corporations looking for cheap labor, or organized crime looking to traffick vulnerable young ... and hosting the larges
Introduction:
Day 3. Transvestites
A Call To Prayer
To pray is to bring the righteousness of heaven down to sinful earth. It is one of the highest joys in life to partner with the living God to see the sick healed, the lost saved, and the naked clothed. Though it feels as if the world’s troubles are insurmountable, the light of God breaks forth and shatters every face and form of darkness. When Christians pray in the spirit of truth, believing and knowing that God sees every hidden deed of wickedness, God’s light permeates those depths and lifts up the weary soul. It is imperative to have a praying and fasting church in Brasil. As we focus our prayers on the eradication of human trafficking and sexual exploitation, we are partnering with the very heart of God. For where He dwells there is no suffering and sin. To pray for the ending of trafficking is to pray for the return of the Lord. May His kingdom come on earth and in Brasil as it is in heaven. Knock on the door of heaven these next thirty days, be persistent and do not waver. As the church prays, the Lord will respond and bring freedom to the oppressed. Righteousness will reign.
Day 1. A History of Slavery
The Issue: During the 400-year Trans-Atlantic slave trade, 45% of the Africans who were forced to leave their homes were taken to Brasil, which was more than any other nation. The Trans-Atlantic slave trade, as with the Holocaust of Jews in Nazi Germany, objectified a people-group as sub-human, which set the context for their exploitation. Today, as women and children are viewed increasingly as sexual objects, a modern-day slave trade has emerged in Brasil and the nations of the earth. Slavery is not a thing of the past. The Trans-Atlantic slave trade was abolished in the 1800’s, and the modern-day sex trade must be abolished in this generation. Prayer: Lord, You have heard the cries of the enslaved, and You will do justice to the fatherless and the oppressed. We ask You, King Forever, to break the arm of the wicked who seek to enslave the vulnerable. Would You seek out wickedness in Brasil until You find none. Bible Verse: Psalm 10:15-17
Day 2. City in Focus: Recife The Issue:
The northeast of Brasil is a renowned destination for sex tourists from all over the world, and the city of Recife is at the center of much of that activity. Taxi drivers, hotel workers, drug dealers, and even family members work together to form an intricate underground network. This network connects the supply of children in Recife to the demand of adults who sexually exploit them. Prayer: Father of Glory, would You come down from Your holy habitation and be the Father to the Fatherless in Recife. You love, and see each one of these children. Visit the orphaned and exploited and reveal Your Father heart to them. Bible Verse: Psalm 68:5-6 1.
A 30 day Prayer Guide
The Issue:
Many of the youth who are exploited in Brasil, are transvestites. This group is almost exclusively made up of males who identify as women. In more impoverished areas, boys begin altering their bodies as young as 12-years-old. With little options for employment, most of these transvestites end up in prostitution where they experience violence, risk of HIV, pimping, and trafficking. Often uneducated and isolated, these boys face rejection not only from society, but also from their families and even the church. Prayer: Father, we thank You that You knit each of these young men together in their mother’s womb. Though they reject the way You made them, You have chosen them and called them to be accepted in the Beloved. We ask that You would baptize these boys in Your love that is stronger than death; Your love that drives out fear and can make them whole. Bible Verse: Eph 1: 1-10; Song of Songs 8:6
Day 4. City in Focus: Natal
The Issue: Surrounded by towering sand dunes and clean beaches, Natal is the closest Brasilian city to Europe. The capital of Rio Grande de Norte, Natal is one of the most attractive spots on the northeast coast and a must-see for European sex tourists. As a host city for the 2014 FIFA world Cup, Natal will see an increase in tourism, which will no doubt bring an increased demand for sex. Prayer: Father of Lights, send Your light into the shadows where exploitation thrives in Natal, and set it as a city on a hill in Brasil. Jesus, reveal Yourself as All-Consuming Fire to the people of Natal—a living flame of love that melts the hardest hearts. May holiness and purity be Your banner over Natal. Bible Verse: Hebrews 12:28-29
Day 5. Purity
