Setting Captives FreeScot Bower - 28 Jan 2012
The heartbeat of 24-7 Prayer is finding intimacy with God in the place of prayer and then taking that prayer into the world with a passion for mission and justice; to see the Kingdom of God come on earth, in the lives of those around us. 
There are few communities that demonstrate that heartbeat better than the 24-7 Community in Minneapolis.
Over the years The Source Community in Minneapolis have learnt to marry prayer with action, they have regular rythms of prayer and they reach out to the world around them caring for the poor, and the broken. Source find themselves located in the most ethnically diverse square mile in the United States; in the crowded streets of their corner of Minneapolis over 100 languages are spoken in a culturally rich melting pot this is reflected in the vibrant creative nature of the community.
Last year 24-7 blogged about an opportunity the Source had to acquire a property with the vision of providing transitional housing for women set free from prostitution in their city.
Peter Wohler one of the leaders of the Source writes:
Sex Trafficking is not just an international problem - Unfortunately it is alive and well in the USA. The Average American lives within 19 miles of Sex Trafficking. 13 is the average age of entry in the USA. There are 20,000 homeless youth in MN annually and they will be targeted within 48 hours of hitting the streets. 99% of women in sex trafficking/domestic prostitution in our country want out, ...however there are less than 100 recovery beds in the whole nation. 80% of US cities have no recovery beds. Those who are asking for help in our country have little to no opportunity. They are typically told they must "Take a Number" and put on waiting list that last up to a year.
Annex Network is creating awareness and providing opportunities to get out. Long lasting relationships are key for any significant life long recovery. The Annex Network has a vision to provide opportunities to anyone who wants out. A holistic model including post-treatment affordable transitional homes (which are cost effective) that incorporate role models and congregations providing significant relationships and seeing life long change.
This weekend the community are celebrating. After a yearlong renovation project involving over 700 volunteers, the building inspections are over the 'Annex' is finished and residents have begun moving in.
Over this weekend the Source are inviting anyone who can to join them in their celebration. If you're local to Minneapolis you can drop by and celebrate in person, but for the majority of us who aren't in the Mid-West US the Source will be web-casting the Prayer Celebration and dedication ceremony. Please do consider virtually dropping by and praying with them. You can also post prayers of thanks and blessing in the comments section below.
Congratulations Source! We love what you are doing and pray that God will bless you and the residents of the annex enormously.