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Writer's pictureGrace Episcopal Church

National Slavery & Human Trafficking Prevention Month

Speak out for those who cannot speak, for the rights of all the destitute. Speak out, judge righteously, defend the rights of the poor and needy.

(Psalm 31:8-9)


During January Grace Church recognized Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month, but not just with our yearly Freedom Sunday program. This year, in our commitment to ending modern day slavery, we shared articles in our “Grace to You” newsletter, and videos and other posts on Facebook and Instagram every week.


All this communication was to raise awareness of the injustices faced by the poor and vulnerable around the world that contribute to them being victimized by slavers and traffickers; our role as the Church in joining God’s work of justice; what is being done to end slavery; and how victims are restored, and survivors become the rescuers and restorers of others.


If you have been moved by these messages, you can also join in the fight to end modern day slavery in three ways:


Pray: The work of justice begins with prayer. As we seek justice on behalf of others, we rely on an all-powerful God to help us do what is only possible with and through Him. . Combating issues like slavery, sex trafficking and violent injustice is challenging, but when we pray over this work together, we are not paralyzed with despair. You can become a Prayer Partner and receive urgent prayer requests so that you know what's happening to end slavery and can ask God to intervene in specific ways: www.ijm.org/get-involved/pray


Advocate - Our Representatives and Senators work for us. That’s their job. And they have offices full of staff whose job it is to listen to you when you speak up about issues that mean something to you. The only way they will know that you care about ending slavery and trafficking is if you tell them. If your representatives know this issue is important to you and others in your district or state, it will become important to them. To learn more go to: www.ijm.org/advocacy

Give: The work of freedom and justice takes money. There’s no other way to say it. One rescue operation costs at least $6300. The approximate cost of all aftercare, survivor empowerment and community building work (including survivor transportation, food, resource kits, home visits, Freedom trainings, and aftercare graduation ceremonies) done by just one of IJM’s teams is $50,000. There are many teams, in many communities.

Any amount will help: $9 buys a blanket to comfort a survivor of cybersex trafficking; $15 gives a survivor of sexual violence access to on-line counseling; $25 gives food relief to a released bonded laborer; $50 pays for an aftercare kit for a child rescued from slavery in the fishing industry. To offer financial support: https://ijm.donordrive.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=donorDrive.participant&participantID=1476

If you have any questions, want to talk about modern day slavery or want to know other ways you can be part of this work, contact mary@graceocala.org


Please join us in asking God to empower us to do His work to bring an end to modern-day slavery:

Lord, you are a God who sets the captives free. Your Holy Spirit searches restlessly for those in despair, that they may find the life you are calling them to. We pray for those who are enslaved and callously put to work around the world. On the cross, you were powerless and subject to the cruelty of others. Look with mercy on those who suffer. May we, who are blinded by the shallow distractions of daily life, feel the fear of the powerless, and be roused to action. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.



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