Prayers for Our City: January 27, 2020 – Human Trafficking
“Can plunder be taken from the warriors or captives be rescued from the fierce? But this is what the Lord says: ‘Yes, captives will be taken from warriors, and plunder retrieved from the fierce; I will contend with those who contend with you, and your children I will save.'” Isaiah 49:24-25 NIV
We cry out to You, Father God, on behalf of the oppressed. Men are forced into labor camps, children sold by their own families for profit, and women are lured and kidnapped into sexual slavery – each one a precious creation of Your love whose destiny is stolen.
January is designated as National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month. Thank You for the attention and education that has been raised about this horrific issue in recent years. [Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce and the Junior League of Huntsville hosted a seminar last week on human trafficking in Alabama and the role every person can play to prevent it in our community.]
We bless those who are giving themselves to expose predators, educate the public, and rescue victims. Thank You for the work that North Alabama Human Trafficking Task Force is doing here being available to do seminars and workshops at churches, schools, and civic organizations (contact stnow.org if interested). Thank you for the work of End It Alabama that reports that human trafficking is the second-largest criminal industry in the world — bringing in around 150 billion dollars annually. [Visit their website to be sure you know the warning signs to watch for.]
Oh, Father, we weep with You that there are more humans in slavery in the world now than in any other time in history – an estimated 27 million, of which half are children!
Lord, may there be public awareness and a growing public outcry against this! Give all of us eyes to see and ears to hear anything suspicious so we can report it immediately, especially those in the hospitality industry, public transportation industry, medical professions, and first responders. Uncover every trafficking ring operating in the region and running through Madison County. Hand-pick Your best intercessors to cry out day and night for the exposure and disruption of this horrific criminal industry and the protection of our young and vulnerable ones.
Grant great favor, wisdom, provision, and protection for those who are helping the victims; and raise up more safe houses, Lord. Praise You for the work of Wellhouse in Birmingham which “exists to honor God by rescuing and providing opportunities for restoration to female victims of human trafficking who have been sexually exploited.” Cause the Church in Huntsville to pray and support the work of our local Safe Harbor Youth Shelter, a safe house that helps youth who have been victims of human trafficking or who have been susceptible to the crime of trafficking due to homelessness.
Oh, Lord, so many of our precious teens and children have fallen prey to cyber predators. We stand in the authority You’ve given Your people to shut this door and bind this evil from destroying our children’s lives. Holy Spirit, give parents discernment and raise red flags concerning their time with social media. [For videos on how to talk to your kids about online predators and more cybersafe parenting helps, click here.]
If you suspect someone is a victim of human trafficking or sex slavery, DO NOT attempt to rescue the victim yourself. CALL your local Police Department, the FBI, The Wellhouse at 1-800-991-0948 or the National Hotline 1-888-3737-7888.
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