DAY 1 - OUR APATHY
Today we will focus our prayer and repentance on our own apathy regarding human trafficking.
Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. –Proverbs 31:8
FACING THE FACTS
Human trafficking is defined as the illegal trade of human beings, for
the purposes of commercial sexual exploitation or forced labor.
Here are some facts:
- An estimated 27 million people are trafficked and enslaved around the world, the most slaves in recorded history.
- 1 million children will be exploited this year in the global commercial sex trade.
- The industry takes in at least $32 billion of revenue annually and is growing, expanding, and spreading at a terrifying pace. In the United States, the industry generates an estimated $9.5 billion. In Mexico, it is a $15-20 billion endeavor.(1)
- In the United States, there is an average of 300,000 children at risk of being forced into sexual exploitation.(2) In Mexico, at least half of the nation’s homeless children are trapped in sexual exploitation.(3)
- The US State Department estimates as many as 20,000 young women and children are trafficked across the US Southern border and into Mexico every year.(4)
- Along the US and Mexico border towns, there is an estimated 16,000 children involved in forced prostitution.(5)
FACING OUR HEARTS
Sadly, we as the Body of Christ have remained largely apathetic to this
despicable injustice that transpires right here in the United States
and Mexico. We have either not been aware enough to confront the evils
of trafficking or have not cared enough to fight for the rights of those
who are trapped in this form of modern day slavery.
However, the Lord is calling the Church now to repent for our apathy
and to rise up with a justice anointing to contend for those whom He
loves, those being exploited for pleasure and labor in our two great
nations and around the world.
To read the full USRPN article on this issue, please
PERSONAL REPENTANCE
Lord,
I repent if my heart has been apathetic or if I have been too concerned
with my own comfort and convenience to truly see the urgency of this
issue. I ask forgiveness if I have been indifferent and inactive while
lives are being tormented and ended.
CORPORATE REPENTANCE
God,
as Your body and Your children, we repent for seeing this as someone
else’s problem to solve instead of engaging in it ourselves. We repent
for selfishness, indifference, and apathy. Anoint and empower us to
confront and stop human trafficking in the United States and Mexico!
INTERCESSION
- Father, over these next 21 days, I ask You to give me Your heart for the victims of human trafficking all around the world. Stir me to pray like never before.
- Please open the eyes of Your Church to fully see this issue for the tragedy it is, to own it, and to take action to stop it.
- Lord, awaken Your bride to fight for what matters to Your heart. Give us the passion to fight injustice and the wisdom to create strategies that will bring breakthrough and healing to those who have been victimized by human trafficking.
TAKE ACTION
1. Educate yourself by learning the hard facts of human trafficking.
You can do this obtaining information gathered by organizations such as , , and the .
2. Share this prayer guide with others and commit together to pray for the ending of human trafficking.
3. If you are interested in volunteering with local organizations, please .
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