Prayer service at a Fresno church to help combat human trafficking

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- The Holy Family Episcopal Church in Northeast Fresno invited law enforcement and those who work against human trafficking to join them in prayer.

Church leaders say they are praying for not only the victims of the crime, but those who work against it and people in government. On Monday group of bikers arrived in Fresno raising money for the cause. The church director says its all to raise awareness.

"If we don't own it and recognize it we can't combat it. And so to raise awareness, so people are aware that the Central Valley is a Hot bed of this activity. That the 99 freeway provides a corridor where the people are transported from the south part of our state to the northern part of our state to the bay area and along the way they stop in Fresno. And its been a hidden crime for way too long," said Michele Racusin, Director Holy Family Episcopal Church.

The 18 day ride will end its trip in Modesto on October 23rd. So far the tour against trafficking has raised $31,000. That money will be sent directly to local organizations helping victims of human trafficking as well as those trying to put a stop to it.