Weekend of Prayer

SEE ALSO: Human Sex Trafficking | Anti-Trafficking Network | Weekend of Prayer | How You Can Help |
If You Suspect | Around the World | Salvation Army Response | Resources | Version Francaise | Español

Vision
For Christians all around the world to organize prayer and fasting in the workplace and in their congregations, interceding for victims of sexual trafficking.

Hope
That this form of the slave trade will be abolished, that all people involved in human trafficking will find restoration, and that victims will be cared for in body, mind and spirit.

History
The Weekend of Prayer was an initiative of the Canada & Bermuda Territory in 2006, and has since become an internationally-recognized call to prayer from the General of The Salvation Army. At the end of September, Salvation Army congregations all around the world commit to praying specifically for those affected by human trafficking and the sex trade.

2009 Focus
During the past three years, our focus for prayer has been victims who have been trafficked internationally. This year we are focusing on trafficking that happens within Canada, and particularly sexual trafficking that will happen during the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver.

If you want to get involved:
• Mark your calendar.
• Use the materials provided (see downloads below).
• Partner locally.
• Educate yourself and others.
• Pray and fast specifically about this issue.

Six ideas for commemorating the weekend:

Friday prayer service in the workplace: Organize a short prayer service in your workplace about human sex trafficking. Have information available for people who want to know more about human trafficking.

Friday night prayer walk: Join the country-wide prayer walk! Gather with other corps and churches and pray in small groups at key locations in your community or neighbourhood (such as the police station, strip where women sell themselves, strip club, massage parlour, local newspaper, etc.). Stand in the gap and pray for victims of human sex trafficking! Prayer walks are non-confrontational, discreet and yet powerful opportunities to intercede on behalf of victims right across the street from where they are. Whenever possible, the leaders of the prayer walks will be people who are known and have already built relationships in those neighbourhoods. If your group cannot prayer walk outside of your building, set up a prayer walk inside of your church or in a public place.

Saturday morning “Men of Honour” prayer breakfast: Men are often viewed as the bad guys in the story of human sex trafficking. Be the good guys! Organize men from your church/corps/community to be men of honour. Have them come together, stand with their sisters who are victimized and pray for an end to this evil trade. Have breakfast together as someone shares information on human trafficking (information available on this website) and then join together in prayer.

Saturday afternoon community awareness: Partner with other corps or churches and go to a public place (park, mall, community centre). Have a booth with information about human sex trafficking. Let people know about this issue, and encourage people to pray. Consider having a prayer wall (made of paper) where people can use markers or paints or pens to write prayers about this issue. Hand out sample letters/postcards and encourage people to write or visit their Members of Parliament to show concern about human sex trafficking.

Saturday night youth traffic jam: The average age of entry into commercial sexual exploitation in Canada is 13-14, with some being much younger. Youth need to be aware of human trafficking. Partner with other youth and organize an awareness evening about human trafficking. Make it fun and informative. It could be a coffee house or a games night or an event with rock bands. Be creative in getting the message out. (Click here for an example of one successful event last year).

Sunday church service prayer time: Take time during your Sunday worship to pray for victims of human sex trafficking. Share some quick information or read a testimony of someone who has been trafficked or show a video or powerpoint. Have a few members of the congregation pray for victims. Consider using trafficking or human dignity as a theme for the whole service. (See below for resources – more to come as the weekend approaches!)

• Weekend of Prayer poster (also available in French, Spanish, Chinese) ** UPDATED
• Weekend of Prayer prayer guide (also available in French, Spanish, Chinese, Korean) ** UPDATED
• Created in His Image Song (lead sheet; MP3) ** NEW
• Bulletin insert
• Human Sex Trafficking in Canada: FAQs
• Background Information: Sex Trafficking and the Olympics; Faster, Higher, Stronger Future Group Report
  
• Mothers, Sisters & Daughters PowerPoint
• The River is Here PowerPoint
• Sample order of service
• USA Prayer Guides (English, French, Spanish, Russian, Romanian) ** UPDATED
• Creative prayer ideas (UK)
• Trafficking testimonies 2008; Trafficking testimonies 2009
• Elena’s story (audio MP3 or PDF)
• Liliana’s Way of the Cross (Version 1, Version 2)
• Link to The Truth Isn’t Sexy video
• Bible studies (Biblical themes; Value of women; View of sexuality; Providing Care for Victims)
• Sample sermons (Let My People Go; Human Dignity vs. Human Trafficking)
• Sample sermon outline (UK)
• Fasting Resources (Hungry for God; Discipline of Fasting)
• Youth specific resources

Click here for additional French resources. Click here for Spanish.