The Brook hosts ‘Justice & Worship’ to study human trafficking

The Brook, Sojourn Church and other congregations partnered to present “Justice & Worship,” a citywide gathering of prayer and education about human trafficking.

Rev. Brian Mayfield

“We had the incredible privilege to host,” lead pastor Brian Mayfield said about holding the session on The Brook’s Madison campus on Dec. 1.

Last January, Rev. David Thew and Sojourn Church hosted a similar event. “We came together with other churches because we believe it’s time churches start standing up together to educate, advocate and pray,” Mayfield said.

Mayfield said human trafficking occurs “when a person is treated like a commodity — sold, bartered or traded, whether for prostitution, slavery, forced labor” or other purpose. “Justice & Worship” examined how the church “can stand up and make a difference for those around the world and even in our own city who are currently living in bondage and slavery.”

“Anyone who thinks (human trafficking) is confined to other countries and continents is living a sheltered life,” Mayfield said. “Trafficking is going on in cities all over North America, passing through our cities right here in North Alabama.”

Andy Hein with the International Justice Mission spoke at the event. This mission has assisted in freeing thousands of slaves. Area artists displayed and sold their work, with most proceeds benefiting IJM.

Each year, 2 million children are sexually exploited. “IJM is not only waging war to free slaves worldwide but to give survivor aftercare,” Mayfield said.

The audience heard that trafficking generates more than $32 billion annually that “trades hands for the actual sale — not including money made from the prostitution or slave labor the victim is forced into,” Mayfield said. “As God’s people, no matter where we are, He has called us to stand up, speak up and take His light into the darkness.”

“All throughout scripture, we know that God is a God of justice. As His people, we are called to stand up for those who can’t stand up for themselves,” Mayfield said about the church’s role in the issue.

For more information, visit ijm.org.