By: Mallory Turner
On Sunday, Feb. 7, millions of people will join in to watch Super Bowl 50, where the Carolina Panthers will face the Denver Broncos. While some people will be loading up on wings and pizza before kick-off, a group of Gardner-Webb students, led by Release the Captives club, will be gathering in the Tucker Student Center to pray for the victims of human trafficking.
Research shows that human trafficking becomes more prevalent in areas where large sporting events are taking place. People of all ages, races and backgrounds can be caught and forcibly sold on the street all over the world – including America.
Release the Captives hopes to promote awareness about modern slavery, while also covering the victims in prayer during the Super Bowl.
“I think that [the prayer] is effectively positioned,” said Chris Beguhl, a member of Release the Captives. “[The prayer will] raise awareness and invite Christians who aren’t aware of trafficking to participate with activists in a safe environment.”
Sarah Moxley, another member of the club, said, “I hope that this will help people become more aware and have a better understanding about human trafficking. Justice is something God cares about, and prayer is one of the most important ways you can be involved in an issue.”
While the influx of people during the Super Bowl does typically lead to human trafficking, Release the Captives hopes their prayer doesn’t stop after Sunday. According to Moxley, the group strives “to get people to pray about [the victims of human trafficking] regularly.”
The club is offering for anyone who wishes to attend and participate to do so. The prayer will begin at 6:10 p.m. in the chapel in the Tucker Student Center.