The Issue: The church cannot effectively combat human trafficking and the sexual exploitation of women and children if they are participating with the same spirit of lust and corruption that fuels it. Walking in personal purity and integrity is the first step that each believer, in Jesus Christ, can take to combat the plague of modern-day slavery. Prayer: Father, would You give the church in Brasil clean hands and a pure heart, that they would not lift up their soul to another. Clothe Your bride in garments of righteousness and purity, set the church in Brasil on display as burning and shining lamps to those lost in the darkness of this age. Bible Verse: Psalm 24: 4-5; John 5:35
Day 6. Emmanuel, God With Us
The Issue: Victims of trafficking experience profound feelings of isolation. Many times their only human contact comes from their captors and “clients”. Prayer: Emmanuel, You are with these women and children. There is nowhere they can go that Your hand can’t reach them, that Your eyes can’t see them, that Your presence can’t touch For the ending of human Trafficking in Brasil
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them. You who are with them in their time of trouble, send the fullness of Your presence into these captives’ physical and spiritual prisons. Bible Verse: Isaiah 7:14
Day 7. City in Focus: Belo Horizonte
The Issue: As with most large cities, just under the veneer of commerce and culture is an active sex industry and Belo Horizonte is no different. Day after day many women in this city work countless hours in dingy brothels where daily debts to pimps or landlords are often higher than the amount they are able to make in a day. As debts mount, they are thrust deeper into the underbelly of prostitution. Their “choice” is of little consequence, and survival becomes the only option. Prayer: Jehovah Rohi, You are the Great Shepherd. Come alongside those who are trapped in the underground sex industry of Belo Horizonte. Be with those who feel they have nowhere to turn. Comfort them with Your rod and staff, as they walk through the valley of the shadow of death. Lead them out of darkness and into Your light and let them hear the voice of their Shepherd who is always near to them. Bible Verse: Psalm 23
Day 8. Law Enforcement
The Issue: Corruption within law enforcement is a major barrier for justice reaching those oppressed in Brasil. The US State Department’s 2012 Trafficking in Persons Report on Brasil notes “serious official complicity in trafficking crimes”, and that “police continued to turn a blind eye to child prostitution.” Prayer: Lord of Hosts, we pray that Your light would shine and expose corruption and complicity in law enforcement. We call forth those with clean hands and a pure heart into positions of authority in Brasil, that the oppressors would be apprehended, and that Your children would be protected in Jesus’ name. Bible Verse: Psalm 46:7, Jeremiah 22:3
Day 9. City in Focus: Cuiaba The Issue:
Cuiaba is the capital city of the Brasilian state of Mato Grosso. It is located in the exact center of South America. Cuiaba will be another stop for World Cup fans in 2014. Wherever matches are being played, there is an active, underground sex industry nearby. No city is exempt from the presence of traffickers who are ready to meet the demands of men in search of sex. Prayer: Father of Lights, shine brightly in Cuiaba. Darkness is as light to You and there is no sin, or work of the enemy that will remain hidden in Your presence. Bright and Morning Star, shine brightly in this city. Bible Verse: Matthew 10:26
drugs, and others are exposed to drugs by peers. Becoming dependant upon drugs at an early age pushes children onto the streets where survival, sex, and prostitution provide the only guarantee of food in their bellies and drugs in their system. These desperate children are easy prey for traffickers who sell sex to the men who are willing to pay for it. Prayer: Jesus, You are the Mighty Deliverer. You are faithful to deliver all who call on Your name. May the name of Jesus be on the tongue of every child who feels alone in their addiction to drugs and life on the streets. We pray that at the mention of Jesus, the Name Above All Names, deliverance would come speedily. We, as the church, join in with the cries of the broken and abused and say, “How long, O Lord?” How long until You bring deliverance to these ones for whom You died?” Bible Verse: Psalm 18:2
Day 11. City in Focus: Brasilia
The Issue: As the federal capital of Brasil, Brasilia is the seat of all three branches of government and many major corporations headquarter in this central city. Decisions are made in Brasilia that affect the lives of millions of people across Brasil; may a righteous standard, founded on equity and truth, be upheld in government and corporate leadership in this city. Prayer: Father, glorify Your Son in Brasilia. Raise up a righteous standard that exalts the highest King, Jesus Christ, in this city of influence and government. May executive decisions be made from Brasilia that bring justice to the oppressed. Bible Verse: Psalm 2
Day 12. 2014 World Cup & Rio de Janeiro Olympics
