I’m writing to you from Washington DC! (I know, very House of Cards). I have the privilege of being here this week at theGlobal Prayer Gathering!
International Justice Mission (IJM) will gather over 1400 people over the next couple of days to lean into God’s heart for justice. We will will worship, pray, sing, and hear stories about how God is on the move all over the world.
This year, I was asked to be a part of the group that would lobby with the House and Senate! There is this new legisaltion called the End Modern Slavery Initiative Act (S. 553) that IJM sees as very critical to ending modern day slavery.
Basically, it would create a non-profit that would raise money to fund anti-slavery efforts around the world. This particular piece of legislation is so encouraging because it is both bi-partisan and it requires funding from other governments and the private sector. I see it like a little miracle act that is bringing the whole world together to end slavery.
My task was simply to let our Congress people know that I cared deeply about this. I went into this this morning thinking that it would be super intimidating and difficult to navigate. I mean when people talk about going to “the hill” and “lobbying” I don’t really think I’m part of that scene (unless the hill is the pulpit and lobbying is what I do in the lobby). I didn’t see myself as an advocate. But after this morning, I realized that I am. And so are each of you. The influence that you wield simply by living in your city and state is LARGE. Sending an email matters. Phone calls do not go unnoticed. This does not require some special skill set or Poli Sci degree to get your voice heard. You can be an advocate anywhere.
I tell you this because I walked away from today stunned that what I learned from Schoolhouse Rock is actually true! And I also came to believe there may be day that WE will see an end to slavery in this world. Our generation could be the one that says no more. That freedom is something that everyone should have. God is on the move and He wants us to join Him. He wants us to advocate for the orphan and the widow and the slave. He wants us to be a light in the darkness of human trafficking and violence and slavery. Will you join Him? Are you willing to be an advocate for people who can not advocate for themselves?
I would love to see you join this movement to end slavery!
If you are interested in learning more about advocating for justice around the world or would like to sign the act, you can go to freedomcommons.ijm.org
And if you have more questions or just want to get together to talk about justice, I’d love to help you with that. You can reach me by phone or email.
P.S. The Global Prayer Gathering is being recorded, so I’m hoping that by next week, I’ll be able to share that link with you all.
,
Lisa Adams,
Director of Missions
Living Out Love 