RUSSIA PRAYER GUIDE FOR THE ENDING OF HUMAN TRAFFICKING

Transcription

1 RUSSIA PRAYER GUIDE FOR THE ENDING OF HUMAN TRAFFICKING

2 A 31-DAY PRAYER GUIDE FOR THE ENDING OF SEX TRAFFICKING IN RUSSIA It is one of the highest joys in life to partner with the living God to see the sick healed, the lost saved, and the naked clothed. Though it feels as if the world s troubles are insurmountable, the light of God breaks forth and shatters every face and form of darkness. When Christians pray in the spirit of truth, believing and knowing that God sees every hidden deed of wickedness, God s light permeates those depths and lifts up the weary soul. To pray is to bring the righteousness of heaven down to earth. It is imperative to have a praying church in Russia. As we focus our prayers on the eradication of human trafficking and sexual exploitation, we are partnering with the very heart of God. For where He dwells there is no suffering and sin. To pray for the ending of trafficking is to pray for the return of the Lord. May His kingdom come on earth and in Russia as it is in heaven. Knock on the door of heaven these next thirty days, be persistent and do not waver. As the church prays, the Lord will respond and bring freedom to the oppressed. Righteousness will reign. Day 1. A History of Slavery The Trans-Atlantic slave trade, as with the Holocaust of Jews in Nazi Germany, objectified a people-group as sub-human, which set the context for their exploitation. Today, as women and children are viewed increasingly as sexual objects, a modern-day slave trade has emerged in Russia and the nations of the earth. Slavery is not a thing of the past. The Trans-Atlantic slave trade was abolished in the 1800 s, and the modern-day sex trade must be abolished in this generation. Lord, You have heard the cries of the enslaved, and You will do justice to the fatherless and the oppressed. We ask You to stop the arm of the wicked who seek to enslave the vulnerable. Psalm 10:15-17 Day 2. Export of Russian Women and Children Russia is considered one of the top donor countries in human trafficking. It is estimated that 30,000 to 60,000 women and children are trafficked each year from Russia to other countries. In addition to sexual exploitation (i.e. engagement in prostitution, organization of sex tourism, production of pornography etc.), the objectives of criminal human trafficking from Russia include marriages for exploitation (e.g. the use of the mail order bride ), forced surrogate motherhood, and transplantation of organs and tissues. Jesus, You are the ultimate Savior. We believe You are able and willing to save these women and children from the hands of their traffickers and provide the resources they need to come out of this place of extreme vulnerability to trafficking. Glorify Your name in Russia as the Savior and Deliverer! Acts 4:12, 1 John 4:14 Day 3. Cultural Mindsets Women in prostitution are often treated as societal outcasts. For this reason, there are very few people who advocate for them or offer them resources to escape their situations. Because they are often looked at as less than human, these women are vulnerable to terrible brutality at the hands of those who exploit them. One survey of Russian men brought forth this quote, Some think that a woman who sells her body has hit rock bottom and deserves to be treated as such. This narrative perpetuates and strengthens the systems that are in place in Russia which are designed to make these women feel hopeless, less than, and undeserving of love. Father, these are your daughters, the ones that You cherish and love. You see their innermost thoughts and emotions and You go with them as they experience scrutiny from those who see them and those who buy and exploit them. Give them understanding of their divine worth and beauty that has been given to them since their creation. You have made them to be shining lights of your glory. Speak this truth over them, even now, and shift the mindsets of those who believe or express anything other than what you believe and what you say about them. John 4, Luke 7:36-50 Day 4. History of Violence Against Exploited Women Russia has a history of violence against sexually exploited women. In early 2007, a mass grave was discovered near the city of Nizhny Tagil in Sverdlovsk Oblast, Russia, containing the remains of 30 young women and girls aged between 13 and 25 who had been killed by a gang of pimps. Police arrested a gang of eight men who were accused of having abducted numerous local girls beginning in 2002, who were then raped, beaten, and under the threat of death forced to work as prostitutes in a brothel disguised as a massage parlor. Like many others who are sexually exploited, these women s lives ended tragically at the hands of their exploiters. Violence against Russian women continues to take place as they are sexually exploited and vulnerable to all forms of violent acts and perversion. Father, you see the women who are currently at risk of violence and death in Russia. These are the ones you love, and we believe that you will break the power of darkness in Russia and set these captives free. Isaiah 61:1-3, 2 Timothy 1:10 Day World Cup Large events like the 2018 Football World Cup create an obvious clientele as many sports fans, predominantly men, flood the country. Traffickers recognize this as an opportunity to make money. In response to these circumstances, many organizations, ministries, and churches are working hard to prevent the innocent from falling prey to traffickers. 2 A 31-DAY PRAYER GUIDE FOR THE ENDING OF HUMAN TRAFFICKING IN RUSSIA 3

