Jennifer Roemhildt Tunehag

Global trends in human trafficking: prayer points

Today, there are as many as 27 million people trapped in forced labor, bonded labor, and sexual slavery in the world. Nearly 80% of those trafficked are used for sexual exploitation. Human trafficking has a devastating impact on its victims, who often suffer physical and emotional abuse, rape, threats, and even death. But the impact of trafficking goes beyond individual victims to undermine the health, safety, and security of each nation it touches, according to the US State Department.

As we consider the immensity of the problem, we can become paralyzed. We care, but what can we do? We’ve already offered some suggestions in this column. I have one more. WE CAN PRAY!

Praise God for an increase in anti-trafficking legislation in countries around the world! Pray for just and consistent application, adequate training for officers of the court, and the political will to see prosecutions happen.

Globally, convictions are increasing. However, the crime of selling human lives is growing at an even greater rate! The trade in human beings has now surpassed drug smuggling as one of the most profitable ‘businesses’ in the world. Pray that God would frustrate the efforts of those who live from the suffering of others, and for ‘confusion in the camps’ of the wicked!

A disproportionate number of women are involved in human trafficking, not only as victims, but also as traffickers. Female offenders have a far more prominent role in present-day slavery than in most other forms of crime. Pray for the trapped AND the traffickers, especially former victims who have become perpetrators.

Internal trafficking is growing inside many countries, making it much more difficult to identify victims and prosecute offenders. Pray that these victims, too, would find help and hope!

Labor exploitation: men are victims of trafficking, too. Many countries allow employers to seize the passports of their employees, increasing vulnerability to human rights and labor violations. Pray for just laws, and for help and protection for men who are exploited.

Praise God that more churches, organisations, and even countries are beginning to combat the global demand for commercial sexual and labor exploitation. Pray that God would change the hearts of those who exploit others for their own gain!

Sex tourism is burgeoning as the global financial crisis makes travel to some areas of the world a ‘bargain’ at the same time that unemployment and growing desparation make women, children, and families there even more vulnerable to exploitation.

Victims returning to their homes and countries of origin are experiencing ongoing difficulties in reintegration. Pray that families would not shun daughters that society tells them are ‘ruined’. Pray also that the Church can become a family to those without help or hope.

The church can be a powerful force in the battle against human trafficking, and for the restoration of its victims – as it acts, and as it prays. Join us!

1 John 5:14-15 (New International Version)

14This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. 15And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him.

Jennifer Roemhildt Tunehag

Jennifer Roemhildt Tunehag is the founder of Lost Coin/Nea Zoi, a ministry to women and men in prostitution in Athens, Greece. She currently works as an independent missions consultant, catalyzing the church in ministry among women and men in prostitution and victims of trafficking around the world. Jennifer also serves on the Anti-Trafficking Task Force of the World Evangelical Alliance (WEA).

SALE! 40% OFF! How to Be Happier 7 Days a Week

TAGS: Jennifer Roemhildt Tunehag human trafficking sex tourism street outreach Lost Coin ministry Nea Zoi prayer points

[03/01/2010]

Print Version

MORE NEWS ABOUT THIS