The Red Cord Prayer Focus

October 2020

This month’s theme is focused on Spiritual Warfare.

First off, I think we all agree we are living in a different world in just less than a year’s time. I also believe that what we are witnessing today is the manifestation of the kingdom of darkness at work for some time now.

Those of us in the anti-trafficking movement are well aware of the spiritual warfare that is involved when we engage the territory of the enemy in human trafficking. Even as I was preparing this letter and while The Red Cord was preparing for a Night of Worship recently dedicated to human trafficking, the attacks of the enemy were very evident.

Satan hates us praying and worshipping God, because he knows it invokes the power and presence of God Almighty in our midst.

So, whether we like it or not, as believers who believe and proactively engage in the fight against trafficking, whether in our prayer closets or as boots on the ground, we are in war involving the spiritual realm.

In the large scheme of things, it’s important we understand we are in a battle for the soul of nations in this season. I believe we are experiencing a shaking of the earth as Hebrews 12:27 describes “…removing of those things that can be shaken, so that what cannot be shaken may remain.’ God is exposing darkness, the dark deeds of men from the political arena to the trafficking world, which incidentally have some connections to each other. Human trafficking is nearly the #1 criminal enterprise worldwide, and today we are witnessing more arrests made and victims rescued. This is good news, praise God! He is doing a mighty work, and there is so much yet to be done, spiritual strongholds of HT that have to be brought down by the power of God, in the name of Jesus!

“The weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds” 11Corinthians 10:4

Romans 8 describes the earth groaning in expectation for the sons of God to come forth, clothed in strength and glory…. overcomers! I believe God wants to see an overcoming, powerful church in the earth and not just in the hereafter. When we realize the fullness of our salvation provided through the Blood of Jesus, we can come into our full identity in Christ. So, I want to encourage us to see ourselves as victorious, including in our prayers, as we walk in the righteousness of Christ.

When it comes to the horrors of human trafficking, child porn, child trafficking, and all it entails, it can feel overwhelming when we pray, unable to find adequate words. We hardly know where to begin sometimes. Ask the Holy Spirit to lead you. One simple and powerful way to pray is praying the Word of God – The Word of God, and its’ principles incorporated in our prayers, is praying in the will of God. When you find a passage of scripture, think about the meaning and principles of that scripture and all that it can apply to. Replace the personal pronouns with those you are praying for, whether it be victims, survivors, those in the fight against trafficking, the criminal networks of HT…etc. God will give you passages of scripture to pray from. If you have a prayer language in the Spirit, use it! 🙂

If I may suggest a book I have used, it’s called ‘Prayers That Rout Demons’ by Apostle John Eckhardt. He takes the scriptures and almost word for word turns them into short sentence prayers, divided into different categories. There are also free videos online reciting these prayers. Check them out. Not only will it inspire you in how you pray, but it will also lift your spirit!

Remember also that God has given hosts of angels to come to aid in the answer to our prayers (ministering spirits). Call upon God to dispatch these angels when needed.

I heard someone say recently that “Sometimes the shadow cast by your prayers are greater than the prayers themselves”. Don’t underestimate your prayers in faith! God’s Word does not return void!

Be encouraged and lifted up. God said if we would humble ourselves before Him, He would exalt us. Not for ourselves, but for His Glory, because He desires to work through us! That in itself is humbling! To think that the God of the Universe would choose to want to work through us and alongside us! We are His Body! What a marvelous mystery to grasp! Satan knows this. Shall we not know it that much more!

Please remember the following in your prayers – If God lays a particular area on your heart to spend more time praying over, be obedient to that. You may not pray for everything equally and that’s okay. God may give a special burden of another area to someone else.

