By: Anna Clark
On Wednesday, Sept. 20th, Samford’s International Justice Mission Chapter held its first meeting of the 2023-2024 school year. During the meeting, President Alison Middendorf and Vice President Bethany Waters gave a moving and informative presentation on human trafficking and how IJM plans to stop it.
“Once I learned about human trafficking and how big of an issue it was, it really was on my heart, and I knew I couldn’t just walk away knowing I didn’t hear anything,” Middendorf said.
The International Justice Mission is a faith-based, non-profit organization that was established in Washington D.C., with branches and chapters all over the world. IJM’s mission is to offer advocacy and resources for victims of human trafficking by working with law enforcement at all levels to extinguish the increasingly rampant crime.
It was made clear throughout the presentation that the International Justice Mission’s cause is not only a passion for its members at Samford University but is a topic close to their hearts. The delicate subject was spoken about with sensitivity and respect and a strong hope for the future.
Vice President Bethany Waters, elaborating on the president’s comments, said, “When I first heard about [human trafficking], it was something that really lit a fire in my heart to devote my life to fight against it.”
With over fifty million people involved in human trafficking and one hundred and fifty billion dollars generated by human trafficking a year, it is now the second largest and fastest-growing criminal industry in the world. Every day, more victims of this heinous crime are discovered, with one in four of those victims being children.
To get involved and find more information on the International Justice Mission, visit their Instagram (@SamfordIJM) or Bulldog Central. To report human trafficking or give information to IJM, call 1-888-373-7888 at any time.