3 Lord of Hosts, You who command the Host of Heaven, dispatch Your heavenly armies to the aid of those who could be exploited during these sporting events. We declare the victory of the Lord of Hosts over in justice. Release heavenly strategies to Your church as to how they can pray, raise awareness, and respond in action. Revelation 19:11-16 Day 6. Demand During major world sporting events, such as the World Cup, hundreds of thousands of (predominantly male) tourists pour into the country. Traffickers bring women to the major cities with the expectation to sell them and make money from men buying sex. Some men view purchasing sex or visiting a strip club as part of the lads on tour experience. Others arrange sessions with the escorts they will buy for months in advance. Some men have families and would not have purchased sex prior to the trip, but choose to cross this line while away from home. We know that supply exists because of demand. We also recognize that many men are in bondage themselves, to lust and a toxic sex addiction. Lord, we pray that You would bring deep conviction and a fear of the Lord over every man planning to purchase a woman for sex during the World Cup in Russia. Open their eyes to see these women as sisters and daughters. Let men feel empowered to choose not to go to strip clubs, even if their peers are, and let good men feel strengthened to speak up to challenge toxic mindsets towards women. For men with families, let them picture the faces of their children in moments of weakness or inner temptation. Let this World Cup be a tipping point for sex buyers, where they have a wake up call. Let them find mercy and healing as men, resolving to live a different life. Hosea 4:14, Psalm 51 Day 7. Export of Russian Girls Russia is a popular destination for foreign sex tourists, but it is also a source country for girls trafficked all over the world. Victims are often tricked, lured, and offered jobs overseas. What they find when they arrive is not a legitimate job, but a life of sexual exploitation, abuse, and coercion. These women and children often can be found in prostitution on side streets and in brothels in Israel, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, the U.S., and across Europe. Jesus, our Redeemer, You paid a price for each one of these women and children. Many do not know their true value and worth as sons and daughters of the King. They do not understand that their life was worth Your death, and that all their pain and iniquity was borne at the Cross. Mighty Redeemer, reveal the truth of the gospel to these women and children and rescue them from the fowler s snare. Job 19:25, Psalm 91:3-4 Day 8. Law Enforcement Unethical police practices are a major problem in Russia. According to a prominent Russian lawyer, Police officers exceed their authority not just by extorting money, stealing possessions, and beating sex workers, but they sometimes bully the women just for fun. The spirit of corruption among law enforcement in Russia provides very little opportunity for sexually exploited women to seek refuge from their traffickers and pimps. King of Kings, You have authority over every person and every public official. You ascribe worth, value, honor, and love to these women, and it is your desire to see them loved the way that they were created to be loved. Turn the hearts of the law enforcement officials towards these women in kindness and humility, that they would find advocates and protectors in these police officers. 