Praying For Vulnerable Children - Human TraffickingShembull

When five things are present, children are better protected from people trying to hurt them. Here’s the fourth key:

Holistic Child Development

In the midst of dark circumstances, many local churches are shining bright in communities who are fighting trafficking. 

In our daily verse from James, the author describes “true religion” much differently than many people in our culture. He uses two examples. First, he explains it as “to look after orphans and widows.” God has special concern for those most vulnerable, those who fall at the margins of society who are often exploited. God claims to be the protector and James instructs us to follow His example. 

Second, “true religion” means keeping oneself from being polluted by the world. He doesn’t say to remove ourselves from the world, but calls us away from the evil pollution found there. James explains that one acting faithfully enters the culture, but keeps oneself free from being polluted by it.

What a joy to combine these two factors—to care for the widow and orphan and to share the love of Jesus with them. It is a tremendous blessing to love, serve, and protect the most vulnerable in this world and share the greatest Protector of all.

Compassion centers choose to care for the neediest using a holistic model. Our method develops minds, bodies and spirits to help children in poverty. All of our child development programs provide opportunities that encourage healthy development in four areas—spiritual, physical, social and economic. That means, we don’t focus entirely on the physical needs. Instead, all aspects of poverty are addressed in an effort to break the cycle of poverty for that child. Children are lifted out of the poverty that entraps them and makes them vulnerable to exploitation.

When children attend a holistic program, there are many people looking out for them. If they don’t show up to the program, someone notices.

In our verse for today, James describes “true religion” much differently than many people in our culture. He uses two examples. First, he explains it as “to look after orphans and widows.” God has special concern for those most vulnerable, those who fall at the margins of society who are often exploited. God claims to be the protector and James instructs us to follow His example. 

It is a tremendous blessing to love, serve, and protect the most vulnerable in this world and share Jesus with them. He is the greatest Protector of all.

Jesus has regard for the weakest and most vulnerable among us. We can follow His example and give priority to those who are weak.

Suggested prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for programs around the world who give children holistic training. Thank You that these children learn how to respond to those who try to lure them away or who mistreat their bodies. Give the leaders of these programs wisdom and success as they seek to protect children from harm. As Your Word says, You secure justice for the poor and uphold the cause of the needy. In Jesus’ name, amen.