Your Faith Has Made You Well
Introduction
Since 2010, January has been designated as the month which raises awareness regarding National Human Trafficking Prevention. The US Department of State estimates that more than 27.6 million adults and children are being trafficked all over the world. Human trafficking includes both sex trafficking as well as forced labor.
Service Project
We are blessed to serve in a nation where we can provide for those in need. We can help to serve those who are being trafficked by sharing essential items, clothing, meals, and refreshments. We are also able to share God’s Word.
Blessing Bags
Work as a group to make blessing bags. Each bag could include toiletry items such a combs, toothbrushe/toothpaste, soap, deodorant. Snack items and small juices would also be welcomed. Ask the women to collect these items. They could also contact friends and family members to also donate these items. Other items that could be included are hand–made small blankets. Once the bags are completed, pray over each bag. Have the women include a handwritten note of affirmation for whoever will receive the bag, so that they know they are seen, and are loved. Contact your Divisional Headquarters Social Justice representative to find the best way to distribute these bags.
Resources
- The Salvation Army:
https://www.salvationarmyusa.org/usn/fight-human-trafficking
https://easternusa.salvationarmy.org/eastern-territory/fight-for-justice
https://centralusa.salvationarmy.org/usc/protect-human-rights
https://southernusa.salvationarmy.org/uss/fight-human-trafficking/
https://sajustice.us/resources/
- Other helpful websites:
https://www.state.gov/national-human-trafficking-prevention-month
https://www.state.gov/what-is-trafficking-in-persons/
https://www.state.gov/20-ways-you-can-help-fight-human-trafficking
https://humantraffickinghotline.org
Faith Has Made You Well
““Go,” said Jesus, “your faith has healed you.” Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road” (Mark 10:52). Most of us have heard of blind Bartimaeus and his encounter with Jesus. He heard that Jesus was coming, and he shouted for Him to have mercy on him. Even though others tried to get him to be quiet, he continued calling for Jesus until Jesus finally stopped and told the crowd to call him. Bartimaeus then threw his cloak aside and came to Jesus, who healed him. Although Bartimaeus may not have eyes to see, he did have ears to hear. He could hear the snickering and rebukes from those who criticized the fact that he would sit by the roadside begging for help. And in this instance, the crowds could no longer ignore him because his screams for Jesus permeated the noise around him. But his faith, and his persistence in crying out to Jesus to have mercy on him, resulted in Jesus making him well.
Not only did Bartimaeus seek Jesus, but he gave up all he had to receive healing. The cloak that Bartimaeus had would have been extremely important to him. It would have held some of the worldly belongings that meant the most to him. It could have also served as his comfort blanket, not only shielding him from the hardships of society, but also from the weather elements as well. The fact that Bartimaeus cast aside what would have been the most valuable item that he had took both courage and strength.
There are many people who need to have mercy shown them. People who have been trafficked may be terrified of making a change even if they feel trapped in a life in which they see no way out. They may feel afraid to walk away from the one thing that they are able to hold onto, even if it is destroying them. Or, they could already have been calling out for mercy, but their cries may have fallen upon deaf ears. It is important for us to be the eyes of Jesus to see the injustices of others. It is important for us to stand in the gap for those who are falling into the hands of those who are taking advantage of them.
**If you are in the United States and believe someone may be a victim of human trafficking, call the 24-hour National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or report an emergency to law enforcement by calling 911. Trafficking victims, whether or not U.S. citizens, are eligible for services and immigration assistance.**