The Issue: Large events like the 2014 World Cup and the 2016 Olympics create an obvious clientele as many sports fans, predominantly men, flood the country. Traffickers recognize this as an opportunity to make money. In response to these circumstances, many organizations, ministries and churches are working hard to prevent the innocent from falling prey to traffickers. Prayer: Lord of Hosts, You who command the Host of Heaven, dispatch Your heavenly armies to the aid of those who could be exploited during these sporting events. We declare the victory of the Lord of Hosts over injustice. Release heavenly strategies to Your church as to how they can pray, raise awareness, and respond in action. Bible Verse: Revelation 19:11-16
Day 13. City in Focus: Fortaleza The Issue:
The Issue: One of the primary push-factors leading vulnerable brasilian children into prostitution is drug addiction. In the favelas, many youth are raised by parents who are addicted to
Fortaleza is the state capital of Ceara and the 5th largest city in Brazil. As its name implies, Fortaleza has become well-known as a stronghold and center for child sex trafficking not only in Brazil, but throughout the world. Yet the blood of Christ speaks a better word over this city that is called to be a place of safety amidst the storm. Prayer: We declare that You, O Lord, are the fortress and strength of Fortaleza; we put our trust in You. Would You make Fortaleza a stronghold of safety for the broken seeking healing and refuge? Hide them under the shadow of Your wings. Bible Verse: Psalm 91
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For the ending of human Trafficking in Brasil
Day 10. Drug Addiction Fueling Slavery Among Children
A 30 day Prayer Guide
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Day 14. Export of Brasilian Girls The Issue:
Brasil is a popular destination for foreign sex tourists, but it is also one of leading source country for children trafficked all over the world. Victims are many times tricked, lured and offered jobs overseas. What they find when they arrive is not a legitimate job, but a life of sexual exploitation, abuse, and coercion. These women and children often can be found in prostitution on side streets and in brothels in Madrid, Milan, Lisbon, and Amsterdam. Prayer: Jesus our Redeemer, You paid a price for each one of these women and children. Many do not know their true value and worth as sons and daughters of the King. They do not understand that their life was worth Your death, and that all their pain and iniquity was borne at the Cross. Mighty Redeemer, would You reveal the truth of the gospel to these women and children and rescue them from the fowler’s snare. Bible Verse: Job 19:25, Psalm 91:3-4
Day 15. King of Kings and Lord of Lords The Issue:
As the understanding of human trafficking grows in Brasil, there is much work to do to bring criminals to justice, prevent children from being exploited, lead victims through restoration, and change laws. Several organizations, ministries, and churches have risen up to answer the crisis of modern-day slavery in Brasil and are working tirelessly to make a difference. Prayer: Jesus, You are King of Kings and Lord of Lords; anoint the works of these groups working to prevent trafficking, mobilize awareness, and rescue victims. We declare that no work of the enemy, no principality, and no oppressive spirit can stand in the light of Your glory. May these organizations go forth as light bearers and messengers of justice to bring the freedom of Jesus to traffickers, men buying sex, and women and children caught in the cycle of exploitation. Bible Verse: Revelation 19:16
Day 16. City in Focus: Salvador da Bahia
The Issue: Established in 1549, Salvador da Bahia contains the largest afro-brasilian population and influence. This is due to the fact that over one million slaves were imported to this region alone, from West Africa in the 17th and 18th centuries. As the third largest city in Brasil, there is a wide gap between upper and lower class citizens. There are notorious streets and beaches in Salvador known for nighttime sexual escapades between foreigners and locals. The only government-funded shelter for trafficking victims exists in Salvador, and in 2011 reported caring for a number of female minors. Prayer: Lord, God of Truth, speak words of truth and light over Salvador. Bring wholesale salvation to this city, so that many would know the Man of Truth, Jesus Christ. Bible Verse: Psalm 31:5; John 6:40
Day 17. The Borders
erished immigrants coming from other nations to seek a better future. These immigrants illegally cross the border to look for work and are especially vulnerable to sex and labor trafficking. With no citizenship and few rights, they are often mistreated and taken advantage of by large corporations looking for cheap labor, or organized crime looking to traffick vulnerable young women; thus many end up in prostitution, debt bondage, or unfair working conditions. Prayer: Jesus, You are the Holy One, reveal Yourself to these immigrants and those subjected to debt bondage, labor trafficking, and prostitution. Shine the light of Your countenance upon them that You may dwell in their hearts through faith. May they know the love of Christ, which passes knowledge; fill them with the fullness of God. Bible Verse: Isaiah 40:25, Ephesians 3:19
