First Lady Cecilia Abbott has announced the fifth annual Week of Prayer to End Human Trafficking, organized by the Governor's Response Against Child Exploitation (GRACE) initiative. This event will take place from January 6 to January 12, 2025, aligning with Human Trafficking Prevention Month in Texas. The week is designed to encourage the faith-based community to unite in prayer and raise awareness about human trafficking.
"During this Week of Prayer to End Human Trafficking, Texans of every faith will come together to generate hope and healing for survivors of human trafficking," said First Lady Abbott. "This year, I encourage everyone to take a moment and join GRACE in its efforts to provide a network of nurture as we work together to end this horrific crime."
The event will begin with a virtual interfaith gathering on January 6 at 7:00 pm on Facebook. Participants include First Lady Abbott, Texas Department of Family and Protective Services Commissioner Stephanie Muth, Child Sex Trafficking Team Administrator Janet Kasper, DFPS Human Trafficking and Child Exploitation Director Blanca Denise Lance, Human Trafficking Survivor and Pastor Yvette Christy, Magdalene House Austin Executive Director Toni McKinley, Bishop Aaron Blake, Rabbi Neil Blumofe, and Pastor Samuel Velez.
Each day of the week features specific prayer intentions aimed at addressing various aspects of human trafficking:
- Monday focuses on reducing demand for trafficking.
- Tuesday emphasizes recognizing signs of trafficking.
- Wednesday calls for effective investigations.
- Thursday prays for healing for victims.
- Friday supports justice system workers.
- Saturday seeks safety for those exploited.
- Sunday encourages personal action against trafficking.
GRACE was established in 2019 through collaboration between the Office of the Texas First Lady, the Governor's Child Sex Trafficking Team, DFPS, and diverse faith leaders across Texas. It aims to develop strategies to combat human trafficking.
Governor Greg Abbott has declared January 2025 as Human Trafficking Prevention Month in Texas. Texans are encouraged to wear blue on January 11 for National Day of Human Trafficking Awareness.
Leaders providing daily prayer intentions include Amanda Garza from Gracious Hearts; Kathy Givens from Twelve11Partners; Toni McKinley from Magdalene House Austin; Sara Nellis from Unbound Now; Pastor Samuel Velez from Iglesia Cristiana Misericordia; and Susan Peters from Unbound Now.