Friday, July 10, 2020

Day 121: A WEEK OF PRAYER FOR OUR WORLD IN CRISIS - Human Trafficking



DAY 121
Faith in the Midst of a Pandemic
A series of daily reflections for people of faith
by Rev. Robert Bayley, Interim Pastor
Patuxent Presbyterian Church, California, Maryland
Week Eighteen – Monday 13 July 2020

A WEEK OF PRAYER FOR OUR WORLD IN CRISIS

Human Trafficking

Look with pity, O heavenly Father, upon the people of the world who live with injustice, terror, disease, and death as their constant companions. Have mercy upon us. Help us to eliminate our cruelty to our neighbors. Strengthen those who spend their lives establishing equal protection of the law and equal opportunities for all. And grant that every one of us may enjoy a fair portion of the riches of the world; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. - The Book of Common Prayer: For the Oppressed

“It is difficult to assess the long-term impacts of COVID-19 … . But what is already clear is … a surge in the number of individuals newly at risk to exploitation and human trafficking … five key trends originating from COVID-19 that are creating profound consequences for the anti-trafficking field: (1) Economic stress on families leading to increased vulnerability; (2) Rise in online sexual exploitation of children; (3) Spikes in violence toward victims of trafficking; (4) Decrease in jobs and services for survivors; (5) Decrease in financial support to anti-trafficking organizations.” - Recent online news article 

“… injustice, terror, disease, and death” are the “constant companions” of those caught in the downward spiral of human trafficking, especially those whose bodies are used to generate cash through the sex slave trade. Worldwide between 20 and 40 million people are being held in some form of slavery. In the US the estimate is several hundred thousand to over a million, with 50% involved in the sex slave trade with many underage, 12-14. How does Jesus look at all this? Having had a human body, he identifies with what they are experiencing, for their sexuality is the ‘Imago Dei,’ male and female. Pray the prayer above again in light of what you have just read.          

The National Human Trafficking Hotline:
1.888.373.7888 or text 233733

If you see someone you suspect is being trafficked, give them this number or call to report.

Reflective question: Currently blind to human trafficking, will you ask the Holy Spirit to open your eyes to see and then to give you an intercessors heart to pray and be locally involved?

Reflective Scripture: Revelation 21:4 – “God will wipe every tear from their eyes.”

Reflective hymn:
“Amazing Grace” – John Newton, former slave trader (1725-1807)
Amazing grace, how sweet the sound,
that saved a wretch like me;
I once was lost but now am found,
was blind but now I see.

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