When We Hold Up Hope

As long as Moses held up his hands, the Israelites were winning, but whenever he lowered his hands, the Amalekites were winning. When Moses' arms grew tired, Aaron and Hur brought a stone for him to sit on, while they stood beside him and held up his arms, holding them steady until the sun went down. In this way Joshua totally defeated the Amalekites. Then the Lord said to Moses, “Write an account of this victory, so that it will be remembered.” Exodus 17:11-14

January is Human Trafficking Prevention Month. This serves as a reminder for believers that justice is something that God requires of us (Micah 6:8). Human trafficking reduces God’s image-bearers to commodities that are bought and sold for a price.

Trafficking is the second largest and fastest growing global crime. It is often invisible: online grooming, exploitation through apps, coercion in relationships, labor abuse in everyday supply chains. And the fight against trafficking often seems overwhelming.

In Exodus 17, we read how Moses stood on a hill during battle, holding up his staff as a sign of God’s power and presence. As long as his arms were raised, Israel prevailed, but when he grew weary, the tide turned. In that moment, Aaron and Hur came alongside him, holding up his arms until the victory was won.

This powerful image speaks directly to the role of those of us who may not be on the front lines of rescue, redemption, or rehabilitation but who faithfully uphold those who are. Not everyone is called to stand in the thick of the battle, but every believer is called to stand with those who do. Aaron and Hur didn’t take Moses’ place, but they played a crucial role in Israel’s victory by simply holding up his arms.

So what does that look like in practical terms?

First, we lift arms through prayer. Not vague, occasional prayers, but informed, intentional intercession. Pray for protection, wisdom, endurance, and hope for frontline workers and victims and survivors alike.

Second, we lift arms through support. Financially support trusted organizations, like Heart of Mercy Mission, doing anti-trafficking work. Give consistently, not just emotionally. www.heartofmercymission.org/donate

Third, we lift arms through awareness and advocacy. Learn what trafficking actually looks like. Speak up for policies and programs that protect the vulnerable. Teach your children and your church to recognize exploitation and respond wisely. HMM invites you to become an Awareness Advocate and share about the ministry with your networks – church, family, friends, ministry, etc.  Awareness Advocate

As Christian women in media, we have a unique calling to highlight stories, educate audiences, and bring hidden injustices into the light. We can use our platforms to provide facts, resources, and hope-filled stories of deliverance and restoration.

As “arm-holders,” we have an opportunity to shine God’s light into one of the darkest injustices of our time. God consistently calls His people to defend the oppressed, restore dignity, and pursue freedom. May this month strengthen our voices as we champion freedom and reflect Christ’s heart for justice.

Susan Panzica

 ***

Heart of Mercy Mission, as the humanitarian arm of Christian Women in Media, is working to bring light to areas around the world where women are marginalized, oppressed, disadvantaged, and abused. Many of the women we serve are victims and survivors of trafficking. Your support, whether through giving, advocating, or praying, isn’t secondary. It’s vital. Your support allows you to be a partner and “arm-holder” with the teams who are ministering in Jesus’ name, helping women around the world.

Your support directly translates into tangible acts of mercy and care. Your financial support provides needed counseling and necessities of life including food, clothing, medication, counseling, and life skills training. Please pray about how you can best support the mission through prayer, advocacy, or financial sponsorship.

Please pray for:

●     the marginalized women around the world and in our programs who experience poverty, rejection from community, trafficking, grief, and trauma.

●     the staff who faithfully minister in our programs.

●     financial needs to be met for the work to continue.

‍