The Republic of South Africa
FYI: South Africa isthe first African country to host a World Cup...pretty cool.
Relevant Magazine p
osted a gut wrenching article a couple of days ago that outlined the ugly side of the World Cup: Human Trafficking. It is easy to become focused on the fantastic matches or be distracted by the glitz and glamour (...or very unglamorous fat dudes with face paint) and then miss the other things that go on with an event like this one.
Here are a few of the heart-breaking "highlights" of the article:
- In 2005 the International Labour Organization estimated that human trafficking had profits of $31.6 BILLION...and it's only growing!
- South Africa has been a documented source, transit, and destination for the trafficking of men, women, and children...many of the people end up in South African brothels.
- Officials have said that these brothels "weren't here a year ago"...meaning that business has spiked because of the World Cup visitors and business coming to town.
- Laws and prosecution against the perpetrators of these heinous crimes are incredibly weak.
...a few thoughts for prayers...
Pray that the Gospel would explode in South Africa and that people from around the world would hear and respond to it.
Pray for the men, women, and children that are devastated by human trafficking every day. Pray that the church would step up and help the helpless. Pray for ways that you can get involved in the fight.
Praise God would ending Apartheid in South Africa and moving the country down a path of racial reconciliation and healing.
Pray for the 15% of South Africans who claim no religion at all. The majority of the country claims to be Christian but many combine it with tribal religions. Pray that the true Gospel of Jesus Christ would take root.
What did I miss?
What are you praying for?
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