The Just Life » Compassion

What Has Begun, We Must Build Upon

The Just Life — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 18:04:44 +0000

As we continue our work towards ending child sex slavery in Phoenix, we sometimes come across simple indications that we are on the right track…that meddling in this evil world of injustice is worth the fight…that what we seek is Justice, and Justice acts as light in the darkness. A couple expamples: I rode with the [...]

Twitter Weekly Updates for 2009-10-13

The Just Life — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 05:00:00 +0000

The Just Life Just a quick note to remind those in the Chicago area that we gather again next Thursday October… http://bit.ly/D7PWc #

A False Controvery: Law Enforcement and the Sexual Exploitation of Children and Trafficked Women

The Just Life — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 11:31:07 +0000

In theory, everyone ? except for pedophiles, brothel owners, and pimps ? agrees that children must not be in the sex industry and that those who prey on them should be prosecuted and punished. Virtually every country in the world has adopted national laws prohibiting the commercial sexual exploitation of children. International law is clear on this point, as well. The International Convention on the Rights of the Child requires States Parties to protect children from all forms of sexual exploitation and sexual abuse, and prevent sex trafficking, pornography, and other unlawful sexual practices.

Conviction Secured in Uganda Land Seizure Case

The Just Life — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 22:49:21 +0000

KAMPALA, Uganda ? On September 3, 2009, Ugandan widow Joyce was vindicated in court, as the two perpetrators responsible for illegally seizing her home and property from her in the aftermath of her husband?s death were found guilty of their crimes.

Run… Walk… Speak… against Slavery

The Just Life — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 18:03:09 +0000

When it comes to combating Domestic sex slavery, any and every action has the potential to make a DIRECT impact. At BRANDED we have heard dozens of reports sharing about stories where simply understanding the issue of child sex slavery… the methods of pimps… the warning signs of potential victims… the danger zones in communities… [...]

Social Investment Almanack

The Just Life — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 19:19:06 +0000

The Office of the Third Sector in the United Kingdom has just co-published with NESTA and Social Enterprise Magazine Good Deals 2009: A Social Investment Almanack (PDF). Per the Third Sector Minister, Angela Smith, “This is an unprecedented collection of think pieces and case studies that aims to build knowledge and inspiration among those operating [...]

India: IJM Hosts Innovative Training For Prosecutors Combating Forced Labor Crimes

The Just Life — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 18:44:37 +0000

CHENNAI, INDIA ? In most of its cases on behalf of victims of forced labor slavery, IJM works with public prosecutors to bring slave owners to justice. But in and around Chennai, India, IJM?s staff discovered a recurring problem: Most of these prosecutors ? those with the responsibility to pursue convictions in forced labor cases ? lacked a basic knowledge of forced labor law and prosecution methods, and many did not understand the brutal nature these crimes.

Coreen

The Just Life — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 13:42:00 +0000

Coreen is homeless, but she is also a survivor. I met her on her second day living in Nickelsville, Seattle’s infamous tent city. Rather than stay in an abusive relationship, Coreen ran with just the clothes on her back to escape the daily beatings. I’m glad she got away, many victims of domestic violence are [...]

Core Concepts 8: Be All In

Brian Kammerzelt — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 21:44:55 +0000

We must come to terms with the reality that there is no hierarchy of Christian discipleship, no acceptable “levels” of commitment. From day one, being a disciple of Christ has been an all-in, all-or-nothing proposition. A call to completely give up the life we have planned so as to have the life awaiting us. Of course, there have always been ...

Core Concepts 7: Start Small, Dream Big

Brian Kammerzelt — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 21:31:50 +0000

A “just life” is one that refuses to neglect even the smallest act of compassion (to suffer with) while being willing to be incarnate in the development of others (loving your neighbor as yourself) while relentlessly pursuing the most revolutionary structural change (the redemption of fallen systems): Start Small: It has been said that he who waits to do a ...

Core Concepts 6: Uniquely Called

Brian Kammerzelt — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 21:23:11 +0000

Being transformed and being a part of a transformational community requires a commitment to spiritual discipline and to being stewards of the unique calling God has placed on each of our lives. Loving God and loving others with all our heart, soul and strength means that every area of our lives must be seen belonging to Christ and His Kingdom. ...

Core Concepts 5: Follow Christ’s Lead

Brian Kammerzelt — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 20:49:50 +0000

Where do we begin? Our character begins to follow Christ’s lead as we interact with people through love. His lead is incarnate. This means we are to live among and rub shoulders with those who need us. We can’t love at a distance. You cannot commute to a calling. We too must become “incarnational.” This is the essence of living ...

