"Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy." Proverbs 31:8,9
Along with two of my closest friends, I had the blessing of running a 5k race Saturday to benefit On Time Ministry, a group of devoted volunteers committed to preventing human trafficking-working tirelessly to reach out, empower, and restore the survivors of this tragic crime. And if you think think this isn't happening all around the world and our nation, consider these statistics from dosomething.org, there are approximately 20 to 30 million slaves in the world today and, according to the U.S. State Department, 600,000 to 800,000 people are trafficked across international borders every year, of which 80% are female and half are children. That's quite shocking isn't it?
What's more shocking though is that more is not being done to stop this. Especially since the Bible clearly tells us that we are to, "Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves" and to "defend the rights of the poor and needy." That certainly describes those being held in bondage doesn't it? And while not everyone is called to devote their lives to freeing people from these chains, we are all called to do something.
And that something for you may be speaking out in your community to raise awareness, taking action by volunteering or financial giving, or simply praying for those held in slavery. Can you imagine what would happen if each one of us woke up and said, "Today is the day I am going to do something"? It would most certainly change things, wouldn't it? So then... let's do something.
Heavenly Father, thank you for the people who work tirelessly to help those who cannot speak for themselves and who speak up to defend the rights of the poor and needy. Help us to realize how enormous and devastating this problem is that we would be compelled to do our part in ending it. And mostly, Lord, may we remember to pray each day for those in bondage that the chains would be broken and they would be free. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.
Happy Running!!!
Do something - Matthew West
Want to hear more about this ministry and ways you can help? Check out: https://www.ontimeministry.com/
https://www.dosomething.org/us/facts/11-facts-about-human-trafficking
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