it starts with Him: a 30 day prayer guide to end human trafficking vol 1 | Page 22

DAY 26

DAY 27

“The children were brought to Him that He might lay His
hands on them and pray. The disciples rebuked the people,
but Jesus said, “Let the little children come to Me and
do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of
heaven.” —Matthew 19:13-15

“Woe unto him that buildeth his house by unrighteousness,
and his chambers by wrong; that useth his neighbor's
service without wages, and giveth him not for his work.”

What hinders children from coming to Jesus? In this story, it’s Jesus’ disciples.
Fully engaged with crowd control, they decide who can get close to Jesus and
who can’t. They are a barrier, not bridge builders.
Adults still keep children from getting to Jesus, but there are other barriers as
well. Physical abuse, trafficking, sexual abuse, poverty, HIV, war, and being
orphaned often hinder children from coming to Christ. Like a raging river,
these traumas separate them from Jesus. And Jesus is their ultimate hope.
What would it be like if you and I came alongside traumatized children in
the midst of their pain? If we listened to their stories? If we lifted their eyes
to Jesus?
What would it be like if you and I were bridge builders so that children can
cross over the river of their trauma and be welcomed into the arms of Jesus?
What would it be like?

Jesus—

Open our eyes to see the vulnerable children around
us. Give us compassion for these children. And show
us how we can be bridge builders so that the children
can cross over and find their ultimate hope in You.

Amen.

Submitted by Cindy Finley, Global Ministry Director of RiverCross. To learn more about
Cindy visit her blog at www.CindyFinley.com. To learn more about RiverCross, visit the
website at www.RiverCrossTWR.org.

—Jeremiah 22:13
There is no good that comes from human trafficking. When I read this
passage I am heartbroken to think of the LOVE in which God has created man
and I wonder how it is that one human being can justify destroying another.
Yet, I also believe in the power of prayer and redemption.
I thank God for the survivors and pray for the oppressors, as well as the
oppressed. No man is above God's judgement. No man is beneath God's
grace, mercy, and forgiveness. I am a survivor and a fighter. I fight for
my ancestors. Their strength keeps me encouraged. I am a mentor, and a
Spiritually Aware Abolitionist, who feels my entire existence is to see to it that
everyone is FREE!

Thank you Father—

for granting us the courage to be the strength for those
who need to be lifted out of harm's way. Thank You,
Father, for allowing us the ability to be the voice for
those unable to speak for themselves. May those in
need have enough faith to know that You will always
make a way when it seems like there is no way. When
they are hopeless, give them hope. When they are too
weak to carry on, lift them up that they may know that
You will always carry them. When they don't feel worthy,
cover them with Your love and protection. Heal the
hearts and minds of the oppressors that they may turn
to You and repent.

Amen.

Submitted by Teresa Valentine. To learn more about resources available for trafficking
victims and survivors, visit th