Core Concepts 4: Dying to Self

Brian Kammerzelt — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 21:20:22 +0000

There is no getting around it: All of history, every bit of data, the best modern technology and methodology has to offer conclude the exact same thing. There will never be a way to simply “add justice” to your already good life – no seven easy steps to a life of love and justice, no box to check on the ...

Race, Class, Gender, Faith & Nonprofit Funding Bias

The Just Life — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 20:58:37 +0000

This presentation examines funding biases of nonprofits across race, class, gender and faith. Research shows that while 52.4% of those in poverty in the USA are people of color, only 16.5% of nonprofits are led by people of color, and only 3% of foundation funding goes toward organizations that are led by people of color. Feel free to share this on your Blog or Website using the embed code link at the bottom right of the presentation. Post any comments or questions below after logging in.

Core Concepts 3: Be Agents of Change

Brian Kammerzelt — Sat, 25 Apr 2009 14:42:53 +0000

God is at work in the world reclaiming his beloved creation (Colossians 1:15-20) : Through Christ we are called to participate in the “in-breaking” of His amazing Kingdom here and now. We must first be reconciled to God and the way we engage others also must be transformed. Accordingly, we are to be active partners with God in reconciling mankind ...

“The Racial Undertones of Baggy Pants Laws” – a reaction from a Change.org blogger

The Just Life — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 19:40:57 +0000

"The Racial Undertones of Baggy Pants Laws" is a blog article written by Change.org Criminal Justice blogger Matt Kelley commenting on recent laws passed in certain counties in the United States outlawing baggy jeans. Punishment for such a "crime" can cost 93 days to a year in jail and/or up to $500 in fines.

How can our attempts to help a hurting person actually hurt them?

The Just Life — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 21:08:41 +0000

Lately, I have been thinking quite a bit about Paul’s admonition to the Galatians and how it relates to those of us who are reaching out to addicts and other people in need.

“Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted.” (Gal. 6:1 NIV)

This passage and the verses that follow have some important principles to keep in mind as we seek to be people helpers and not “enablers”.

Today, April 2, 2009 is World Autism Day!

The Just Life — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 14:43:16 +0000

Approximately 67 million people worldwide are affected by autism. Today, Autism Speaks and other organizations around the world are coming together to bring awareness to this disability. For more infomation, visit the World Autism Day headquarters.

The Brothel in Singapore: Karin’s True Story of Slavery

The Just Life — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 23:08:00 +0000

Traffickers lure victims in a number of ways, but one common technique is to promise a job opportunity, often abroad. Sometimes, that job turns out to be slavery in the industry the promised job was in, and sometimes that job is forced prostitution. This is the story of Karin, from the U.S. Department of State Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons.

Karin, a young mother of two, was looking for a job in Sri Lanka when a man befriended her and convinced her that she could land a better job in Singapore as a waitress. He arranged and paid for her travel. A Sri Lankan woman met Karin upon arrival in Singapore, confiscated her passport, and took her to a hotel. The woman made it clear that Karin had to submit to prostitution to pay back the money it cost for her to be flown into Singapore. Karin was taken to an open space for sale in the sex market where she joined women from Indonesia, Thailand, India, and China to be inspected and purchased by men from Pakistan, India, China, Indonesia, and Africa. The men would take the women to nearby hotels and rape them. Karin was forced to have sex with an average of 15 men a day. She developed a serious illness and three months after her arrival was arrested by the Singaporean police during a raid on the brothel. She was deported to Sri Lanka.

Sadly, not many stories of trafficking end happily, or even with the victim getting needed services. Karin's story illustrates the vast work which needs to still be done.

Love Is an Orientation: Elevating the Conversation With the Gay Community

The Just Life — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 21:30:50 +0000

Andrew Marin's life changed forever when his three best friends came out to him in three consecutive months. Suddenly he was confronted with the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community (GLBT) firsthand. And he was compelled to understand how he could reconcile his friends to his faith.

In an attempt to answer that question, he and his wife relocated to Boystown, a predominantly GLBT community in Chicago. And from his experience and wrestling has come his book, Love Is an Orientation, a work which elevates the conversation between Christianity and the GLBT community, moving the focus from genetics to gospel, where it really belongs.

Why are so many people who are gay wary of people who are Christians? Do GLBT people need to change who they are?