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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