This is ‘Spiritual Warfare’ month. If you desire to be used by God to pray, ask God to sharpen your spiritual senses, so you are sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s leading when He reveals something to you that needs prayer. Because of the season we are in, be watchful, be prayerful, and walk circumspectly in all wisdom and in the power of His Spirit. Guard your walk and intimacy with Christ. Be filled with His Spirit. You cannot give out what you don’t have. Take care of yourself. Be prayerful and selective in the battles of life you engage in on a daily basis. Ask God to help you prioritize your time and energy so you are not distracted or burned out and unable to answer the call to pray when God calls on you. We are very appreciative that you are reading this letter now. Thank you!
Pray for the Body of Jesus Christ to come into her full destined purpose, to ‘Be the Church’ out in the world, and not just on certain days of the week and celebrations within brick and mortar. Can you imagine if everyone fulfilled ‘their assignment and God given purpose’ out in the world, the transformation we would see?! We are called to be soldiers of Christ to defeat the enemy and advance the Kingdom of God in the earth, setting captives free and bringing righteousness, joy, and peace in the Holy Spirit.
Anti-trafficking organizations need the prayers of faith-filled believers of Christ!
Please be on the lookout for The Red Cord Newsletter that is posted on this website in the first week of every month. Pray for the events shared in the newsletter.
Pray for the trainings, radio interviews, and podcasts that are ongoing. Pray for more available volunteers, especially trainers.
As we hear about rescues and arrests regarding trafficking and prostitution, please be praying for all the individuals involved. Pray that victims who are rescued will courageously take the next step of accepting the help offered to them without the fear of retaliation from their pimp or trafficker. Pray against the fear, and speak life, courage, peace and soundness of mind over them. Pray that they would accept the care and love offered to them, so they can receive the healing and restoration needed in their lives.
Pray for those addicted to pornography. Porn is what fuels the demand for sex trafficking of both adults and children. We are seeing a sharp increase in the demand for child pornography which leads to the acting out on children themselves from infancy to teenagers, with 13 being the most targeted age. This demonic stronghold must be brought down through our prayers!
Pray that all that is hidden in darkness would be brought to light; that criminal networks of human trafficking and prostitution would be dismantled. Pray that attempts to decriminalize prostitution would be defeated. Pray for those being trafficked under the guise of prostitution, as well as those who felt they had no other option but to sell themselves, only to find themselves in a place of enslavement they did not see coming. Pray for their deliverance and healing.
And, as always The Red Cord staff and volunteers covet and appreciate your prayers…prayers for continued open doors to bring awareness and training, especially in those places of greatest need where there is resistance in some form or another, which is most often spiritual darkness pushing back against the Light. Pray for the hearts engaged during trainings to be stirred to action. Pray for multiplied fruit from our labors and that the fruit would remain and grow. Pray that God would keep us in His will, that we would be sensitive to His leading, especially in these times of unrest. Pray for God’s protection and covering over us. Pray for rest and strength in the midst of the battle and the demand of time involved.

Ephesians 6:12 “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.”

Psalm 24:8 “Who is this King of Glory? The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle

Zephaniah 3:17 “The Lord thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; He will save, He will rejoice over thee with joy”

Thank you and God bless you in this season. We pray that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man.

Helen

The Red Cord Prayer Focus for September 2020

Prostitution versus Trafficking

What do you understand about Prostitution and Sex Trafficking? How are they different and similar? Let’s go over some basics and perhaps begin removing some misconceptions held by many. Only then will we be able to pray more effectively with compassion for those caught in this web of sex exploitation.

The terms “sex trafficking”, “sex work” and “prostitution” are often used interchangeably.
While both sex work and sex trafficking involve prostitution, by definition…
sex work entails a willing engagement in commercial sex
sex trafficking involves force, fraud, or coercion.
A high number of those who enter the industry willingly as sex workers eventually become victims of trafficking.

TRC member Laura F. shares “Oftentimes, people who decide they want to be their own boss doing sex work eventually find themselves under the thumb of a pimp. Instead of setting their own schedule, choosing their clients and keeping whatever money they earn, they are often raped, controlled by fear and don’t keep a single penny. Many of them become addicted to drugs and face jail time, only to re-enter the world of prostitution once released, believing that there is nothing else for them, and this is what they signed up for anyway”.

A high percentage of those who choose prostitution have been sexually abused in the past, have low self-esteem, or find themselves in any number of desperate financial situations, feeling alone and unable to support themselves or their families. Many feel trapped and convinced there are no other options available to them. Pimps are keen in recognizing these vulnerability points and are quick to take advantage, wasting no time to then force and coerce them into enslavement. No girl or boy ever says “When I grow up, I want to be a prostitute”.

Some feel that Prostitution should be legalized, and therefore viewed as a ‘business’ which would require a business license, regulation, and taxation. Pimps do not want to be regulated and pay taxes. Therefore, it would push trafficking further underground.

Some would like to see Prostitution decriminalized which would remove all charges and penalties from anyone involved which will surely increase trafficking. It becomes a free for all.

It’s important our hearts and minds are well informed so we can pray with understanding and knowledge. The Bible encourages us to be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding….

