Before
I begin my final post, I would like to take a moment and apologize for my
complete lack of updates over the last 5 months.
As
most of you know, my best friend passed away unexpectedly at the end of
September. I have not posted anything since this happened but felt it would
still be a good thing to write a final blog and update you all.
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Since
September, we have had SEVERAL events! Countless speaking engagements, youth
events, conferences and fundraisers. Alright… maybe not countless seeing as we
keep great records of everything, but you know what I mean. It’s been a very
busy journey. To tell you about each event would take a lot of time, so
let me share some of my favorite highlights.
CFC
Belfast: Back in November/December, we hosted a 4-week series with the youth
group at CFC. Each week focused on a different aspect of IJM’s work. We
discussed injustice as a whole and God’s call for His people to be involved in
bringing justice to the nations. We also talked more specifically about
slavery, police abuse of power and illegal land seizure. It was a great
opportunity to share stories of victims that IJM has rescued and to encourage
them to be part of the solution to injustice.
Freedom
Parties: We have also had our first few Freedom Parties in Northern
Ireland! At its core, a Freedom Party offers the opportunity to purchase unique
and ethical products. Each product has been made by a survivor of sex
trafficking and is an example of what aftercare programs - and ultimately the
rescues themselves - help to achieve for such victims. These events have been
organized by volunteers to raise funds for the work of IJM. I loved all of the
items and wanted to buy them all! These parties are a really fun way to support
IJM and tell others about the work. To learn more about hosting a Freedom Party
and to see some of the items that are sold at these events, click here.
Benefit
Dinner: On Valentine’s Day we hosted a Benefit Dinner in Belfast! Working towards
this event was both stressful and exciting. Over 130 people attended our dinner
and we raised over £10,000 for our work in India! Saju Mathew, IJM’s Director
of Operations, South Asia, shared stories from his personal experiences in the
field. If you missed this or want a recap, visit this link
to hear from Saju.
These
are just a few of the events that I have been a part of this year. Throughout
my internship, each week has been different. So many skills have been further
developed and I have been challenged, stretched and inspired. I am so thankful
for my experience with IJM this year!
So,
next week will be my last week in the office as an intern! I am really looking
forward to next week, as it will be ending with another team Quarterly Prayer
Day over in England. I always really enjoy these and come back feeling
encouraged by the people who work for IJM UK. I am proud to have been part of
this amazing team of people that God has put together. What a beautiful way to
end my year with IJM.
What’s
next, you might ask? Good question. I am still not too sure myself. I know I
will continue volunteering with IJM any chance I get. Job hunting has already
begun. And Paul and I are praying about our future. Please pray with us as we
seek God’s wisdom about jobs, where to live, etc. Exciting!
Please
don’t let your journey with IJM end here. Visit ijmuk.org for more information. Donate. Pray.
Volunteer. Intern. Be part of the story!
“All that is necessary for the triumph of evil
is for good men to do nothing.”
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—
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Edmund Burke as quoted in Good News about
Injustice by Gary Haugen
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