Terry Wiebe, organizer of National Human Trafficking Awareness Breakfast in Steinbach

In honour of Human Trafficking Awareness Day in Manitoba, (the second Thursday in March), local women work towards ending human trafficking and prostitution in our communities.

Terry Wiebe of Steinbach organized a prayer breakfast at Smitty's in Steinbach to pray for the people and issues related to human trafficking in Manitoba.

In an effort to spread awareness and create more support in the community, Wiebe shares her list of prayer requests used at the special human trafficking prayer breakfast at the end of this article, and encourages Bible study groups, families or individuals to join them in prayer.

Executive Director of Inner City Women's Ministries, Shon McLaren believes an important need right now is for a 24/7 drop in centre for youth after school and for adults from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. McLaren says single moms and parents need this after school support for their kids to eliminate baby-sitting costs as well as allow them to take classes to better themselves. The adult drop in is to provide safe shelter.

McLaren emphasizes that an important aspect of their ministry is getting to know the women at risk and creating long-term friendships with them. She says relationships are critical in being able to accept help, as trust is also established. "You have to make relationship with people. They're not going to just come to your drop in. We have to get out there ourselves and see the needs in our community."

McLaren says prevention is critical, and prevention involves creating good relationships. "If you're a parent or caregiver, create good relationships with your kids. Let them vent their anger or emotion, and try to steer it in a good direction. I can't emphasize this enough - good relationship will kill human trafficking and prostitution!"

On a positive note, two females were rescued by the ministry last week, with one of the females originating from the Steinbach area.

List of prayer requests related to human trafficking in Manitoba:
Pray for people who are trafficked or those at risk
-Freedom from their traffickers
-Freedom from fear, shame, rejection
-Physical, spiritual and mental healing
-Access to shelters, healthcare, education & employment

Pray for those engaged in trafficking others
-A new and clear understanding of the violence and consequences of their actions
-The courage to turn away from corruption, greed, and unjust actions
-Freedom from sexual addictions

Pray for Governments, law enforcement agencies, and organizations working to combat trafficking
-Wisdom and Godly counsel within our government
-Boldness and courage to take action to address the systems that make human trafficking possible
-Strong law enforcement efforts to enforce laws to fight corruption and target the traffickers and safety for our officers
-Collaboration and strong relations between government, law enforcement and anti-trafficking organizations.
-Increased awareness, education, and heightened concern in our community

Pray for Organizations
-For freedom to work unhindered for those who are being trafficked
-For wisdom and love as they work to help those in recovery
-More workers to serve in these organizations
-Financial security to allow growth, and expansion of services to meet the tremendous need
-Protection and safety for those rescuing people from trafficking