So how do we pray? As always, ask Holy Spirit to lead you when you pray. The following are focus points to guide us.

Continue to pray that vulnerable women, men, boys, and girls would be shielded and protected supernaturally from those that would prey upon them. Pray for ministering spirits to be dispatched, directing their steps away from vulnerable situations.
For those who initially choose prostitution, pray that they would know their true worth and value as a human being deeply loved by their Heavenly Father. Pray that their paths would be divinely connected with those who are ready to love and receive them, to help them take those first steps towards a new path. Pray for the necessary provisions to assist them in the path to total freedom, independence and healthy interdependence.
Pray for our law enforcement and first responders to be protected as they risk their lives out on the field, especially at this time. Pray that the crises at hand would not distract them from being at the right place and right time to see and recognize victims of prostitution/trafficking that need help. Pray that they would have wisdom and compassion before making premature judgements
Pray for the legal system. Although penalties for pimps/traffickers have increased, there is still a long way to go to ensure they are prosecuted to the fullest. Pray also for the victims/survivors that face wrongful incarceration for prostitution, that there would be just policies that would protect them.
Pray that Prostitution would NOT become legalized, thereby putting more lives at risk of being sexually exploited and enslaved.
It’s important we have leaders in our nations who will do all they can in their power and influence to fight sexual exploitation on every front, which includes prostitution. Continue to pray that in this next election, that citizens would exercise their right to vote for leaders who will stand for justice for all who are victimized.
Pray that every demonic stronghold at the root of pornography (which fuels the demand for purchased sex), and prostitution/sex trafficking would be rooted out, torn down and demolished in the name of Jesus. Pray for the activation of resources and manpower to combat this epidemic in our communities throughout the world.
Pray that the church would rise up, take their place, and become engaged in the fight against sexual exploitation/trafficking, and set an example in the community by taking responsibility in caring for the ‘orphans’ – those who are abandoned, without protection and support. Pray the church would be eyes and ears to see and recognize those who may be vulnerable to the entrapments of prostitution and trafficking, and help safeguard them.

We invite you to stay tuned for more on this particular issue in our September’s theme video featuring our interview with Jaco Booyens, speaker, film producer, Anti-human trafficking activist, and our 2019 Gala keynote speaker. It will be on our Facebook page and on this website soon. Please invite your church leaders and anyone else you know to join us.

In addition to our focus of the month, we ask that you continue to be vigilant in your prayers for the continued ongoing operations of taking down numerous pedophile rings, child pornography sites, and individuals exploiting and raping children. Enough cannot be said in praying for the rescue of these children, and for their healing and survival.

May justice be served and vindication rendered to every victim and survivor.
Psalm 89:14 “Righteousness and justice are the foundation of Your throne: Mercy and truth go before Your face.

Thank you for your faithful prayers,
Helen

The Red Cord Prayer Focus for August 2020

As people of faith, believers in Christ, we cannot afford to abdicate our responsibility to pray effectively regarding the issue of human trafficking, or modern day slavery, soon to be the number one largest criminal enterprise in our nation.

We can no longer ignore the alarming facts. If you have not been educated on those facts, do so, and get connected at heart level. There are countless lives at stake! They are not just abducted. They are your neighbors, friend’s children, school mates, & co-workers, who are bound in silence, unable to get free from the psychological bondage that keeps them enslaved to exploitation.

Sometimes we feel helpless, not knowing where to start in praying effectively.

I would like to share the following that I thought would be another helpful guide. It was taken from Cornerstone Conference IPHC a couple of years ago, yet never more true today.

Allow the Holy Spirit to use our collective voices to pierce through the spiritual darkness that hold many captive, and declare freedom, redemption, and healing through Jesus, our mighty Lord and Deliverer.

Thank you for your prayers,
Helen

A Prayer Strategy for Human Trafficking
By Valerie Beck

More than 40 years ago, in a small store in northern Minnesota, a blond-haired, blue-eyed little girl stood mesmerized by trinkets in one aisle as her mother shopped in the adjacent one. Unexpectedly, a woman with a small boy told the little girl that she needed to go with them. The girl balked quietly, but she was not accustomed to opposing adults, even strangers.

From the back seat of the stranger’s car, the little girl wondered how her mother would find her. By God’s grace, within moments the girl’s mother hurried to the parking lot and noticed her precious child in the car right next to her own. The mother jerked the door open, freed the little girl, and welcomed her back into her arms—thwarting the enemy’s plans.

