Bill Woolf has years of experience in local, state, and federal government, and also in law enforcement. He is founder of Anti-Trafficking International, and he has specialized in advanced investigations of human trafficking; missing and exploited children; and gangs and organized crime. He shared with IFA some of his knowledge and expertise in the fight against trafficking, and he also discussed some of the ways we can pray and engage in the struggle.

Many of us may still have an outdated image in our heads of what trafficking is. When we were younger, the movies often depicted bad guys trying to lure kids into a van. While this may have been the case back then and may indeed still occur in some cases, times have changed. Trafficking is often happening right in front of us without our even realizing it. This modern-day slavery is rampant in America. The U.S. is the third-largest country in the world for human trafficking.

Woolf shared how traffickers seek to exploit the vulnerable — and who more vulnerable than children? They are easier to manipulate, and more money can be made off of them. Fifty percent of the victims of trafficking are under the age of 18.

These traffickers rely on three things:

• Accessibility

Predators prey where kids are at play. Access to media such as TikTok and online gaming, it has become much easier for traffickers to find victims.

• Suggestibility

This involves how traffickers assess the ease with which they can convince victims that trafficking is “normal.” One particularly sickening phrase heard in this corrupt enterprise: “Why have sex for free, when you can have it for a fee?”

• Vulnerability

Traffickers take advantage of every vulnerability. Most commonly, victims are between 14 and 16 years old. At least 1 out of 5 kids has been approached by a trafficker.

“The anti-trafficking movement was infiltrated by George Soros,” said Woolf. “It was hijacked to normalize sexualizing children.”

When this happened, we saw the push to decriminalize prostitution. At least 80 percent of those in the commercialized sex trade are victims of human trafficking. “This offers the victim no protection and allows the industry to flourish,” said Woolf. “There would be no law enforcement to intervene. Rather than punish the victim, we should have a Nordic model in place.” Because human trafficking is a “business” pursued with a profit motive in mind, there is a supply-and-demand mechanism at work. “A Nordic model would increase the punishment for facilitators,” said Woolf. “We need prosecution, and the offenders must be held accountable while offering protection for the exploited.”

How can intercessors pray and pursue action? Well, prevention is key. It is critical that we protect children from the rampant sexualization going on in this depraved culture, Woolf points out. The sexualization of children makes it much easier for traffickers to manipulate them.

To be sure, our Lord Jesus Christ has something to say about this wickedness:

“See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that in heaven their angels always see the face of my Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 18:10).

“The battle is real, and to win this battle, we need prayer,” Woolf concluded.

Indeed, the Scripture encourages us to continue praying about this, without letup. We can learn from the unflagging persistence and perseverance of the widow in our Lord’s parable:

One day Jesus told his disciples a story to show that they should always pray and never give up (Luke 18:1 NLT).

We must also stand up against any push to normalize and decriminalize prostitution. We must speak out and never be silent.

Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy (Proverbs 31:8–9 NIV).

It is extremely hard to read headlines or hear stories about trafficking, but it’s a harrowing reality for the victims. Human trafficking seems like a David-and-Goliath fight when seen from our earthly perspective. Thank God that He takes shepherd boys and turns them into giant-slayers — and we should therefore never stop praying.

Let’s pray now:

Father, our hearts break when we hear the reports. How much more must Your own heart break. We pray for our leaders. Raise up voices to cry aloud and to spare not until we see true justice concerning trafficking. We pray that every legislative measure intended to decriminalize and normalize prostitution would be brought down. We pray that every demonic plot to sexualize children would be destroyed. Raise up an army of praying parents who will take back their families, Lord. Restore innocence and the sanctity of life to children once again, we pray. Amen.

How are you praying about human trafficking? Share your prayers below.

IFA contributing writer Gloria Robles is a passionate intercessor with a prophetic voice for today. For more from Gloria, go to Spotify or Anchor and listen to her podcast, Something To Share. Photo Credit: Tim Tebow Foundation on Unsplash.