The Church Must Continue Anti-Trafficking Work After the Super Bowl

The Super Bowl has come and gone. Unfortunately, so has much of the hype surrounding anti-trafficking efforts in our community. So, we at Transform Minnesota are calling on churches and faith leaders to continue in the fight against sex trafficking in our communities.

“As the rest of the world moves on following the Super Bowl, we as a faith community must step forward and offer victims the help and hope we know the Gospel offers,” says Carl Nelson, President of Transform Minnesota.

One month after Super Bowl 52, pastors and church representatives are invited to a breakfast at Wooddale Church for a debrief on anti-trafficking efforts following the big game, and to learn next steps for churches in the fight against sex trafficking.

“Jesus is about transformed lives.  We encourage Christians to become part of other peoples’ journeys and stories.  In the fight for freedom, that journey sometimes involves slavery and trafficking.  Isaiah challenges us to bring good news to the poor, to comfort the brokenhearted and to proclaim that captives will be released (Isaiah 61:1-2),” said Pastor Richard Payne, Worldwide Missions Pastor, Wooddale Church.

By harnessing the momentum of the Super Bowl in Minneapolis, we hope churches will launch this anti-trafficking movement forward, to have long-term impact on the lives of rescued victims, and in the restoration of local perpetrators.

“The goal and hope is that we can offer a message to each of these women and girls trapped in sex trafficking that they are valuable and they are priceless,” said Christine Erickson, Director of OneLess Ministry at Grace Church.

“This isn’t a problem of more resources or more handcuffs (for the perpetrators). I think this is a sin problem, and we, as the Church know the right solution for sin is to turn your eyes to the Gospel,” said Sgt. Grant Snyder, of the Minneapolis Police Department’s Human Trafficking task force.

We encourage pastors and church representatives to continue this anti-trafficking work after the Super Bowl, by learning clear action steps and practical on-ramps for working with existing anti-trafficking organizations.

“If God is calling you to be involved, I encourage you to learn about local and global organizations that can use your help.  Become part of someone’s journey to freedom on earth and in heaven,” said Pastor Richard Payne.