Day 18. City in Focus: Rio de Janeiro
The Issue: The city of Rio de Janeiro is known for its 130-foot tall statue, Cristo Redentor, and hosting the largest, most boisterous Carnaval in the world. As the second largest city, Rio de Janeiro is the host of the 2016 Olympic games, and stands as a cultural hub for the nation with a diverse music scene, widespread political influence, avid sports following, and blossoming university system. Yet, beneath the surface of this world-class tourist destination is an underground trade of women and children that must be exposed. Prayer: Jesus our Redeemer, rid Rio de Janeiro of all the idols that seek to exalt themselves against the knowledge of God. Father, reveal the Man whose outstretched arms and heart of compassion longs to redeem the broken, and bring light to those who are hidden in darkness. Bible Verse: Titus 2:11-14; 1 Peter 1:17-19, 2 Corinthians 10:5
Day 19. City in Focus: Porto Alegre
The Issue: Porto Alegre has long been important and influential in the transportation of goods throughout Brasil. This city sits on a delta, where five rivers conjoin, and its exports and influence reach as far as Japan and Africa. This city is also involved in the sale of illegal goods, including women in high-class brothels. There is a copious number of websites that boast of the selection of women Porto Alegre has to offer. The bodies and souls of men and women are not a commodity that can be bought and sold. Pray for these merchants to make righteous decisions about which goods they can profit from to provide for their families, while choosing not to exploit another man’s daughter. Prayer: God of mercy, look down on Porto Alegre and have mercy on Your daughters and sons. Expose these illegal brothels, that the women inside would find freedom and deliverance. In their sin and affliction, remember Your mercy and save their souls. Bible Verse: Isaiah 63:15; Romans 9:15,16
Day 20. Children for Sex
Brasil borders nine out of the eleven sovereign nations in South America. As the largest nation with the most prosperous economy, it has become a beacon of hope to impov-
The Issue: The numbers for child prostitution in Brasil are staggering; an estimated 250,000 to 500,000 children are currently being exploited. Because prostitution is legal in Brasil, it’s sometimes easier for law enforcement to look away or simply ignore the young boys and girls being exploited. More often than not, poverty, addiction to drugs, and the need for three meals
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For the ending of human Trafficking in Brasil
The Issue:
A 30 day Prayer Guide
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a day drives these children to the streets. In the spring of 2012, a man convicted of having sex with three twelve year-old girls, was not charged with rape due to the fact that no inherent violence was involved. This lax ruling sets a precedent that the children of Brasil are available for sex with little threat of legal repercussions. Prayer: God of refuge, let Brasilian children find refuge in the shadow of Your wings. Don’t let wicked and perverse men rob them of their innocence. They are Yours, and You are theirs. Raise up houses of healing and restoration within the church that provide safety and Christcentered care for these ones You love. Bible Verse: Matthew 18:6; Psalm 12:5
Day 21. Age of Consent The Issue:
Since 2009, the age of consent in Brasil has been fourteen. However, a close-inage exception law, upholds that twelve and thirteen-year olds engaging in sexual activity with a partner five years older or less, is not a crime. With the age of consent as low as it is, there comes a verifiable problem and breakdown in the protection of children, including the activities readily available and legal. This legislation is readily promoting sexual promiscuity amongst children and must be changed. Coupled with an orphan crisis and 16.27 million Brasilians living in poverty, the children of Brasil are left legally unprotected. Prayer: Jesus, Your name is Jealous. You who are full of zeal and love for Your sons and daughters, You will not share them with another. Raise up Your church and send them into every sphere of Brasilian society to change the age of consent, defend the cause of the orphans, and advocate for a culture that protects its children instead of exploiting them. Bible Verse: Exodus 20:5-6, Psalm 68:6
Day 22. City in Focus: Sao Paulo
