Scripture: Isaiah 51:14
The oppressed shall speedily be released; they shall not die and go down to the Pit, nor shall they lack bread.
Thought for the Day: During our time at General Assembly, I have participated in workshops and study groups around human trafficking. This has been a passion now for almost 10 years, and though I have done quite a bit of background work, I remain naively shocked by much of what I learn. Every 30 seconds, a child is trafficked somewhere in the world. That is 120 children every hour, 2880 every day, and 1,051,200 every year. The average age of a child trafficked around the globe is 11. Those kinds of numbers should cause outrage, and I believe they do, but so often people think of it as terms as a problem somewhere else, overseas. It is…but it is also a problem in our own backyard. The most active weekend for prostitution in the world, specifically child prostitution, is Super Bowl Weekend…in the host city. We are just 18 months from hosting in Houston (February 5, 2017). This will be a moment when our city is on the world stage, and though I hope we make a good impression on all those who come to enjoy a game, I also pray that we make a horrible impression on anyone who seeks to prostitute another human being. The Prophet Isaiah spoke of a release that is speedy. For anyone caught in the oppression and suffering of trafficking, may they come to know true liberation in the name of God
Prayer: Make me aware, O God who created and loves every human being. Make me aware of what is happening, even when I’d rather pretended that children are not sold as prostitutes in my own community. Make me aware and call me to be your agent of liberation. Amen.
PLAN TO BE IN WORSHIP
THIS SUNDAY
at
8:15, 9:30 or 11:00am
