All Things You Ask

It has been identified in various ways: modern slavery, modern day slavery, forced labor, sex trafficking, sex trades, trafficking in persons. The U.S. Department of State says, “The United States government considers trafficking in persons to include all of the criminal conduct involved in forced labor and sex trafficking, essentially the conduct involved in reducing or holding someone in compelled service”.

Since the winter of 2013, God has been growing in the hearts of the FCS community a deep compassion for those held captive by various forms of modern slavery—especially women and children who are being held captive for purposes of sexual exploitation. This compassion is born out of the calling to fulfill Jesus’ mission “to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners…” (Isaiah 61:1b). This compassion is increased by a growing awareness of the suffering of those held captive. This compassion is fueled by a heartfelt desire to do something about that suffering.

It has to be one of the boldest statements Jesus ever made: “All things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive.” At the same time, it is not one of the most surprising statements Jesus ever made. Jesus is the King of Kings, the King of Glory, the King over All the Earth, but he is also the King of Unlimited Possibilities. Over and over again, throughout the gospels, Jesus emphasizes the unlimited possibilities for the one who has faith. Using a variety of examples, he helps the disciples understand that nothing is impossible for the one who has faith: fig trees will wither before you, mountains will be cast into the sea, demons will be cast out, and you will see the glory of God…if you believe. And it doesn’t take much faith to make possible the seemingly impossible—only faith the size of a mustard seed.