2 Thessalonians 3:3, Isaiah 41:10 Day 9. Government Officials - Vladimir Putin Vladimir Putin was first elected as Russian President in the year 2000 and most recently re-elected as President of Russia in March of He was sworn into office for another 6 years. As a leader of great influence he has said devastating things about women in prostitution, most notably his infamous quote stating, Ours are undoubtedly the best in the world. Our prayer is that as the leader of such an incredibly influential nation, Putin would acknowledge the exploitation that is taking place each time a woman is purchased for sex and take the appropriate measures to eliminate prostitution from the streets of Russia, rather than promoting it. Lord, would You speak to the heart of Vladimir Putin and encounter him in an undeniable way over this issue. Open his eyes to the truth of sexual exploitation and give him the tools and desire to lead Russia into purity, holiness, and righteousness. Give him overwhelming understanding of women as human beings worthy of love, respect, and dignity. Romans 13:1 Day 10. Moscow The city of Moscow is known for its beautiful Saint Basil s Cathedral and Red Square. As the largest city in Russia, it is the main host for the 2018 FIFA World Cup. This beautiful city stands as a cultural hub for the nation, yet, beneath the surface of this world-class tourist destination is an underground trade of women and children that must be exposed. 4 A 31-DAY PRAYER GUIDE FOR THE ENDING OF HUMAN TRAFFICKING IN RUSSIA 5

4 Jesus our Redeemer, rid Moscow of all the idols that seek to exalt themselves against the knowledge of God. Speak your words of truth and light over Moscow and bring this capital city under your governing authority. Titus 2:11-14, 2 Corinthians 10:5 Day 11. King of Kings and Lord of Lords As the understanding of human trafficking grows in Russia, there is much work to do to bring criminals to justice, prevent children from being exploited, lead victims through restoration, and change laws. Several organizations, ministries, and churches have risen up to answer the crisis of modern-day slavery in Russia and are working tirelessly to make a difference. Jesus, You are King of Kings and Lord of Lords; anoint the works of these groups working to prevent trafficking, mobilize awareness, and rescue victims. We declare that no work of the enemy, no principality, and no oppressive spirit can stand in the light of Your glory. May these organizations go forth as light bearers and messengers of justice to bring the freedom of Jesus to traffickers, men who buy sex, and women and children caught in the cycle of exploitation. Revelation 19:16 taken advantage of by large corporations looking for cheap labor, or organized crime looking to traffic vulnerable young women; thus many end up in prostitution, debt bondage, or unfair working conditions. Jesus, You are the Holy One, reveal Yourself to these immigrants and those subjected to debt bondage, labor trafficking, and prostitution. Shine the light of Your countenance upon them that You may dwell in their hearts through faith. May they know the love of Christ, which passes knowledge; fill them with the fullness of God. Isaiah 40:25, Ephesians 3:19 Day 14. Orphans Approximately 15,000 children leave Russian orphanages each year, at the age of 16 or 17. Tragically, these children in orphanages are extremely vulnerable to being groomed and recruited by traffickers. In addition, recent laws have banned Russian orphans to be adopted by Americans. Father we thank you that you are the Father to the fatherless. Would You turn the hearts of the fathers to the children and place the needy in families. Pour out wisdom to those running orphanages and protect young teenagers from being groomed and lured into being trafficked. James 1:27, Malachi 4:6, Psalm 65:5-6 Day 12. Pimps and Traffickers Pimps and traffickers exploit the vulnerable for their own gain. Human trafficking is a multi-million dollar industry, and unlike drug trafficking, human beings can be sold multiple times with often less risk. However, in addition to praying for laws to help bring justice to the perpetrators, we can pray for the hearts of traffickers to be convicted; for them to turn away from evil and find redemption. We ask, Lord, that you would rebuke the oppressor and bring your justice to perpetrators of exploitation. We pray for Your undeserved mercy and love to reach into the hearts of traffickers and convict them by Your Spirit. Let them turn to you and find salvation. Psalm 10, 1 Timothy 1:5 Day 13. The Borders Day 15. Child Models There is a high demand, particularly in the Asian modelling industry, for the look of young Russian girls. Potential child-models are scouted and recruited, often from impoverished rural communities and Siberia and brought to the larger cities for modelling opportunities. If they are successful, they are sent to Asia or Europe. It is widely believed that many of these aspiring models are eventually exploited and caught into the vortex of the commercial sex industry and trafficking, and sometimes never again seen by their families. Lord, we thank You that You are the Father to the fatherless and bring justice to the vulnerable and oppressed. We ask for Your protection over every young Russian girl vulnerable to being lured into trafficking under the promise of a modelling career. Open up opportunities for young women in Russia that do not use or exploit them. We pray you would divinely intervene and enable girls trafficked abroad to be reconnected with their families or taken to a safe place. Psalm 10, Isaiah 10:1-4 Immigrants from neighboring impoverished countries come to Russia to look for work and are especially vulnerable to sex and labor trafficking. With no citizenship and few rights, they are often mistreated and 6 A 31-DAY PRAYER GUIDE FOR THE ENDING OF HUMAN TRAFFICKING IN RUSSIA 7

