Victory is the word that comes to mind as I reflect on the 24-hour day of prayer. It was a time filled with deep prayer partnered with a petition to the Lord, but it was not void of the deep expectation He would answer.
As I drove through the streets of downtown Canton leading to the Drop-In Home I could feel the expectation in the air. Just as the storm clouds in the sky were bearing witness to the rain about to pour out, the city shined with the need and expectation that change was about to take place. You could feel the prayers already being lifted to the Father, knowing His face was leaning down catching every word.
Stepping out of the car my ears were met with the sound of women talking and laughing. Volunteers, staff, and survivors filled the backyard. They were eating together and had just finished spending time participating in art therapy. Food may seem unnecessary at a prayer service, but it is far more important than we realize. In Matthew 14:16 Jesus states, “They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat.”. When caring for someone’s spiritual needs, we must also tend to their physical needs. Survivors came from all over the neighborhood, filling their bellies. Some popping in just for a moment, others sitting to take part. After eating, Teresa Tiggs, our Stark County Drop-in Coordinator, shared a message on the hope and promise we have in Jesus. As worship began, trafficking survivors lifted their hands singing out “You are worthy of it all” I watched as their countenance shifted; they were beginning to believe that Jesus was worthy of their yes. At this moment, I looked around at the houses surrounding me, people walking in and out their front doors, and couldn’t help but think of the lives being touched that we may never know about. The music, preaching, and prayers were hitting their ears just as it was hitting ours.
The night service closed out with three sex trafficking survivors being baptized. They took a public stand, letting the world know they now belong to Jesus. One survivor came out of the water with her hands raised, tears streaming down her face, receiving the truth that she has been made new. Her children cheered from the side, serving as a beautiful representation of the restoration taking place.
As I reflect on the night I am continually brought back to victory. Not only is it what each survivor being baptized received, but what all of us who prayed and believed received as well. God responded through every word that was sang out, and through every life that was touched by the messages preached. THANK YOU to each volunteer, staff, church, and partner who made this day possible. Your prayers and service paved the way for every victory seen throughout the 24 hours! Know with confidence your prayers made a difference!
“If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” – 2 Chronicles 7:14