It's with all my pervasive passion and mounting excitement that I write this letter to you.  I've officially been selected as an intern for International Justice Mission (IJM).  I can say with great certainty that I've never felt God's call so strongly in my little life as I do now.  This opportunity has given me HOPE that I can fight for justice in this oppressive world, HOPE that I might make a difference.  And isn't HOPE a beautiful thing?  For HOPE does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us."  (Romans 5:5)

 

So many details to expose, so much excitement to transpose.  Recently I was chosen to serve as the administrative intern in one of IJM's field offices in South Asia.  Upon learning this, many questions raced through my mind:  What will I be doing?  How long will I be there?  Will I be able to do all that's asked of me?  Will I ever help to make a difference?  Will this experience e turn me around, flip me upside down, and alter most of what I have ever known?  I've never felt such excitement mingled with such nervousness, such purpose mingled with such fear.  But here I am, back on solid ground again, remembering the task at hand -- to prepare to repair, to make way for the freedom of slaves. 

 

International Justice Mission is a Christian human rights organization founded by Gary Haugen in 1994.  IJM is headquartered in Washington DC, but all of its casework is international.  IJM has 14 field offices located in Africa, Latin America, South Asia, and Southeast Asia.  Depending on the needs of each location, their casework differs.  They fight injustices such as slavery, illegal property seizure, sexual violence, sex trafficking, illegal detention and more.  IJM seeks a holistic approach to justice that includes victim relief, perpetrator accountability, structural transformation, and victim aftercare.  To find out more visit www.ijm.org.  This is an organization that is following God's call to "seek justice, rescue the oppressed, defend the orphan, plead for the widow", found in Isaiah 1:17 and so many other places throughout Scripture. 

These past few years I've begun to realize that Christianity without the pursuit of justice is like faith without deeds ... it is dead.  That is why getting this internship with IJM is not only an honor, but a necessity in my life.  I will be be able to do my part in the fight against human bondage in South Asia, home to "the world's largest population of slaves" according to www.ijm.org/ourwork/southasia.  In the field office I will be helping with casework for families who are illegally being held captive as debtor slaves, families who deserve to be rescued from oppression.  I will be able to observe IJM's work on the field and in the office.  I will also be able to write of my experiences/learning process for IJM -- a task I am ecstatic to complete!

 

I hope this gives you a vision of what my life will be like for the 12 months I'll be in India.  I'll be heading overseas at the end of September,. 2009, after I complete my training week in Washington D.C.   I write this to you because I'd love for you to share a piece of my experience with me.  I will be doing my best to keep a blog updated with my experience, my education, and a healthy dose of my emotion!  You can find my attempted explanations at http://laurenIJM.blogspot.com/.  

 

Along with spiritual support I will need financial support ($15,000).  I know that this isn't' the best economic climate for giving.  Many people are struggling to maintain regularity in their lives.  But what of those struggling only to survive?  Those struggling for their very freedom?  Those are the people I'll be working with, working for.  That would be the worth of your monetary support.  You can find details on giving online at www.ijm.org/getinvolved/internshipsupport.  If you are able to donate, I thank you in advance.  I cannot tell you how much it means to me.  I cannot do any of this without you. 

 

Thank you for your time, your prayers, and all the encouragement/support.  Thank you for letting me share a piece of my heart with you today.  Throughout the coming year whether you choose to support me through finances, through prayers, or even just through reading my blog, it is my hope that in all or one of these things you may find God.  May He bless you for helping a young lady as she sets out on her journey for justice.  First stop:  South Asia. 

 

With all my sincerest passion & love for Christ,

Lauren. Susan. Peffley

... defying normalcy and all its unoriginal downfalls ...