5 Day 16. Strip Clubs Strip clubs are often the breaking grounds for prostitution and are highly exploitive in nature, being part of the commercial sex industry. Boundaries are broken down and women become dehumanized in the male gaze of extreme sexual objectification as they dance on stage or groped during lap dances. Strip clubs are usually packed out during world sport events, with men attending them together in large groups, away from home. We ask, Lord, that You would reveal Your love to every precious woman in strip clubs in Russia. Let Your light reach them and show them You have a plan for their life outside of the sex industry. Bring deep conviction to every man tempted to go to strip clubs during the world cup be empowered to choose respect for women, over objectification and exploitation. Isaiah 61, Isaiah 52:1-3 Day 17. Women Sold in Forests In Moscow, women are often sold for sex on roads that lead to forested areas, where buyers can purchase them less visibly. Many times the women are from rural areas of Russia, or neighboring/former Soviet Union countries such as Moldova, Belarus, Serbia, Uzbekistan, and Kazakhstan. Lord, shine Your light and expose where darkness and exploitation abounds. Bring the fear of the Lord and conviction to every buyer who seeks to exploit a woman in the forest. Bless every outreach worker who ministers Your love to the women in these areas and let captives be set free. John 1:5, 1 Corinthians 4:5 Day 18. Emmanuel, God With Us Victims of trafficking experience profound feelings of isolation. Many times their only human contact comes from their captors and clients. Emmanuel, You are with these women and children. There is nowhere they can go that Your hand can t reach them, that Your eyes can t see them, that Your presence can t touch them. You who are with them in their time of trouble, send the fullness of Your presence into these captives physical and spiritual prisons. Isaiah 7:14 Day 19. St. Petersburg St. Petersburg is the second largest city in Russia and a host city to the World Cup games. It also serves as a hub for human trafficking in Russia, especially the trafficking of children. While creating child pornography is illegal in Russia, the possession of it is not. This lures child predators to cities like St. Petesburg with orphans and children who live on the street being specifically targeted. This city is also a major city for trafficking between the Ukraine and Russia with many women being trafficked through the ports in St. Petersburg. Father, You are the God of mercy and God of justice. You see the incredible injustices that are taking place in the city of St. Petersburg and you hear the cries of those in need of rescue. Break in with Your saving power and provide a way out for these children and women whose lives are being exploited without choice. Ecclesiastes 3:17, Hosea 12:6 Day 20. Government Russia is currently ranked as a Tier 3 nation on the Trafficking in Persons Report (TIP). This means, internationally Russia is regarded as a crisis nation for trafficking, with the minimum requirements to address and decrease trafficking being unmet. It is important that laws are written which advocate for the vulnerable and exploited and this issue is taken seriously by the government. God of our Righteousness, visit those in government whom You have granted authority. Give them great grace and strength to fulfill their call to lead in truth and righteousness and to do Your will. Lord we pray that the Law of the Lord would go forth in Russia and establish righteous legislation concerning human trafficking. Let an abolition movement arise. Touch the hearts of governmental leaders with revelation to know what is well pleasing in Your sight, for the glory of Jesus name. Isaiah 42:4, Hebrews 13:20-21 Day 21. Drug Addiction One factor leading Russian girls into prostitution is drug addiction. Becoming dependent upon drugs pushes women onto the streets where survival, sex, and prostitution provide the only guarantee of food in their bellies and drugs in their system. Additionally, many traffickers intentionally addict the women they exploit to drugs as a means to control them further. Jesus, You are the Mighty Deliverer. You are faithful to deliver all who call on Your name. May the name of Jesus be on the tongue of every girl who feels alone in their addiction to drugs and life on the streets. 8 A 31-DAY PRAYER GUIDE FOR THE ENDING OF HUMAN TRAFFICKING IN RUSSIA 9

