Friday, February 24, 2012

The Challenge

Hello, friends.

A few days ago, I wrote about how I've been convicted recently about the importance of prayer.  I want to write a little series about this soon, but today I'd like to challenge all of us to begin praying together over a certain issue. 

Human Trafficking is a huge issue in the world today.  More than 32 million people are currently enslaved; more than 80% of those are sex slaves.  Many of these sex slaves are young teenage girls who have been forced away from their families.

I am going to commit to pray about this issue every single day at 5:00pm Central Standard Time for at least two minutes.  I ask you to do the same.  Matthew 18:20 says, "For where two or three gather together as my followers, I am there among them."  Imagine what can happen if hundreds of people commit to praying together each day. 

I know two minutes isn't very long, but I didn't want to pressure people into making overwhelming commitments they won't keep.  Two minutes is easy.  You are very welcome (and encouraged) to spend longer amounts of time in prayer about human trafficking and the sex trade, but two minutes is what I ask.  Two minutes a day. 

The Lord will hear our cries.

Although I want to emphasize on the power of prayer, I also believe we should stand up against the sex trade.  

James 2:15-16
Suppose you see a brother or sister who has no food or clothing, and you say, “Good-bye and have a good day; stay warm and eat well”—but then you don’t give that person any food or clothing. What good does that do? 

Although our prayers are important and the Lord will answer, it's important that we do not only sympathize with those trapped in the sex trade.  We should ask the Lord how He wants us to fight against this.  Throughout the month of March, I will share with you different ministries and organizations who are currently fighting against human trafficking.

We can make a difference, through prayer and action.

 This month, I ask that you pray specifically for:
  1. Those who are being trafficked.  
  2. That the Lord will soften the hearts of those who are involved in human trafficking.
  3. For those who are actively fighting against human trafficking.
  4. What the Lord is asking you to do about this issue.
At 5:00pm CST every day for the next month, I will commit to spend time in prayer about this issue for at least two minutes.  I'm setting my phone alarm right now. 

Will you?

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