July Prayer Update

When God Speaks

A little over 5 years ago, we first heard about the atrocity of human trafficking.  At the time, we were filled with compassion, but honestly, didn’t think there was anything we could do.  It quickly slipped to the back of our minds as many global needs often do. 
   
 A few years later, while I (Blair) was reviewing materials our staff team produced to help students identify the Lord’s calling on their lives, God spoke - not audibly, but very clearly.  As I read questions like, “If you started a business or organization to solve a need, what would it be?” and “What issue would you like to see someone write a bestselling book about?” among others, Human Trafficking (or modern-day slavery) was my answer to many on the list.  At that moment God’s Spirit said, “What are you doing about it?”  That question was all I needed.  The answer was, “Nothing.” But God wasn’t just asking a question, He was nudging me to do something.  I immediately started learning more about it to figure out what I, a missionary, could do. 
   

Freed Child in India - Photo courtesy Lisa Kristine

 The first thing I learned is that the problem is huge.  Human trafficking is the world’s fastest growing crime with over 20 Million people enslaved in our world.  Plus, it’s not just happening overseas, experts estimate that at least 100,000 people are trafficked within the United States every year - forced to do everything from prostitution to agricultural work to domestic service.  Then I learned something more eye-opening.  It’s happening here - Orlando - home of Mickey and Minnie, the happiest place on earth!
   
I found a Christian organization leading the effort to combat trafficking in Orlando, called Florida Abolitionist.  I immediately got involved and haven’t looked back.  In my short time volunteering with them, we have educated thousands of people about the issue in order to protect our kids, given support and services to many who have been rescued, and have enlisted God’s people to join the fight in churches throughout the city. 
   
As we’ve been involved, our eyes have been opened to God’s heart for people.  We are all made in His image and He loves each of us and is a God of justice and mercy.  A theme throughout Scripture is God’s heart for the needy, oppressed, and poor.  Psalm 146 says “Blessed are those who...execute justice for the oppressed.” Jesus, in Matthew 25, goes as far as to declare righteous those who serve “the least of these.”
   
Why do we share all this?  Because God is giving us a unique opportunity to fight human trafficking here and around the world as Cru partners with Florida Abolitionist.  Starting in the Fall, we will continue minister to college students and graduates, mobilizing them to change the world, but we will also spend 2 days a week in the City of Orlando, following the Lord as He sets the prisoner free (Psalm 146:8).  We are very excited about this opportunity and ask you to please pray for God’s favor.  In such darkness, His light must shine.  Please join us in asking Him to free the oppressed and to use us, His people, to do so.