and Liberia. Please consider giving to support this important and life-changing work.