Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke?
Isaiah 58:6
Prayer breaks chains and gives favor that is supernatural. It enables rescue and puts people in the right place at the right time.
I don’t know how you feel about it, but sometimes the facts and figures regarding human trafficking can be overwhelming. Aglow Prayer Director, Nancy McDaniel says, When our concern and compassion turns to anxiety, stress or feeling completely overwhelmed, it’s time to intentionally step into the complete peace and rest of God’s Presence. We battle this stuff from His Presence, from His rest, from victory and from the Light of God.
Over 30 million people around the world are trapped in some form of slavery. This fact can be overwhelming. But as we work to fight slavery through praying for Rescue Freedom, raising awareness, and getting involved in and praying for our communities, it is imperative that we approach this work from that place of truth, God's rest, and victory.
So, how do we move on in practical actions?
Micah 6:8 tells us what we are to do:
O people, the Lord has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.
Isaiah 1:17 adds:
Learn to do good. Seek justice. Help the oppressed. Defend the cause of orphans. Fight for the rights of widows.
2014 Trafficking In Persons Report
Here is a useful resource for this month– the 2014 Trafficking In Persons Report. The 2014 TIP report was released earlier this summer and can be found here.
This report, released by the U.S. State Department's Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons, grades countries around the world on a tier system, according to their practices regarding human trafficking. To see an overview of the current standings of each nation, see page 57 & 58 of the link here.
To view your own country, and read a 1-2 page summary of how trafficking is being combatted in your nation, as well as an explanation for its tier standing, click on “Country Narratives” and the first letter of your Nation under the 2014 TIP Report main page here.
This report gives a glimpse into trafficking in different areas of the world. I highly suggest looking through the “Introductory Material (PDF)” as well as picking a few nations to read about trafficking there. Has God laid a nation on your heart to pray for? Have you traveled, or want to travel, to anywhere specific? Take a minute to read over those nations in this report, and once you’re done reading, take a minute to pray for that nation.
As you look over the 2014 Trafficking In Persons report, focus your mind on prayer. What can you do with this information? Who can you tell, that might be surprised to know that trafficking takes place in a certain area? Personally, I was shocked to find out several years ago that my family vacation spot was/is a prime area for sex trafficking. Now when I travel there, I pray for the girls, and ask God for opportunities to encourage them.
Pray For Practical Ideas
I also want to encourage you to pray for creative ideas to get involved in your community. Adorned in Grace is a bridal shop in Portland, OR – USA that sells new and gently used wedding gowns with proceeds going to promote awareness and prevention of sex trafficking as well as restoration for trafficking victims.
Is God laying an idea on your heart?
This month, pray:
- • God, give me your heart to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with You.
- • I want justice for my community. How have you equipped me to help the oppressed around me?
- • God, open my eyes – are there widows or orphans near me that I can help? How can I practically show them your love?
- • What are you asking me to do with the talents and resources you’ve placed in my hand? How can I get involved in a practical way? How can my Aglow group get involved in a practical way?
- • Thank you God for never leaving us. Thank you for using me to be your hands and feet in my community.
Bless you as you press in to ask God how He wants to use you and your group to fight trafficking in your community, and ultimately around the world.
Standing in the gap with you,
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Anti-Trafficking Specialist
Aglow International
