(World Cup Logo courtesy Wikipedia)
Brazil (EFCA/MNN) — Last year, government figures showed that human trafficking in Brazil spiked by 1500%.
Brazil’s economic inequalities provide the perfect conditions for human trafficking to flourish, with a steady stream of desperate people vulnerable to exploitation and the people willing to buy them. What’s more, the problem is only going to get worse in the near future.
The 2014 World Cup and Olympics in 2016 (along with several other large tourist attractions like Carnival) will be taking place in Rio. It is unusual that the Olympics would follow so closely behind the World Cup.
(Olympic logo courtesy Wikipedia)
Because the Olympics are much bigger than the World Cup, attracting an estimated 200 countries and millions of tourists to Rio, it creates the perfect storm for predators. This brings the very ugly world of sex trafficking, which serves the purpose of sexual tourism, prostitution, and involves children, teenagers, and women.
ReachGlobal, the Brazilian church, Exodus Cry, and other partners are working to be part of the solution. Right now, they’re calling for experienced leaders to help them fight back.
As in the parable of the wedding banquet, God has called the Rio City Team to bring the gospel to the streets. Rio is one of the most dangerous cities in the world, and yet God is showing His power and love by reaching what most would consider the unreachable.
Teams will be engaged in street evangelism as well as awareness, prevention, and intervention programs, long-term care and discipleship, and more. After training, the teams will be using the World Cup as preparation for Olympic outreach.
(Image courtesy EFCA)
Will it make any difference? Without Christ, there is no true justice. Every justice initiative must begin and end with Jesus. Rio City team leaders are urging and training the Brazilian Church to be the voice for the voiceless, advocating for tougher laws.
They are asking for prayer and resources, but they need more people to stand in the gap. There are more ways you can help. Click here for details.
