The Church’s Prophetic Response to Human Trafficking
“I will give you the treasures of darkness” — Isaiah 45:3
A powerful work of Practical Theology, specialising in Pastoral Theology for Trauma, that centres survivor voices and calls the Church to prophetic, trauma-informed action against one of the world’s gravest injustices.
“I will give you the treasures of darkness and riches hidden in secret places, so that you may know that it is I, the Lord, the God of Israel, who call you by your name.” Isaiah 45:3 (NRSVA)
Treasures in Darkness emerges from years of pastoral engagement with survivors of human trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation in South Africa. Rooted in the discipline of Practical Theology and grounded in a specialisation in Pastoral Theology for Trauma, this book draws on first-hand survivor testimonies, doctoral research, and deep theological reflection to challenge the Church to move beyond awareness into transformative, prophetic action.
Grounded in the concept of Imago Dei — the belief that every person bears the image of God — this work weaves together survivor voices, Scripture, and trauma-informed pastoral theology to offer a framework for healing, advocacy, and community response. It takes seriously both the depth of trauma experienced by survivors and the Church’s unique capacity to be a community of restoration.
This is not simply a book about trafficking. It is a prophetic call to the Church to see, to act, and to restore dignity to those the world has discarded — and a practical theological resource for those who answer that call.
“The darkness is real. But so are the treasures hidden within it — the resilience, the spirit, the unquenchable dignity of those who have survived.” — Brent Frieslaar, Treasures in Darkness
Magdala Press is an independent Australian publishing imprint dedicated to amplifying voices that the mainstream often overlooks — survivors, scholars of justice, pastoral theologians, and those who work at the margins.
The name recalls Magdala, the home of Mary of Magdalene — a figure of restoration, courage, and witness. It is a name that carries both the weight of suffering and the triumph of transformation.
Our publications are grounded in theological integrity, scholarly rigour, and a deep commitment to human dignity. We exist to publish works that matter, because the stories they carry matter.
Treasures in Darkness is forthcoming in 2026. Register your interest to be notified when pre-orders open and for news of the official launch.
Whether you are a pastor, theologian, survivor advocate, student, or someone who simply cares about justice — this book has been written for you.
You may also contact us directly:
brent@magdalapress.com