Hands down, Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday! Perhaps that’s because it’s all about family gathered around food. Simple—just involves lots of cooking. 😉
Some years back when my parents were living, my dad sat at one end of the Thanksgiving table. I’d pull out our best china with cloth napkins, my grandmother’s silverware, and crystal inherited from my mother-in-law. It was the fancy meal of the year. Before we ate, we’d go around the table and share what we were thankful for. Every year my father had the same thought summarized in one word—family. Now more than ever, I understand his heart. He really wanted to see his family blessed, prospering, and prepared for eternity. And he loved seeing them gathered together around the table, just enjoying the time with one another.
God also loves to gather his family. He longs to see them safe, healed, and thriving, giving thanks around the table. This month let’s take a moment to remember some of the things God has done—the steps to victory and the encouraging reports.
- Detox camps—These programs help children get free from the addiction of their cell phones. Kids who were once angry and anxious come out changed and more peaceful.
- Election wins—The people have chosen the president, the Senate, and the House. Our prayers continue for our leaders that they may wisely choose policies that deliver good news for American children.
- Rescues—ARC (Association for the Recovery of Children) reports a 100% success rate in bringing home American children who have been trafficked overseas. In the U.S., a number of groups continue to have success in rescuing children and in providing a safe environment where they can recover and heal.
- Transact Intercept patrol teams—A man met Jesus the other day after a conversation with a team member. Continue to pray they would intercept more potential online buyers, that these pernicious websites would not be able to shield their “customers,” and for divine protection over teams.
- A champion’s reward—Applaud the wonderful life of Don Brewster, co-founder of AIM (Agape International Mission), who recently went to be with the Lord. Don was a champion of trafficked children in Cambodia.
- No phones in school policy—Fifteen states have enacted various levels of digital device restriction during school hours. Pray all 50 states enact policies that will help students focus and have better mental health and safety during school hours.
- Play Clubs—Instead of kids sitting in the hall waiting on their devices for school to start, they spend time in free play using boxes, hoola hoops, balls, and jump ropes. Kids decide what to play with and who to spend time with. Teachers are finding that academic performance improves as does behavior. Kids are happier, too—nothing like bringing back true childhood!
- Loving the trafficker—Jesus’s command to “love your neighbor” extends to traffickers and buyers. What does that look like in a practical sense? One group made chocolate chip cookies to give to traffickers, and God opened opportunities for more interactions.
- Flying free—Freedom Aviation Network pilots give their time and a flight to quickly move a survivor to safety in another state.
- Exposure—The wicked and highly manipulative practice of sextortion is being exposed by a number of organizations. NCMEC’s 7-minute video gives teens, parents, and guardians an intense, personal understanding of how it can happen.
- Guardian Group has identified 208 trafficking victims so far in 2024. The analysis team has come alongside law enforcement agencies and given 1830 volunteer hours to support trafficking cases. They now have 177 skilled volunteers. Check out their dating app safety tips.
Thorn detected 3,833,792 CSAM (child sexual abuse materials) files. Wow! - Prayer—There have been many prayer initiatives in recent months that God has used to bring His kingdom realm to earth. One example was “A Million Women” on the National Mall, a group of focused believers who fasted and prayed in agreement to demolish the altar of sexual abuse and perversion.
Prayer
Lord, we thank you for the many steps taken this past year to deliver our children from evil. We especially thank you for those who have dedicated their lives to prevent trafficking and to rescue and serve children. Continue to refresh them in your love and encourage them within your presence. Thank you for the leaders of today, and we also ask you to raise up an army of young leaders to move in force and energy to deliver many. You are a faithful God, and we give you honor and praise for all the success. In Jesus name. Amen!
Decree
God, your army is moving and will not be stopped!