Recently
I (B.Faye) attended the Justice Conference in Philadelphia and was inspired by
the Church’s response to Justice. This conference provided a time of great
networking with different ministry partners, challenges to thoughts on justice,
and tools to equip and resource in justice ministry.
To be honest, beforehand I did not know what to expect and was wondering
if this was going to be a stirring up of emotions simply about justice. I was
really pleased when the first speaker and Founder of the Justice Conference,
Ken Wystma, assured that it was not about stirring up emotional self
(burning-out) effort, but to be rooted in a deep theology of justice.
The conference continued with many phenomenal speakers encouraging the
long-haul pursuit of justice. Many attendees were deep in the trenches of this
work. It was encouraging to see workers come together to be reminded of the why
behind work of justice and that we are not alone in this effort. Others were
passionate young people challenged to go deeper in pursuing the God of Justice
at work in redeeming humanity.
Gary Haugen, President & CEO of IJM (International Justice Mission)
has witnessed many “super hero” stories of justice that he could share but instead
he spoke on how the work of justice can be tedious and boring. IJM workers,
though we may want to read about them busting down brothels, will take about
6,000 hours in a courtroom for one case, then 3 months of paperwork, and over a
15-year span will receive justice for one victim. But is it worth it? We need
long obedience in the same direction that not only overcomes fear, but also
overcomes the painfully tedious monotony.
Victims need to know they are worthy of a love that does not go away.
I could continue on with many different points from speakers and great
take aways, but overall will encourage you to pray, ask questions, and grow
deeper in searching where God is calling you to join in on bringing His justice
to the broken. I also encourage you to check out some of their voices here: http://vimeo.com/thejusticeconference/videos.
What would it look like for you to go deeper in joining the long-term
fight for justice?
