FAAST International

Isaiah rebukes the Israelites for engaging in religious festivals, but ignoring those in need, and even participating in oppressing them. We sadly do the same today. But if we work to help others, feed and clothe them, to end injustice, God will bring light and healing.

Tomorrow is the International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition. Let us all take time to remember the horrors that happened to those who were enslaved. But let us pray in confidence and know that God executes justice for those who are afflicted.

The Revised and Updated "Hands that Heal" curriculum will be released later this year. Stay up to date on the latest information by signing up for notifications. (We promise to only send you information regarding the Hands that Heal curriculum.)

Keeping children safe online can be a tricky situation. You want to protect them from potential dangerous situations, but you also want to trust them. Netsmartz is a great resource to help you navigate these situations, with talking points & ideas to keep one protected. Visit them at bit.ly/49ovAyB

Join with us in prayer as we pray for an end to human trafficking: the voices not heard, the victims, those fighting, propaganda and lies that perpetuate the problem, the vulnerable, God's provision, and ways for us to collaborate. Download our guide @ bit.ly/3ZjYc7P

Our shopping can have an impact on human trafficking and slave labor. Making sure we do our best to buy slave-free products can help reduce forced labor and make a statement to companies. Find out more about how you can buy slave-free products at bit.ly/3CeVycE

Tomorrow, we celebrate Juneteenth, and the Emancipation Proclamation reaching those enslaved in Texas. Slavery may be outlawed in the US, but it sadly still exists. We encourage you to spend today engaging with your community and learning more about Juneteenth @ bit.ly/448scqC

Being other-focused is what God called us to do in loving our neighbor as we love ourselves. When we care for them and their needs, we help reduce vulnerabilities (hunger, housing, education, etc.) to human trafficking. Most importantly, we show God's love for all people.

Zechariah continues saying that their refusal to listen to God's words and obey these commands is why He is not hearing their prayers. We may be like the people of Judah, ignoring God's commands. Let us follow His word, and in doing so, we are working to end human trafficking.

Our excess is your gain. We are trying to reduce our stock of the Hands that Heal Academic edition. Buy it now for 50% off at our store: bit.ly/4jyaTon.

When we each help reduce a person's vulnerability to human trafficking (food or housing insecurity, poverty, poor education, systematic injustice and racism, gender inequalities, abuse, etc.), we are working to reduce human trafficking. When we do that, we show God's love and His gospel

Our latest newsletter is now available. Find out how to sign up for the Revised Hands that Heal updates, our new address, our next learning call, and pray with us at bit.ly/43Dmgpo

Lord, grant us the courage to stand up when we see injustice. Help us realize that by trying not to offend others or taking a side, we are, in fact, taking one. One that you oppose. We must be on your side, which is on the side of the oppressed, and work to end it.

Donating to a food bank, buying a person a meal, and having a chat with someone who is lonely. Not only will our acts keep the darkness at bay but also possibly help those who may be vulnerable to human trafficking. Let us find at least one act of love and kindness to do each day.

Can we be truly free if those around us are not? Living our lives as other-focused, seeking to better other people's lives before our own, making sure to respect and enhance their freedom, gives us freedom.

Micah 6:8 tells us to "do justice," but what does that mean? As Timothy Keller tells us, it is to love and defend those with the least economic and social power, including refugees, people of color, the homeless, the poor, etc. Helping them helps #endhumantrafficking.

Part of fighting human trafficking is being an informed consumer and knowing who is producing what you are buying. From chocolate to clothes to phones, we can all make an impact by buying ethically made items. Find out how you can be an informed consumer @ bit.ly/3CeVycE

Lord, there are times we feel we have done something so heinous that we are unworthy of your love. Help us seek you. For in our repentance you will provide us healing, lifting up our spirits and our heart.

Read the accompanying meditation of the Lenten Study at bit.ly/41gOQNb

Lord, we constantly hurt our relationship with You. From judging others for their actions, discounting their needs, or seeing them as a sexual object, we hurt ourselves spiritually. Restore us to you, and heal us.

Our full Lenten Study can be found at bit.ly/41gOQNb

Lord, we thank you that you are a God of mercy. You forgave Peter for denying Christ, and you will forgive us for our sins if we come to you with a contrite heart. Please forgive our sins. We cling to our living hope in the resurrection of Christ.

The full Lenten Study can be found @ bit.ly/41gOQNb

Lord, we are thankful for showing us mercy instead of judgment. You are a God of mercy; Your mercy gives us freedom from the judgment we deserve. Just as you show mercy to us, we ask that You help us show mercy to others.

Download our Lenten Study at bit.ly/41gOQNb

Faast's latest newsletter is available. Find out how you can sign up to learn more about our Hands that Heal Revision, Freedom Sundays, and our learning call at bit.ly/41N9CnX

Lord, we thank you that you are constantly with us. We ask that when we enter those valleys, struggling with our vices, you help guide us through them. And that you will lead us to a place of rest and restoration.

Read the entire meditation @ bit.ly/41gOQNb

Lord, forgive us of sins we have not realized that we did. Open our eyes so that we may be more aware of our sins. Forgive us of the sins we know we have committed. Protect us from committing these sins.

Join us for our Lenten Devotionals @: bit.ly/41gOQNb

Today, let us remember Saint Patrick, an escaped slave who returned to the land he was trafficked to as a missionary. Let us show love to those who have done us wrong, and let us ask God to be with us in all things, including our fight against human trafficking.

Lord, we know that you suffered, but were also comforted. Just as you were comforted, you comfort us. We ask that when we get discouraged to give up the fight to end human trafficking, bring others around us to exhort us to carry on.

Download our Lenten Study @ bit.ly/41gOQNb

Lord, we have often felt like David. Alone, depressed, and weary. Give us mercy and rest from these situations. We know that you are our strength and our refuge. Help us turn towards you when we are in need of that mercy, strength, and rest. Lent Day 5: Download our guide @ bit.ly/41gOQNb

Today's FAAST Lenten study focuses on the "Lord's Prayer" and how almost every phrase relates to our fighting temptations. One good way to fight temptations is praying. Join us this Lent as we examine how we contribute to human trafficking. Download the guide at: bit.ly/41gOQNb

Vulnerabilities at both a community and personal level can make someone susceptible to human trafficking. Let us find one way each day to make a difference in someone's lives to help end their vulnerabilities to trafficking.