That little girl was me—and God did something in my life that day. Through my near abduction and other experiences, God gave me a passion for those who are taken, lured, or even given away and sold for sex.

As prayer leaders, we need to understand the reality of human trafficking—and how we can pray.

Hidden Evil

Earlier this year, Minnesota hosted the Super Bowl. With any large event such as this, we can expect an increase in lewd behavior that includes purchasing women and children for sex. These hidden evils escape unnoticed because often the transactions occur via the Internet. In Minnesota, more than 200 such ads were posted daily in the online marketplace. The profile of a “buyer” is a white, married male, age 30–50, who has disposable income and, usually, a history of pornography.

What can the Church do about all this? We offer the only true hope and healing. Jesus extends His hand to all those who are broken, lost, and living apart from Him. This includes the men who are the sellers and buyers of sex, as well as the abuse victims.

Each person is made in God’s image and is valued by Him. His Word reminds us of our true enemy. His Word also reminds us that our prayers change things. As prayer leaders, we need to engage our congregations in praying about sex trafficking and sexual exploitation. Here are some ways to take action through prayer:

Pray that the Church

will be willing and prepared to engage in healthy and helpful conversations about sexual exploitation, pornography, and abuse (Rom. 8:1, 5).
will remember the gift of grace and offer prayer support and biblical truth (Eph. 2:1–9).
will be unified and viewed as a valuable and necessary resource in this battle (John 17:23)

2. Pray that traffickers and buyers

will find their transactions interrupted and their wicked plans frustrated (Ps. 9:16, 10:15, 146:9).
will see the reality of what they are doing and seek help (Phil. 2:3–4; 1 Cor. 6:18–20).

3. Pray that the sold and abused

will be found and will receive the offered help despite fear, threats, and deception (Matt. 10:28; Ps. 72:12–14).
will experience restored minds, bodies, and lives through Christ (Zech. 9:11–12; Rom. 12:2).
will follow through on treatment plans and learn to live in a new, healthy, and productive way (Eph. 4:22–24).
will desire Christ alone and allow Him to fill their need for belonging, acceptance, joy, hope, and peace (Rom. 8:15; 15:13).

4. Pray that law enforcement and outreach workers

will have a shield of physical and spiritual protection as they hear about and see the horrible violations done to the victims (Ps. 5:11–12).
will be strengthened in Christ for the battle (Phil. 4:13).

In addition, pray that God will bring confusion into the enemy’s camp so that his schemes are unorganized and ineffective (Deut. 7:23; Ps. 71:24).

We desire all involved to come to repentance, to acknowledge Jesus as Lord, and to find healing and redemption in Him (2 Peter 3:9; Rom. 10:9–10).

Those who are broken in body and spirit cannot be repaired without our God who heals, restores, and provides true hope for both now and eternity. What the enemy means for evil—even the horror of sex trafficking—God can turn around for His good purposes (see Gen. 50:20).

JULY 2020

Friends,

America and many parts of the world are in a fight for the souls of our nations.

In this month of July as we remember America’s Independence Day, may we appreciate the sacrifices and prayers that bore this nation into being. Despite its flaws, America remains in its’ goal to be a beacon of light and freedom to all.

Gradually we are made painfully aware that freedom and the pursuit of happiness is not experienced by many in our midst, often hidden in plain sight. These are the ones who have the greatest to lose, pushed further back into the darkness and forgotten, if we do not stand in the gap and pray for our nation. Pray that we would be healed and unified in putting to flight every enemy who would dare take away our God given freedoms. Pray and ask God what our part is as we put our feet to action in the answer of those prayers.

Lord, we didn’t see them.
But you did-
The hundreds and thousands of human beings
trafficked each year to join the millions who are trapped in
modern-day slavery.

They are children, women, and men of all backgrounds, forced or coerced into sex and labor exploitation, for sale, many under extreme conditions, unimaginable to those of us who live free to choose our path in life.

But you see them all.
You hear their cry and you answer
by opening our eyes, and breaking our hearts
and loosening our tongues to insist:

No more.

“Let’s put down the weapons we hold against each other and gather around this societal plaque. Let us all – of every color and creed – join hands and attack this wicked darkness together.” Tim Ballard

If the Son has set us free, we are free indeed

The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon us, Because the Lord has anointed us to bring good news to the afflicted; He has sent us to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to captives, And freedom to prisoners

The Red Cord