Agents of Change: International Justice Mission

International Justice Mission is committed to helping local churches embrace God’s call to “Seek justice, rescue the oppressed, defend the orphan and plead for the widow.” Christians around the world are experiencing the joy of partnering with IJM to bring freedom to victims of oppression. Their faith is being buoyed as they pray daily for the work of IJM and see the results of their intercession.

The work of International Justice Mission is featured in this 2003 report from NBC news:

Founded in 1997, IJM began operations after a group of human rights professionals, lawyers and public officials launched an extensive study of the injustices witnessed by overseas missionaries and relief and development workers. This study, surveying more than 65 organizations and representing 40,000 overseas workers, uncovered a nearly unanimous awareness of abuses of power by police and other authorities in the communities where they served. Without the resources or expertise to confront the abuse and to bring rescue to the victims, these overseas workers required the assistance of trained public justice professionals.

When the poor are hungry, homeless or alienated, the Church has come to their aid by providing food, shelter and missionaries to meet the pressing needs. But when the poor have been oppressed, treated unjustly and suffered under the hand of someone more powerful, little was done on their behalf.

Accordingly, IJM was established to help fill this void, acting as an organization that stands in the gap for victims when they are left without an advocate. IJM staff members (human rights experts, attorneys and law enforcement professionals) receive case referrals from, and work in conjunction with, other non-governmental organizations and casework alliances abroad.

www.ijm.org