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Freedom Arise | Anti-Trafficking Ministry  


Freedom Arise Ministry at Shepherd Church was birthed to answer God’s call to “bind up the brokenhearted, proclaim freedom for the captives, and release from darkness for the prisoners” (Isaiah 61:1). We believe in a world without slavery - where every man, woman, and child are living in freedom and dignity. We are committed to prayer, raising awareness, prevention, and growing the movement to end human trafficking in the San Fernando Valley, Nationally and abroad. We partner with local and global unique role organizations that educate on prevention, operate rescues, restore victims, and prosecute abusers. 


Upcoming Events 

DRESSEMBER!!! 

Did you know you can be an advocate against human trafficking?! Through the Dressember campaign, it's fun and easy to become an advocate. All you have to do is sign up, and commit to wearing either a dress or a bowtie for the month of December! You will be provided with a social media kit, and everything you need to succeed! The cool thing is, you're not alone! Shepherd members are joining THOUSANDS from around the world who are participating. All proceeds from Dressember go to reputable organizations who are on the front lines, fighting to end slavery around the world! Join us this December! 

Join our team, "TEAM FREEDOM FASHION" at the link below! 

dressember2021.funraise.org



Human Trafficking Statistics


    Human trafficking involves force, fraud, or coercion to obtain some type of labor or commercial sex act.

    Types of human trafficking: sex trafficking, bonded labor, forced labor, forced marriage, child soldiers, debt bondage.

    An estimated 40.3 million people are enslaved worldwide.

    Women and girls make up 71 percent of all victims.

    1 in 4 victims of modern-day slavery is a child.

    Slavery generates $150 billion for traffickers annually.

    Human Trafficking has been reported in all 50 states in the U.S.

    Human trafficking is now the world’s fastest growing crime. It’s a crime driven by greed.

    Of the 13 high-intensity areas identified by the FBI for child sex trafficking, three are located in California: Los Angeles, San Francisco and San Diego     metropolitan areas.    

    80% of trafficking victims in LA come from within the foster care system.


(Sources: Global Estimates of Modern Slavery, U.S. Department of State, International Labor Organization, Polaris Project, ZOE International)


Indicators of Human Trafficking

 

Common Work and Living Conditions: Potential Victims 

Not free to leave, living and working on site

Under 18 and is providing commercial sex acts

Unpaid, underpaid, or paid only tips 

Works excessively long and/or unusual hours without breaks or time off work

 

Poor Mental Health or Abnormal Behavior

Overly fearful, anxious, depressed, submissive, tense, or nervous/paranoid 

Exhibits unusually fearful or anxious behavior after bringing up law enforcement or immigration officials 

 

Poor Physical Health

Shows signs of poor hygiene, malnourishment, and/or fatigue 

Shows signs of physical and/or sexual abuse, physical restraint, confinement, or torture 

Branded or marked with a tattoo such as a man's name, symbol of money, or a barcode

               

Lack of Control

Has few or no personal possessions

Frequently monitored by someone who seems to control their every move

Not in control of their own identification (ID or passport), money, financial records, or bank account 

Not allowed or able to speak for themselves (a third party may insist on being present and/or translating)

 

Other

Has a new boyfriend or girlfriend that is noticeably older

Has an unexplained, sudden increase in money, clothing, or possessions like jewelry

Lack of knowledge of whereabouts and/or do not know what city he/she is in 

Shares scripted, confusing, or inconsistent stories

 

This list is not exclusive to identify potential human trafficking victims, other factors (not listed) may be present. Additionally, some factors may be present in a non-trafficking situation. Use wisdom.


To request help or report suspected human trafficking, call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or text "help" to BeFree (233733).


(Source: Polaris Project)


Prayer Points


    Pray for the victims. Pray for all who are bound physically and spiritually to be set free, and pray that they will be healed.

    Pray for the traffickers. Pray that they would repent of their sins and turn from their wicked ways. Pray that they too would be set free from their bondage to greed and pursue Jesus.

    Pray for justice in the justice system. Pray that those in positions of power and influence would do the right thing and uphold the law to protect the vulnerable. Pray that justice would reign in the law enforcement and judicial systems of the world.

    Pray for the "breaking grounds" to be destroyed.

    Pray for organizations on the frontlines. Pray for protection, provision, success, and effectiveness as they seek to educate, rescue, and restore the vulnerable. Pray that they would be strengthened with joy for their difficult journey of seeing justice established in places where corruption often runs rampant.  

    Pray for the church to rise up. Pray that the church would awaken from its slumber over justice issues and become the leading force in declaring and demonstrating the gospel to a world in darkness.

    Pray for more intercessors who will contend day and night until the captives are set free.        

    Pray for spiritual strongholds connected to human trafficking, such as greed, lust, and pride to be torn down.

    Pray for the end of human trafficking and modern-day slavery. 

(Source: Justice Awakening by Eddie Byun)


Shepherd's Partner Organizations

    International Justice Mission | ijm.org

    Blackbox International | blackboxinternational.org

    Slavery No More | slaverynomore.org

    Treasures | iamatreasure.com


Please contact Valerie or Alona at Freedomarise@shepherdchurch.com for more information.