The Issue: Sao Paulo is the most populous city in South America, consisting of the highest grossing economy. There’s so much going on in this city: the stock exchange, the largest helicopter fleet in the world, fashion week, the annual gay pride parade, and a march for Jesus event. This affluence makes Sao Paulo a prime destination city for sex trafficking and prostitution. Many young women and children come to the city in search of jobs, and find themselves caught in the web of the sex trade. Prayer: Come Jehovah Rophe, the Lord our Healer, with healing for Sao Paulo. Bind up the wounds of the broken-hearted and break in with the Word of Your power; let not one more person be caught in bondage, sexual addiction, or exploitation. Bible Verse: Isaiah 61:1; 1 John 3:16
Day 23. Sex Tourism The Issue:
Taxi drivers, hotel workers and drug dealers help supply the demand for children to tourists visiting Brasil for the purpose of illicit sex. Because Brasil is known for its scores of beautiful women, European and American men arrive, predominantly in the northeast, with the intention of meeting the young girls they’ve fantasized about. Despite laws against child prostitution and sex tourism, the US State Department’s 2012 Trafficking in Persons Report
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A 30 day Prayer Guide
states there were “no reported prosecutions or convictions of child sex tourists” in Brasil in 2011. Father, raise up righteous lawmakers and policeman with zeal for Your children’s safety and innocence. You are the Lord, the Judge; send help to these children, have mercy on these men and bring forth justice for truth. Bible Verse: Isaiah 42:3, Psalm 10:18 Prayer:
Day 24. Pornography Industry
The Issue: Brasil is the second largest porn producing nation in the world, after the United States, and Sao Paulo has become the center of pornography production. Statistics have shown that men who consistently watch porn experience a negative shift in their perception of women. This shift causes them to see them as sexual objects, which directly fuels the demand for sex. Prayer: God our Helper, break the addiction of pornography in this country and in the nations. Release revelation, salvation, and sanctification over men and women entangled in this bondage and industry. Bible Verse: Psalm 55:18; Galatians 5: 16,17
Day 25. Government
The Issue: Prostitution is legal in Brazil. Research has shown that in countries where there is legal prostitution, human trafficking increases. It is important that laws such as this, which enable and encourage human trafficking, be changed and rewritten. Prayer: God of our Righteousness, visit those in government whom You have granted authority. Give them great grace and strength to fulfill their call to lead in truth and righteousness and to do Your will. Lord we pray that the Law of the Lord would go forth in Brazil and establish righteous legislation. Touch the hearts of governmental leaders with revelation to know what is ‘well pleasing’ in Your sight for the glory of Jesus’ name. Bible Verse: Isaiah 42:4, Hebrews 13:20-21
Day 26. Jehovah Shammah, The Lord is there
The Issue: In dark, back alleys, dingy brothels, and smoke-filled clubs many trafficked and exploited women and children feel abandoned, forgotten, and without hope. In Psalm 139, the Bible says “If I make my bed in hell, behold You are there.” The trafficked women and children in Brasil are not forgotten or alone. The Lord is there, with them in their trouble, He alone is their hope and future. Prayer: Jehovah Shammah, You who are there. Draw near to the oppressed and let them feel Your presence and the zeal that is in Your heart for them to know You. Speak words of life over them that they are not alone, for You are there with them in their trouble. Bible Verse: Ezekiel 48:35
Day 27. City in Focus: Manaus The Issue:
Many people come to Manaus to explore the beauty of the Amazon Rain Forest, but this influx of tourism brings with it a demand for sex from the indigenous women and children For the ending of human Trafficking in Brasil
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of this region. Due to the impoverished state of many in Amazonas, young girls are often forced to sell sex on luxury ships that tour the remote landscape of the Amazon River Basin. They are promised legitimate work, but upon arrival are coerced into prostitution instead. Additionally, labor trafficking and harsh working conditions are a common occurrence in this region where remote locations distant from the media and international accountability allow corporations to take advantage of the vulnerable. Prayer: Jehovah-Jireh, the Lord our Provider, we ask that You would make provision for these families in Manaus and the Amazon region. Provide an avenue of escape for the exploited, income for the poor, and open doors for the gospel of Jesus Christ to go forth. Bible Verse: Genesis 22:13-14
Day 28. Establishment of Safe Homes The Issue:
