A call to prayer

The World Cup starts today and while there are a lot of positive things happening in South Africa because of it, there is also a huge opening for a lot of scary things to happen. I just recently read a World Cup security brief article (written after a meeting held at the Consular section) that made me very aware of some of these "scary things."
Below is an excerpt from the article that struck me hard and broke my heart:

"For those with children the World Cup is going to be a particularly bad time for child abductions. In South Africa there are 15 abductions/kidnappings every day and they see this as a crime which will get out of hand over the World Cup period. Human trafficking gangs know that the schools are all on holiday over the tournament. They will target shopping malls, cafes, cinemas, public toilets and toy departments in shops. The SA authorities estimate that approx 300,000 Africans will come over the borders for the tournament. The borders will not be able to cope with the surge and checks will be cursory in most cases. Babies will be abducted for scrupulous adoption agencies in Nigeria and the like. Children aged 4-8 will be targeted for the porn industry. Those children around 9 – 13 for prostitution."

It's clear. Human trafficking is very real. Here in Africa, but also around the world. It is a horrific, repulsive and grossly violating practice which is "justified" by the market that demands it. Now please understand I am not bringing your attention to this to bring upon discouragement, despair or worry, but instead my hope is that you will be moved and encouraged to pray fervently against it. Pray for the woman and children who will be targeted. Pray for those who drive the market - the traffickers and the "customers" - that their eyes will be opened to the truth and their hearts will face fierce conviction.

We serve a powerful and mighty God who can move mountains and part waters...certainly he will hear the unified prayers of his people.