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Two children are forced into sex slavery every minute, resulting in more than 27 million adult and child sex and labor slaves today.

“Contrary to popular belief, it’s not just happening in places like India, Thailand and Eastern Europe. Though that’s horrific enough, it’s also right here in our own communities,” said Jennifer Huitsing, organizer of the Spring Global Conference at Westover Church, 505 Muirs Chapel Road, on May 3. The conference is intended to raise awareness about the growth of human trafficking — labor and sex slavery — in the United States.

“That’s why we feel so compelled to educate our friends, families and neighbors,” said Huitsing, who leads the church’s Abolition! Ministry.

Larry Martin, vice president of education for the International Justice Mission, will share the group’s experiences in working with law enforcement agencies to free women and children at the 9:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. services. Others groups scheduled to participate include Shared Hope International, Tiny Hands International, World Relief and the Triad Ladder of Hope, among others.

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Don’t miss the Henna painting, foods that are unique to diverse and geographic parts of India, “IAT American Idol” and games today at the annual spring fair sponsored by the India Association of the Triad.

All events, including music, dance and an Indian marketplace, will take place from 11 a.m to 8 p.m. at the Gujarati Samaj, the association’s headquarters at 127 Landmark Dr. The association is a non-profit, non-sectarian organization formed in 2002 to serve the cultural and educational needs of the Indian community in the Triad and beyond.

Some vendors are traveling from New Jersey and Atlanta, said Chander Anand, one of the organizers.

The cost is free for members and $2 for non-members. For more information, go to IATNC.org or e-mail Anand at canand@tgic.com

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“I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.” — Matthew 25:40.

When the leaders at Mosaic Church looked at how to best to live out this Bible verse, they came up with Day Watch, a mission to serve those in need.

From 4 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. May 2 at the YMCA parking lot (behind the library on Church Street), that mission includes hair cuts and a meal, along with bingo, fellowship, and prayer, if requested.

For more information, contact Deb Fisher at 373-0378 or by email at deb@fishersweet.com

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Each year, the line to get in wraps around the building.

Net proceeds from the annual book sale at St. Francis Episcopal Church, one of the largest book sales in the South, go to charitable groups.

Throughout the year, books -- from bestsellers to the old and the rare -- are collected and sorted weekly by volunteers. Among the thousands of donations are children’s books, paperbacks, fiction, religion, gardening, travel, health, cookbooks, history, poetry, and rare and valuable editions.

Top-of-the-line “select” books cost $4, oversized paperbacks are $2, and small paperbacks are only $1. On the second day of the sale, which is in its 51st year, prices will be slashed. On the third day, a paper grocery bag full of books of the shopper’s choice will go for $8.

Book sale hours are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. May 7-8 and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 9 at 3506 Lawndale Dr.

Contact Nancy McLaughlin at 373-7049 or nancy.mclaughlin@news-record.com