As victims of trafficking are rescued, their greatest need is for a place of refuge where they are able to heal and encounter the love of their heavenly Father, and where they can begin to dream again about the good future and hope He has for them. Restorative work for these victims is often specialized, expensive, and lengthy. There is a great need for Christ-centered safehomes to be established in Brasil. Prayer: Baal Parazim, God of the Breakthrough, we pray for the swift establishment of safe homes for women and children rescued from the pain and isolation of sex trafficking and prostitution. We ask that You raise up faithful laborers, willing to walk these ones through the process of healing. Release the Spirit of Adoption on Your church that they would open their hearts to these women and children, that the lonely would be set in families. Bible Verse: II Samuel 5:20, Psalm 68:5-6
Day 29. City in focus: Curitiba The Issue:
Slaves are marginalized, abandoned, and forgotten people. Although Curitiba has experienced an exciting period of expansion and growth, this affluence easily conceals the plight of the poor and those vulnerable to the ploys of traffickers. Just below the surface are individuals isolated in slavery and exploitation. Few people want to recognize this problem and once slaves are freed or able to escape, they are often rejected by their families and support systems. Prayer: Jehovah-Nissi, You are the Lord our Banner. You have heard the cries of the prisoners in Curitiba saying “Who will show us any good? “ Lord lift up the light of Your countenance upon them. Place Your banner of peace and safety over them. Bible Verse: Psalm 4:6-8
Day 30. Christ-centered Justice
The Issue: The crisis of modern-day slavery will not be won in the courts of men until it is first won in the courts of Heaven through the prayers of the saints. Jesus alone is able to bring forth justice and truth. He does this as the church, His bride, partners with Him in the place of prayer and in practical acts of love and compassion to the poor and oppressed.
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A 30 day Prayer Guide
Prayer: You alone, O Lord, do great wonders and works on the earth. You will not fail nor be discouraged until You have established justice in Brasil. We look to the soon, coming day of Your return, when You will right every wrong, wipe away every tear, and have the full glory due Your name. Bible Verse: Revelation 21:4-5 Isaiah 42:4
Day 31. Church in Brasil The Issue:
Those trapped in the sex industry of Brasil will never know true freedom and abundant life apart from Jesus Christ. The church must carry the good news to the broken and exploited. The Lord is raising up intercessors and laborers that will partner with His heart for the ending of sexual exploitation, that they might come into their identity as the hands and feet of Jesus Christ to the oppressed, extending His love to those who have never known love and mercy. Prayer: Holy Sprit awaken the Church in Brasil to take their place as intercessors for their nation unto the setting free of every captive; cause them to reach out and extend the love of Christ to the sexually exploited, that many would come to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ and be transformed.
Conclusion:
A Call To Action
As we have prayed for the ending of trafficking in Brasil for the last 31 days, our eyes have been opened to this nation in a new way and our hearts have been laid bare in intercession before God. Just as the prayers have reached heaven, so must actions of compassion and purity follow. We must walk as Jesus did, not just talk. The One who led captivity captive was also anointed to open the doors of the prison to those who are bound. Practically, that doesn’t always look like hacking off physical chains, but reaching out to the poor and vulnerable with intentional deeds of kindness. It means sacrificing time, energy and resources to meet the needs of those in your city. Sometimes, it’s sitting on the curb for hours with a child who is prostituting herself, listening to her story and praying over her. Other times, it’s reaching out to the orphan and widow, who have nowhere else to turn, offering them a place at your dinner table. Above all, it’s abstaining from any kind of sexual immorality whether purchasing sex or watching sex. Next to prayer, walking in purity is one of the greatest weapons Christians have to combat human trafficking. The church of Brasil is the only strategy God has for releasing His justice, there is no plan-B. Through the prayer of the saints and compassionate acts of love and service done in His name- He is releasing His kingdom in Brasil. To learn more about the globe crisis of sex trafficking, watch our award-winning documentary, Nefarious: Merchant of Souls http://nefariousdocumentary.com For the ending of human Trafficking in Brasil
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Exodus Cry is an international anti-trafficking organization committed to abolishing modern-day slavery and assisting the victims of human trafficking and slavery through rescue, rehabilitation, and reintegration into society.
