Learning Objectives To respond personally to the film ‘Bakhita’s Prayer’ and the issue of human trafficking To respond practically to the issue of human trafficking To think of ways to fundraise for charities which support victims of human trafficking (e.g. The Medaille Trust) To reflect on the witness and example of St Josephine Bakhita

Success Criteria I can share my own responses to the ‘Bakhita’s Prayer’ and the issue of human trafficking I have made a plan for how to respond practically to the issue of human trafficking including ways to fundraise for The Medaille Trust I can describe some details of St Josephine Bakhita’s life and testimony

Watch the film Password required.

Questions What about the film did you find most striking? What did you find most shocking? Why do you think we don’t hear more about human trafficking in the news? Why do you think the issue matters and is personal to each one of us? What did you think about the story of St Josephine Bakhita? What did her experience of being trafficked give to her?

“The work of the Medaille Trust is the empowerment of women, young men and children, who have been freed from the human-trafficking industry here in the UK, enabling them to regain their dignity and self-worth. “We do this by providing safe housing and offering opportunities for physical and psychological healing and rehabilitation. We raise awareness of the plight of those who are enslaved and exploited in the UK and campaign on this issue.”

What can we do as a community to raise awareness and funds for charities which support victims of human trafficking (e.g. The Medaille Trust)?

If I were to meet the slave-traders who kidnapped me and even those who tortured me, I would kneel and kiss their hands, for if that did not happen, I would not be a Christian today…

O God, when we hear of children and adults deceived and taken to unknown places for purposes of sexual exploitation, forced labour, and organ ‘harvesting’, our hearts are saddened and our spirits angry that their dignity and rights are ignored through threats, lies, and force. We cry out against the evil practice of this modern slavery, and pray with Saint Bakhita for it to end. Give us wisdom and courage to reach out and stand with those whose bodies, hearts and spirits have been so wounded, so that together we may make real your promises to fill these sisters and brothers with a love that is tender and good. Send the exploiters away empty-handed to be converted from this wickedness, and help us all to claim the freedom that is your gift to your children. Amen.