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.
Know - Pray - Act:
We’re continuing in our series of “Know – Pray – Act” this month by focusing on sex and labor trafficking prevention.
Know
Prevention is one area that individuals can be involved in regarding sex and labor trafficking. Prevention is important because how we talk about trafficking now is impacting a generation of boys and girls and how they see trafficking.
Are strippers and hookers a funny storyline in a movie? Or are we discussing with others the possible behind-the-scenes details of what goes on in the life of a woman working the street? Is pornography something that is seen as harmless and ‘no big deal’ in your circle?
Or is the fact that pornography helps fuel the demand for sex trafficking discussed? In addition to starting conversations around trafficking, check out the action steps below for tangible ways to prevent trafficking in your community.
Pray
- God, how can I be used by you to help prevent trafficking in my community? In what ways have you equipped me to uniquely help put a stop to this activity where I live?
- Prayer is powerful. Put some dates on your calendar now to prayer walk a local mall, school, or popular hangout. Plan your time for early morning where you can walk and pray in safety and intercede for the kids that hang out there. Pray that no one will be lured by traffickers or recruiters.
Act
Here are some suggestions for preventing human trafficking in your community:
- Help prevent trafficking through partnering with organized, established groups in your community. A simple web search will let you know who is active in rescue or rehabilitation in your area. By partnering with a group like this, you are adding to the solution and helping establish a ‘no tolerance’ zone for trafficking in your community, thus aiding trafficking prevention.
- Put the Human Trafficking Hot Line Number (U.S. # is1-888-373-7888) on your phone. Call for help when you suspect something. Contact your city council for directions and permission to post the number in public places such as restrooms, county rest areas, etc. [Visit www.polarisproject.org; National Human Trafficking Resource Center]
- Print and hand out information regarding the national anti-trafficking hotline in a business card format.
- Be alert, discerning and call in suspicions as they arise. DO NOT get involved as a lone ranger. Instead, report suspicious behavior to law enforcement authorities.
- Obtain and distribute information relevant to cell phone apps, internet filters and other ways to restrict access to pornography and other negative and harmful websites, TV programs, movies, games, etc. This is especially helpful in preventing demand for sex trafficking.
- Reach out to kids in your community through clubs or tutor clubs you can volunteer with. Commit to being a community that watches and cares for pre-teens and teens.
- Talk to teens and get involved in their lives. Here are some helpful hints: listen; don’t be judgmental; show acceptance –and refrain from establishing conditions; listen to their heart; and do not be shocked if/when they talk about activities you aren’t expecting.
Continue to Pray for our Prayer Partners
- Pray for Rescue Freedom as the girls continue to work on their final studies/exams during this time at school.
- Pray for permanent land for safe houses for Rescue Freedom.
- The U.S. Foster system sadly leaves children quite vulnerable to trafficking when they exit the system. Pray for foster children who are becoming young adults in this system. Pray and ask if God is leading you to become a foster parent.
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
