Survivors of Sex Trafficking Share Stories of Transformation in Week of Prayer Guide
“It is tempting to fall for the lies that say we are worthless and destined for defeat,” writes Sophia. “I sometimes struggle to believe I am lovable due to abuse and other life experiences….Each of us was created for great things and is more precious and valuable than any gem. When I first arrived at New Day for Children, I had significant injuries and medical issues. When I entered care, I received tools to help heal my body and mind….To counteract the lies that had been spoken over me, I regularly asked myself, ‘How does God see me?’ I now know that God sees me as precious, priceless, and worthy of love and care.”
Sophia is a survivor who was formerly sex-trafficked and now serves with New Day for Children, which helps parents of commercially sex-trafficked girls from California and throughout the U.S. to provide a safe and secure living environment for their children. Her words come from her reflection in the new Week of Prayer daily devotions, which focus on personal stories of freedom. Contributors are partners of FREE, the anti-sex trafficking initiative of the Evangelical Covenant Church. Globally, an estimated 4.7 million persons are caught in sex trafficking today. Approximately 250,000–350,000 American children and youth are at risk for sex trafficking each year. FREE is an initiative of Serve Globally and Love Mercy Do Justice.
“Survivor leaders, who are formerly sex-trafficked women, share personal stories of what they are free to do as was promised in Isaiah 61,” writes Ramelia Williams, director of ministry initiatives for Love Mercy Do Justice, in the prayer guide. “They have not used their freedom to wallow in shame, but each one has been healed and transformed in a holistic way that calls her to a life of service. These transformed souls are the featured voices who are free to speak…to inspire us all to freshly encounter God and fully experience the freedom of his love and power. Will God call you to help bring freedom?”
For more than 60 years, the Covenant has provided materials for a week of prayer during the month of January. They may also be used at any time during the year. The Week of Prayer guide can be used by individuals or groups, over one week or over the course of seven weeks. Booklets are available in both English and Spanish. Daily emails are available in English and Spanish beginning January 1, 2022. Visit covchurch.org/2022prayer to find out more.
To learn more about FREE and how you or your church can join our partners to oppose the evil of sex trafficking visit covchurch.org/free.