6 We pray that at the mention of Jesus, the Name Above All Names, deliverance would come speedily. We, as the church, join in with the cries of the broken and abused and say, How long, O Lord? How long until You bring deliverance to these ones for whom You died? Psalm 18:2 Day 22. Nigeria In recent years, there has been a surge in women trafficked from Nigeria to European countries to be sold into the sex industry and a high percentage are trafficked into Russia. Many are previously forced to take part in a voodoo ceremony with local witch doctors, which binds them into slavery. Because of this, there is often a great fear that they or their families will be cursed if they try to escape. God, we ask that you would move in the country of Nigeria and cause these bridges of trafficking and slavery between the two countries to crumble in Jesus name. Shine Your light onto this dark practice taking Your daughters captive and protect these vulnerable girls from being caught and trafficked. Let every Nigerian daughter find her way home, and bring about deep restoration and freedom to their souls. We declare the power of the cross over each of these precious women. 2 Corinthians 10:4, Hebrews 12:24 God we ask that You would have Your hand on the chain of trafficking and break down the demand for paid sex. Let taxi drivers and those in the hotel/tourist industry understand the exploitative nature of the sex industry and actively discourage those in their care from seeking it out during the World Cup and beyond. Isaiah 42:3, Psalm 10:18 Day 25. Pornography Industry Pornography has been described as prostitution with a camera in the room. Russian women are often coerced and trafficked into the pornography industry, especially younger vulnerable girls aspiring to be models. Statistics have shown that men who consistently watch porn experience a negative shift in their perception of women. This shift causes them to see them as sexual objects, which directly fuels the demand for sex. God our Helper, break the addiction of pornography in Russia and in the nations. Release revelation, salvation, and sanctification over men and women entangled in this bondage and industry. Psalm 55:18; Galatians 5: 16,17 Day 23. Sexual Integrity The church cannot effectively combat human trafficking and the sexual exploitation of women and children if they are participating with the same spirit of lust and corruption that fuels it. Walking in personal purity and integrity is the first step that each believer, in Jesus Christ, can take to combat the plague of modern-day slavery. Father, would You give the church in Russia clean hands and a pure heart, that they would not lift up their soul to another. Clothe Your bride in garments of righteousness and purity, set the church in Russia on display as burning and shining lamps to those lost in the darkness of this age. Psalm 24: 4-5, John 5:35 Day 26. Jehovah Shammah, The Lord is there Many trafficked and exploited women and children feel abandoned, forgotten, and without hope. Psalm 139 says, If I make my bed in hell, behold You are there. The trafficked women and children in Russia are not forgotten or alone. The Lord is there, with them in their trouble. He alone is their hope and future. Jehovah Shammah, You who are there. Draw near to the oppressed and let them feel Your presence and the zeal that is in Your heart for them to know You. Speak words of life over them that they are not alone, for You are there with them in their trouble. Ezekiel 48:35 Day 24. The Middle Men in Sex Tourism Taxi drivers, hotel workers, and drug dealers help supply the demand to tourists visiting Russia for the purpose of illicit sex. During the World Cup, there may be a greater level of complicity and those fueling demand with the hope of tips and bribes. Day 27. Ekaterinburg Ekaterinburg is the fourth largest city in Russia and is considered one of the most important economic centers in the country. It will also be one of the host cities to the World Cup and as a city, has been called the window to Asia. Prostitution occurs in this city and reports of police brutality towards the women, who are regularly arrested and fined, have come to light. 10 A 31-DAY PRAYER GUIDE FOR THE ENDING OF HUMAN TRAFFICKING IN RUSSIA 11

