What Does the Lord Require?
FPCB's Justice Team strives to take action against injustice and oppression
by Jeanette Detlor, FPCB Member
The FPCB Justice Team was formed in 2004 after Gary Haugen, founder of International Justice Mission (IJM), spoke during worship at FPCB. Inspired by Gary's presentation of what IJM is doing in the world, the team came together to learn more about IJM and how the church and individuals can take action against injustice and oppression. The team, under the guidance of the Global Outreach Committee, meets regularly to plan ways to support IJM's programs, as well as to study what the Bible says about injustice and pray for those in bondage. The team also hopes to assist IJM with their plans to open an office in Rwanda.
International Justice Mission is a faith-based human rights organization that rescues victims of violence, sexual exploitation, slavery, and oppression. A multi-national team of law enforcement professionals and a highly qualified legal staff conduct criminal investigations and collect evidence to rescue victims and bring perpetrators to justice. Their mission has a four-fold purpose: victim relief, perpetrator accountability, structural prevention, and victim aftercare.
As a result of investigations conducted by IJM investigators and action taken by local authorities based on these investigations, numerous individuals have been freed from oppressive situations in various countries throughout the world. This includes young girls freed from forced prostitution; individuals, and, in some cases, entire families, freed from bonded slavery; freedom for individuals held in jail without cause; as well as number of other unjust and oppressive situations. In many cases the perpetrators of these violations have also been brought to justice through the court systems in their countries. In several countries, the local authorities have invited IJM to provide training for their police officers so that they can better address these situations in the future.
The 2005 Annual IJM Prayer Conference in May was attended by seven FPCB members. Staff members from all the IJM offices around the world were joined by over 200 supporters for a weekend of prayer. The conference opened with a banquet and an address by Gary Haugen, in which he urged the attendees to follow God's direction in Micah 6:8, "e;He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God."e; Throughout the weekend each country's staff presented its unique needs for prayer. It was a most inspirational time for all, ending the with a candle-light prayer vigil at several monuments in Washington DC, including the White House, the Capital, the Lincoln Memorial, and the Holocaust Museum.
In June 2005, FPCB joined with University Presbyterian Church (UPC) in Seattle to host a FilmFest for the purpose of educating people about the injustices prevalent in the world, and as a way to benefit IJM's preliminary steps toward opening an office in Rwanda. Four films dealing with justice-related themes, including Hotel Rwanda, were viewed. The films were followed by an interactive panel discussion featuring experts and filmmakers. Recently, FPCB and UPC teamed up for another FilmFest; again to benefit the opening of an IJM office in Rwanda. The theme was "e;Dreams From Our Childhood"e; and included the movies To Kill A Mocking Bird, Born Into Brothels, Big Fish, and Sixth Sense.
Some FPCB members of the Justice Team have also committed to volunteer for IJM programs. Chris McDowell is heading up the IJM Northwest Advocate Team. This is a program with a team of individuals who have been trained to go out to churches, schools, and other organizations to explain the work of IJM. Mark Phelps has joined with Chris on this team, and the late Mike McDowell was also an advocate. John Detlor, a former FBI agent with a legal background, is currently volunteering as an investigative associate, conducting background investigations on new IJM employees.
The FPCB Justice Team is continuing its work to raise awareness of injustice in the world and plan ways in which FPCB, as a church and as individuals, can participate to bring God's love and justice to people under bondage. More events will be planned by the Justice Team in the coming months. The committee is hoping to include more education on local, national, and world-wide injustice during the meetings. This may involve speakers, study, and prayer. Anyone interested in learning more about the Justice Team should contact the Church Office.
