by Jason Joyner | Feb 6, 2012 | Blog, human trafficking, International Justice Mission, Mission Monday, take action
Did you know that the best numbers for modern-day slavery come up with a figure of 27 million people in bondages?
The scourge of human trafficking is alive and well around the world, from brothels in southeast Asia to brick mills in India, from indentured servitude in Middle Eastern countries to a sexually-exploited youth or economic slave in the USA.
It is a passion of mine to see this problem overcome, and I will work to get the word out on the problem and ways to make a difference.
International Justice Mission is one organization that works with countries to enforce laws within that country to help victims find freedom from illegal activities. Pretty much every country has laws against slavery, but if there is no one willing to prosecute or investigate, traffickers can have free reign. IJM assists in this particular area, along with aftercare for victims and educating lawmakers and enforcers.
They are holding a campaign to get 27,000 signatures for a petition to President Obama – one signature standing in for 1000 victims of slavery. The letter asks him to take four actions to help in the fight:
1. Taking a stand by mentioning it in his 2012 U.N. address.
2. Working to get slavery out of U.S. supply chains.
3. Providing diplomatic support for other countries’ efforts to combat trafficking.
4. Making sure we fund the fight to support efforts.
They are close to their goal. I am asking readers of this blog to take a few minutes from your day to click on the banner below and sign the letter. It is a simple act to stand with the oppressed, and it will help keep the U.S. in the forefront of the battle.
Thank you!
by Jason Joyner | Dec 11, 2008 | Blog, Christmas, giving, International Justice Mission, missions, social justice, World Vision
Yesterday I mentioned my friend’s baby boutique, Lovely Lullabies Boutique, as an online option for Christmas shopping. If you don’t have anyone that is in baby mode that you need to shop for, and you’re frustrated about what to get them, I have a couple of suggestions.
Many of us in the West don’t really NEED anything. We have wish lists of the latest toys and gadgets, styles, or whatever. I am definitely talking about myself in this as well. What if we could give something that was meaningful and made a difference in people’s lives?
I have a couple of examples of things that can be done.
There is a new trend with charities that gives a concrete example of what is given, and it is a great opportunity for kids to see what they are doing with their gift. If you’ve got a family member that has everything, then you can also give something in their name via the charity.
World Vision is one of the best charities when it comes to financial accountability. They have a “gift catalog“, where you can give $25 dollars to by chicks for a village, or $250 worth of food for $50. The catalog explains how a $75 goat can be such a windfall for a family providing protein-rich milk, cheese and yogurt as well as the possibility of offspring. For just $30, 5 ducks can be provided, with eggs and extra ducklings to sell for money. It is an awesome opportunity to help those who really need the help, and again it is a concrete way of seeing the money spent, rather just sending a check into the void.
International Justice Mission is another of my favorite charities. They work on behalf of oppressed peoples in slavery and trafficking around the world, whether for sweat shops, forced prostitution, or other instances of injustice. They also have a freedom catalog. Gifts of $25 – $50 can buy a half or whole day of investigative work, which is needed to find the people in need and line up the proper government authorities to enforce the right laws, or aftercare for abused girls. The gifts here are a little more abstract, but still the money is going to a specific activity, which can be much more meaningful.
I hope people can consider these options in their gift-giving plans. I’m sure there are other charities out there that do similar things, these are just two of the charities I have chosen to support because I believe in their mission and trust their accountability. Since we’re celebrating the birth of Jesus, let’s remember His words about “whatever you do for the least of these, you do for me.” (paraphrase of Matt 25:40)
by Jason Joyner | Dec 11, 2008 | Blog, Christmas, giving, International Justice Mission, missions, social justice, World Vision
Yesterday I mentioned my friend’s baby boutique, Lovely Lullabies Boutique, as an online option for Christmas shopping. If you don’t have anyone that is in baby mode that you need to shop for, and you’re frustrated about what to get them, I have a couple of suggestions.
Many of us in the West don’t really NEED anything. We have wish lists of the latest toys and gadgets, styles, or whatever. I am definitely talking about myself in this as well. What if we could give something that was meaningful and made a difference in people’s lives?
I have a couple of examples of things that can be done.
There is a new trend with charities that gives a concrete example of what is given, and it is a great opportunity for kids to see what they are doing with their gift. If you’ve got a family member that has everything, then you can also give something in their name via the charity.
World Vision is one of the best charities when it comes to financial accountability. They have a “gift catalog“, where you can give $25 dollars to by chicks for a village, or $250 worth of food for $50. The catalog explains how a $75 goat can be such a windfall for a family providing protein-rich milk, cheese and yogurt as well as the possibility of offspring. For just $30, 5 ducks can be provided, with eggs and extra ducklings to sell for money. It is an awesome opportunity to help those who really need the help, and again it is a concrete way of seeing the money spent, rather just sending a check into the void.
International Justice Mission is another of my favorite charities. They work on behalf of oppressed peoples in slavery and trafficking around the world, whether for sweat shops, forced prostitution, or other instances of injustice. They also have a freedom catalog. Gifts of $25 – $50 can buy a half or whole day of investigative work, which is needed to find the people in need and line up the proper government authorities to enforce the right laws, or aftercare for abused girls. The gifts here are a little more abstract, but still the money is going to a specific activity, which can be much more meaningful.
I hope people can consider these options in their gift-giving plans. I’m sure there are other charities out there that do similar things, these are just two of the charities I have chosen to support because I believe in their mission and trust their accountability. Since we’re celebrating the birth of Jesus, let’s remember His words about “whatever you do for the least of these, you do for me.” (paraphrase of Matt 25:40)