7 Lord, we declare Your will be done in the city of Ekaterinburg. Strengthen Your churches there to be a light and beacon of hope and justice. May they start to reach the exploited women in their city. We ask that You would bring reformation to the mindsets in the police force towards exploited women in Ekaterinburg and across Russia. saiah 60:1-5 Day 30. Church in Russia Those trapped in the sex industry of Russia will never know true freedom and abundant life apart from Jesus Christ. The church must carry the good news to the broken and exploited. The Lord is raising up intercessors and laborers that will partner with His heart for the ending of sexual exploitation that they might come into their identity as the hands and feet of Jesus Christ to the oppressed, extending His love to those who have never known love and mercy. Day 28. Establishment of Safe Homes As victims of trafficking are rescued, their greatest need is for a place of refuge where they are able to heal and encounter the love of their heavenly Father, and where they can begin to dream again about the good future and hope He has for them. Restorative work for these victims is often specialized, expensive, and lengthy. There is a great need for Christ-centered safehomes to be established in Russia God of the Breakthrough, we pray for the swift establishment of safe homes for women and children rescued from the pain and isolation of sex trafficking and prostitution. We ask that You raise up faithful laborers, willing to walk these ones through the process of healing. Release the Spirit of Adoption on Your church that they would open their hearts to these women and children, that the lonely would be set in families. 2 Samuel 5:20, Psalm 68:5-6 Day 29. House of Prayer During the 2018 World Cup, our team in Moscow is hosting a 24/7 prayer room, in partnership with the existing House of Prayer in Moscow. As day and night worship and intercession arise for the in-breaking of God s justice and His kingdom to come, we desire God to encounter His people in Moscow! Lord, thank You that when Your people humble themselves and call out to you, You promise You will heal their land. As Your people across many churches join together, we ask that You would drawn near to each of them, unify them in prayer and mission and send them out to be Your hands and feet of love and justice in this world. 2 Chronicles 7:14, Isaiah 56:7 Holy Spirit, awaken the Church in Russia to take their place as intercessors for their nation to pray for every captive to be set free. Cause them to reach out and extend the love of Christ to the sexually exploited, that many would come to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ and be transformed. Let Your Bride be Your partner and friend, doing the good works You have prepared for her to do. You invite Your bride to love You in the face of the hungry and exploited. Let her love be expressed as truly authentic as she goes out of her way to love her neighbor and co-labors with You to bring justice to the oppressed. Luke 10, Matthew 25, Isaiah 62 Day 31. Christ-centered Justice The crisis of modern-day slavery will not be won in the courts of men until it is first won in the courts of Heaven through the prayers of the saints. Jesus alone is able to bring forth justice and truth. He does this as the church, His bride, partners with Him in the place of prayer and in practical acts of love and compassion to the poor and oppressed. You alone, O Lord, do great wonders and works on the earth. You will not fail nor be discouraged until You have established justice in Russia. Raise up an abolition movement from the grassroots level to the highest seats of government that will abolish this form of modern day slavery. You are the ultimate abolitionist, King Jesus. Isaiah 42:4, Isaiah A 31-DAY PRAYER GUIDE FOR THE ENDING OF HUMAN TRAFFICKING IN RUSSIA 13

8 Conclusion A CALL TO ACTION As we have prayed for the ending of trafficking in Russia for the last 31 days, our eyes have been opened to this nation in a new way and our hearts have been laid bare in intercession before God. Just as the prayers have reached heaven, so must actions of compassion and sexual integrity follow. We must walk as Jesus did. He was anointed to open the doors of the prison to those who are bound. Practically, that doesn t always look like cutting off physical chains, but reaching out to the poor and vulnerable with intentional deeds of kindness. It means sacrificing time, energy, and resources to meet the needs of those in your city. Sometimes, it s sitting on the curb for hours with a prostituted woman, listening to her story and praying over her. Other times, it s reaching out to the orphan and widow, who have nowhere else to turn, offering them a place at your dinner table. It also means abstaining from any kind of sexual immorality, whether purchasing sex or seeking out pornography. Next to prayer, walking in sexual integrity is one of the greatest weapons Christians have to combat human trafficking. Through the prayer of the saints and compassionate acts of love and service done in His name, God is releasing His kingdom in Russia. To learn more about the global crisis of sex trafficking, watch Exodus Cry s award-winning documentary, Nefarious: Merchant of Souls: By Helen Taylor and Tailer Ream Adapted from Exodus Cry s Prayer Guide for Brasil by Blaire Fraim and Carole Coomber Exodus Cry exists to break the cycle of commercial sexual exploitation and help those who have been sold for sex, because every person should be /exoduscrykc EXODUSCRY.COM 14 A 31-DAY PRAYER GUIDE