Haylee Hunt
On April 9-10, Shorter’s chapter of International Justice Mission (IJM) took a stand against human trafficking as they stood from noon on Wednesday to noon on Thursday to raise awareness and fight for human injustices. This nationwide, 24-hour “Stand for Freedom” campaign raised both money and awareness for those around the world who are trapped in slavery.
One year ago, a group of students approached administration to form The International Justice Mission (IJM) Chapter of Shorter University. IJM is a human rights organization that seeks to end oppression around the world. The IJM corporation is comprised of lawyers, investigators and aftercare professionals who work with local law enforcement to obtain justice for victims of violence or oppression, according to the IJM website.
Professor of Criminal Justice Dr. Beverley Spitler has been instrumental in bringing IJM to Shorter. She has worked closely with human trafficking victims in China through the Blessed Hope Ministries for the past eight years. She said she was delighted when students came to her wanting to start an IJM chapter.
“I do a lot of work in China over the summers that deal with women and children that are in slavery situations. Human trafficking is near to my heart so when students came to me in need of adviser I couldn’t say no,” said Spitler.
Junior music education major Hannah Mitchell, president of the IJM chapter, said it is important that people are aware of the modern-day slavery that exists even in the country today.
“I just love telling people about IJM and making them aware of the oppression that is occurring in the world today,” Mitchell said. “It’s a way for me to live out my passion and to hopefully get people to branch out of our life here in America and begin to care about those suffering under violent oppression around the world.”
Along with the Stand for Freedom, IJM has the Global Prayer Gathering that is a time of worship, prayer and celebration. IJM staff from around the world share stories of injustice, liberation and restoration. There is also a time of prayer for those suffering under the bonds of oppression. IJM Campus chapters around the United States also host events such as runs, dances, concerts and other fundraising events. The chapter at Shorter has worked hard in making the Stand for Freedom event a success.
“We made information sheets about IJM and how slaves work for you for people who were standing,” said Mitchell. “We as a group also presented the Human Trafficking Prioritization act, which is a piece of legislation that would help the fight against human trafficking.”
The event required countless hours of preparation and a large support system to make an impact for the IJM cause. According to Mitchell, getting support and people to take part in the stand, however, was a challenge.
“Getting people to come and stand, especially through the night, was the hardest part,” said Mitchell, “especially with finals coming up.”
The campus chapter has put tremendous efforts into raising awareness for human trafficking, but in the end Mitchell, said it would not have been possible without constant prayer.
“The biggest thing we do is pray; the Stand would not be successful without Him,” Mitchell said.
