Edmund Burke once said, “All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing.” That quote unsettles me, partly because it describes me.
International Justice Mission (IJM) is an organization that allows you to extend that influence to vulnerable children around the world. Their purpose is articulated in Isaiah 1:17, “Seek justice, encourage the oppressed, defend the cause of the fatherless, and plead the case of the widow.”
As described on IJM”s website, “IJM seeks to restore to victims of oppression the things that God intends for them: their lives, their liberty, their dignity, and the fruits of their labor. By defending and protecting individual human rights, IJM seeks to engender hope and transformation for those it serves and restore a witness of courage in places of oppressive violence.”
Recently I had the opportunity to talk to my local Congressman about the issues of child trafficking, enslavement, and IJM’s incredible work to abolish these horrors. I specifically asked him to consider co-sponsoring a bill, entitled the Child Protection Compact of 2009. This bill would allot 50 million dollars over three years to the US State Department’s Trafficking in Persons Office, for the purpose of eradicating child trafficking. International Justice Mission would be a recipient of these monies.
To be quite frank, I was as nervous as anything. I am as ordinary as ordinary gets. I can hardly articulate a coherent thought without stumbling over my own tongue. But with God, all things are possible. I know that this issue is at the heart of God. I know that there are children who need someone to speak on their behalf. I know that it was certainly not me speaking in the first place, but Him. All of this knowledge, coupled with the prayers and support of so many, carried me through my first advocacy meeting. And truthfully, I don’t think it’ll be my last.
There are multiple ways to get involved in pursuing justice for our children around the world. Here are a few examples of how you can get started:
- Consider becoming a prayer partner for International Justice Mission.
- Spread awareness of this issue through friends, social media outlets, Bible studies, and your local church.
- Mobilize your church to follow God’s call to justice.
- Attend an IJM event to hear first-hand accounts of their work and ministry.
- Support IJM financially or organize a fundraising campaign near you.
- Volunteer with IJM on a short term basis in Washington, DC.
- Get involved in a justice campaign. Urge your member of Congress to support the Child Protection Compact Act of 2009 today!
How have you defended and protected the rights of children at home and around the world? What organizations do you feel reflect the heart of God?
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