Fighting trafficking
Slavery is real in the 21st century and it is worldwide, existing in more than 167 countries. No matter how much we may try and hide from the news, millions are trapped, trafficked, exploited and enslaved.
These people, predominantly girls, are all 100% human and 100% deserving of being fought for. Modern-day slavery is not OK and includes sex trafficking, child pornography and forced labour.
As Christians we are called to speak out about this hot issue. We seek to bring light to the darkness. Evil people cannot hide when the light shines in even the darkest corners of the world.
In the Bible, Isaiah 61:1 says:
“The Spirit of the LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the broken-hearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners.”
This is such an amazing verse and something we should cling on to and live by as people who seek to see change and justice in this world, and to be empowered by the Holy Spirit to do such things.
Here are three challenges for us at different levels in these next few weeks. We can all do something!
- First level: We have a responsibility to pray for freedom for those victimised. Let us pray for physical, spiritual and emotional wholeness. Also for strength and determination in tough times. Pray that they will find hope in this situation and that they will know the touch of God in a very personal way.
- Want to step it up? Be willing to speak up and fight for those enslaved! Let’s raise our voices for those who can’t. This is not solely a church issue, but it is a people issue; so let us rise up and make others aware of what is happening around us.
- Up for a real challenge: Engage in God’s mission: Jesus calls us and empowers us to be part of his justice mission of reconciliation and redemption. Have a look at how you can be involved in an organisation in your area which works with those in the trafficking industry. Can you volunteer to give some of your time every week?
There is hope. God is deeply concerned for vulnerable individuals. He is God of justice and God of love. We are His agents to fight for this freedom.
