Modern slavery and human trafficking: Praying for freedom

Ahead of the International Day of Prayer for Victims of Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking, Hayley Still encourages us to share prayers of hope.

This Sunday is the International Day of Prayer for Victims of Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking. Human trafficking is not new. Modern slavery is so named not because it is a new form of injustice but because it has adapted – it is a modern version of a crime that has existed for a very long time.

In the Bible, we find stories of trafficking and accounts of slavery. The historical and cultural contexts in which the Old Testament and New Testament were written were vastly different from today, but our understanding of God – deepened through our knowledge and experience of Jesus – is that God is on the side of the powerless and desires liberation for the oppressed.

In Genesis 37, we read of Joseph, who was a survivor of human trafficking. In jealousy and anger, Joseph’s brothers planned to kill him, but instead sold him into slavery. We are told that ‘the Lord was with Joseph’ (39:2) through his trials of betrayal, slavery and imprisonment.

God is on the side of the powerless and desires liberation for the oppressed.

Joseph remained faithful, trusting God in the midst of injustice. Ultimately, in Genesis 50, we read that Joseph voiced his forgiveness of his brothers.

Joseph’s story serves as an important reminder of the power of faithfulness and forgiveness. It reminds us that – while we may not see how or understand why – God can bring good from even the most difficult circumstances, and that forgiveness and justice are ultimately intertwined – there is a reason one of the UKI Territory’s mission priorities is justice and reconciliation.

During October, both Anti-Slavery Week (14–20 October) and International Development Week (19–25 October) focus on the Army’s fight against modern slavery and human trafficking, both within this country and internationally. The 2024 Helping-Hand Appeal – a collaboration between the Family Ministries Unit and International Development UK – is also focused on the Army’s anti-human trafficking work.

While we may not see how or understand why – God can bring good from even the most difficult circumstances.

These next few weeks are an opportunity to pray, reflect on and learn more about the issue. You can use our online Prayers of Hope platform to join Salvationists in praying for victims of modern slavery and human trafficking, for hope, justice, reconciliation and freedom.

Your prayers will be anonymous, but may be shared with survivors of modern slavery and trafficking through the Anti-Trafficking and Modern Slavery team.

If you know someone who would prefer not to pray, but would like to share a message of hope and encouragement with a survivor, they can visit our Helping-Hand Appeal page. You might also want to raise funds for the Helping-Hand Appeal to help the Army increase awareness of human trafficking and stand alongside survivors.

However you respond this weekend and over the days ahead, may we trust that God is with us, even in suffering, and allow him to use our experiences to make a difference in the lives of others. May we have the compassion and strength to remain committed advocates for the oppressed.