" 'The days are coming,' declares the Lord, 'when I will rise up to David a righteous branch, a King who will reign wisely and will do what is just and right in the land.' "

– Jeremiah 23:5

Africa

• Pray for our government partners doing the critical work of witness protection in Africa. Whether a victim of police abuse, or a survivor of sexual assault by an influential member of the community, witnesses may face immense pressure or even danger as they testify against their abusers. We rely on the good work of our partners to provide reliable witness protection services, so join us in thanking God for these public servants, and praying for their continued diligence in protecting those who seek justice.

Latin America

• Praise God for the volunteers in Bolivia who are part of our "AVES" Program (Specialized Advocates for Victims). Through this program, IJM is equipping local volunteers to support child survivors of sexual violence and their families while they navigate the complexity of the justice system. Thank God for a fruitful first full year of this program, and ask Him to continue sustaining these volunteers as they serve survivors and their families.

South Asia

• Praise God for two girls and two young women rescued from sex trafficking this week by our teams in South Asia. These survivors were freed in two separate rescue operations, but endured similar violence, humiliation and exploitation. All four of them were being sold for sex by secretive trafficking networks that operated out of unassuming homes or apartments that no one would suspect. Praise God they are free today, and please pray for their initial healing and recovery. Pray as well for swift follow-up in the legal cases against the traffickers and customers who abused them.

Southeast Asia

• Praise God for a survivor returning home to his family! Over the summer, working with the Royal Thai Police, IJM Bangkok rescued a young Burmese fisherman named Phyu* who was being exploited on a fishing boat and had not received his wages for four years. Phyu was IJM Bangkok's first rescue operation and an answer to much prayer. Phyu's family had not seen or heard from him in four years, and they thought he had died in Thailand. Recently, Phyu was able to return home to his family in Myanmar!