Prevention Month
Human Trafficking Prevention Month: Glance at the Crisis, Gaze on God
January is National Human Trafficking Prevention Month—a time to face the reality of modern slavery and to seek hope and action together. In our Season 6 podcast opener, Ruth Payton-Willett, Prayer Coordinator for the Freedom Challenge, invites us to pause, pray, and reflect on what it means to be part of the solution.
Why January Matters
January isn’t just the start of a new year—it’s a month set aside to remember the Emancipation Proclamation and to recommit ourselves to ending all forms of slavery. President Obama’s 2010 proclamation made January a time for awareness, education, and action against human trafficking. Today, millions are still trapped in forced labor and exploitation, and the need for freedom and dignity remains urgent.
Glance at the Crisis, Gaze on God
Ruth shares honestly about the difficulty of facing the issue of human trafficking. It’s overwhelming, heartbreaking, and often feels impossible to change. Yet, as people of faith, we are called to look to God for help and to pray for both the victims and those caught in cycles of darkness. Through scripture—Psalm 121 and Isaiah 61—we’re reminded that our help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth, and that Jesus came to bring good news, release captives, and bring freedom.
A Prayer for the Journey
Inspired by the Heart of Pilgrimage Bible study and the Camino tradition, Ruth leads us in a prayer for all people—those in danger, those weary, and those seeking freedom. We ask for protection, strength, and mercy, believing that our prayers matter and that God’s compassion is new every morning.
Facing Reality with Hope
The battle against human trafficking is daunting. The numbers are staggering, and the pain is real. But Ruth encourages us to pray not only for those suffering but also for those perpetrating harm, trusting that transformation is possible. We are invited to wrestle with the hard questions, to forgive, and to hope for redemption.
What Can You Do This Month?
Pray intentionally for survivors, communities, and those working to end trafficking.
Learn about the signs of trafficking and share resources with your network.
Support organizations and projects that provide safe recovery and empowerment.
Take small steps—every action matters.
Join the Challenge in 2026
This year, Freedom Challenge is inviting you to take a step and join the movement. Whether through prayer, physical challenges, fundraising, or advocacy, you can be part of a community that is doing good, doing more, and doing it together. If you’re unsure how to get involved, reach out—we’re here to help you find your place in the fight for freedom.
Let’s make 2026 a year of new beginnings, hope, and action. Join the Freedom Challenge and help disrupt the cycles of oppression and poverty that fuel human trafficking. Together, we can make a difference.
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Watch the interview: https://youtu.be/Mvjnj_-S4eQ
Listen to the podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/842389/episodes/18473132
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Want to learn more?
The Freedom Challenge US: thefreedomchallenge.com
Operation Mobilization USA: omusa.org
Instagram: @freedomchallengeusa / Facebook: @thefcusa