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Deliver Me from Evil is the first novel in the 3-novel “Freedom” series from Kathi Macias. Broad in scope and riveting in plot, the series explores the modern-day scourge of human trafficking through the perspectives of a variety of characters—victims, rescuers, traffickers, and more. Available in paperback and in ebook format.

Special Delivery, book 2 in the “Freedom” series, is also now available in paperback and in ebook format. A book club discussion guide is scheduled for release on NewHopeDigital.com next month.

The Deliverer, the third and final novel in the “Freedom” series, is scheduled for release later in 2012.

Deliver Me from Evil book summary

Mara, sold by her parents in Mexico and then smuggled across the border in San Diego, has been forced into sexual slavery. Bible-college-bound Jonathan and his sister, Leah, whose paths cross Mara’s, become involved in her dramatic rescue.

Interwoven is the heartbreaking story of another young woman in captivity in the Golden Triangle of Thailand. Her past mysteriously connects to the young people in California.

Book club questions

These questions, developed by Kathi Macias, are intended to be used as the basis of a book club discussion. Read the novel and then come together to discuss these important issues. (Allow 1 to 2 hours to discuss all the questions and for prayer. You could take extra time to view and/or read the additional resources listed at the bottom of this guide.) 

    1. When you first met Mara and realized the horrific situation she was in and how she got there, what was your initial reaction? What feelings were stirred up, and which of those feelings surprised you?
    2. Most people who are even slightly aware of human trafficking tend to think it takes place only in faraway places, such as Thailand. Deliver Me from Evil clearly shows that is not the case. How does that fact change the way you view the magnitude and seriousness of the situation?
    3. Jonathan and Leah’s home situation stands out in stark contrast to the dark life led by Mara and the others at the compound. In what ways was it easier for you to relate to Jonathan and Leah’s life than Mara’s? Do you suppose Jesus would relate equally with both?
    4. Though Jonathan had been born and raised in a loving, Christian home, he had his own spiritual battle to wage, as do we all. Describe his journey to personal faith as he walked through the discovery of the reality of human trafficking?
    5. In what ways did Mara and the other girls depict the typical view of hardened sex workers? In what ways did they break the stereotype and open your eyes to their position as victim?
    6. Chanthra’s life was a tragedy from nearly every standpoint. Though she better fits the stereotype of a sex slave than someone like Jasmine, what traits did they have in common?
    7. Consider Jefe and his 2 henchmen. Could you find any redeeming qualities in any of them? If not and you knew there truly were people like that, could you find it in your heart to pray for them?
    8. “The Reeds” is not a fictional place; it actually existed in the San Diego area, and young girls and women suffered horribly there. How does that knowledge spur you on to discover if any such places might exist in your own city or state?
    9. Huge numbers of young girls (and even some boys), particularly teenagers, disappear annually. If they are never found, often they are classified as runaways, despite the fact that their families are certain that’s not the case. How does that change the way you view the problem of sex trafficking?
    10. If you were to sum up the way this book has challenged/changed you, what would you say—to yourself, to others, and, most important, to God? 

Pray

Close your time together in prayer for those involved in human trafficking.

Markers for prayer include:

    • Physical and spiritual freedom for victims of sex trafficking in the US and abroad
    • Wisdom, courage, and compassion for those working with victims of sex trafficking (law enforcement, social services, Christian nonprofits, churches, shelters, and others)
    • Spiritual awakening around the world to end demand for sexual exploitation (prostitution, pornography, strip clubs, sex tourism)
    • Stricter enforcement of existing laws and the development of new legal protections (politicians, lawyers, police, and citizens worldwide)
    • More Christ followers to become involved in the battles against trafficking and poverty, both physical and spiritual
    • Ask God to change the hearts of traffickers, leading them to repent and turn to Christ

You also may find the  Set1Free Prayer Guide helpful; this is a free resource from  WorldCrafts.

WorldCrafts develops sustainable, fair-trade businesses among impoverished people around the world. Their vision is to offer an income with dignity and the hope of everlasting life to every person on earth. The Set1Free campaign focuses specifically on artisan groups working with those at risk of or leaving sexual exploitation.

The Release and Restore CD includes a prayerwalking experience and other resources.

You may also benefit from free prayer and fasting resources on this topic from The Salvation Army.

Additional resources

“Ideas and Resources to Join the Fight Against Modern Slavery.” Features an extensive list of New Hope Digital articles, podcasts, and a few videos related to the subject of human trafficking. Also includes a list of action steps and other resources. Consider reading Not in My Town: Exposing and Ending Human Trafficking and Modern-Day Slavery, a nonfiction account of these horrors that also includes encouraging stories of hope and change.

“Kathi Macias Discusses Human Trafficking on the Harvest Show.” Video from Kathi’s appearance in October 2011.

“Shining God’s Light in the Darkest Corners of the World.” Article in which Kathi Macias answers the question: “Why do you write about such dark subjects?” Also includes a video from the CNN Freedom Project on slavery in America.

“Chong Kim: A Trafficking Survivor’s Dramatic Story.” A New Hope Digital podcast.