On April 13, Samford’s branch of the International Justice Mission hosted the “The Meaning of Advocacy” to raise awareness about their organization and their mission.
International Justice Mission was established in 1997 with the mission “to protect people in poverty from violence by rescuing victims, bringing criminals to justice, restoring survivors to safety and strength, and helping local law enforcement build a safe future that lasts.”
A group of students are working hard to continue this mission on Samford’s campus, including the president of Samford IJM, Allison Middendorf.
“Through this event, we hope to spread more awareness about the work of International Justice Mission and continue building the connection of Christianity with the work of justice,” Middendorf said.
In Birmingham, Ala., it can be easy for one to forget about the violence and abuse that occurs in other areas of the nation and around the world. Samford’s IJM hopes to remind students of the atrocities around the globe as well as the Christian responsibility to live for others.
Jane Foncea, a founding member of Samford’s chapter of International Justice Mission who worked with IJM, led the discussion on this topic.
“[My speech is] a blend of talking about IJM and our work while also offering a theological framework to understand violence that I believe drives Christians into the work of justice,”Foncea said.
Every day, countless people are faced with the reality of violence, slavery and sex trafficking. International Justice Mission is working to fight against these forms of violence. As a Christian organization, International Justice Mission’s vision is “to rescue millions, protect half a billion and make justice unstoppable.”
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