S’mores and Songs for Freedom
Oct. 10, 2018 – Regent University’s International Justice Mission (IJM) chapter hosted their first on campus fundraising event of Fall 2018, which was a cozy night of sitting around the bonfire, eating [fair trade!] s’mores, sharing testimonies, and looking to Jesus for the justice of those suffering from human trafficking.
According to Rebecca Criscuolo, President of RU’s IJM chapter, this event intended to raise money in support of IJM’s mission to end human trafficking and educate students on-campus about human trafficking. She said that this year their chapter wants to educate how human trafficking is an issue even in the Hampton Roads area and that “human trafficking doesn’t discriminate.”
All the funds raised by the s’mores and other treats sold at the event will go to the IJM headquarters where they fund rescue missions. Rebecca said that IJM’s work in the Philippines has impacted the issue of cyber sex trafficking and IJM recently rescued five victims and helped to put two perpetrators in custody. The food at the event was also purchased completely fair trade which was purposefully done since fair trade items help decrease labor trafficking through fairer wages and protection of basic rights for farmers. Each aspect of this event was put together with justice at the forefront and as Rebecca put it, “no justice will be done without God.”
Members of RU’s IJM chapter felt that they were drawn to this group through the work of the Holy Spirit. Tori Hirsch, the VP of Prayer for RU’s IJM chapter, said, “Last year, God laid on my heart to help end human trafficking. The president from last year offered me this position on the leadership board, and she did this without knowing about the Holy Spirit putting this on my heart. God was at the center of my decision to take action and be a part of this group.”
The bonfire and open-mic night set the stage for students to share their talents, which ranged from singing to spoken word. Each person that performed used the opportunity to speak their testimony and reflect on the love and justice of Jesus Christ. This event was just an example of how RU’s IJM chapter is working to change the world through the impact of the Gospel.
The IJM chapter is excited for the events to come and the impact that this organization will have locally and globally. If you would like to get involved with or learn more about Regent’s IJM chapter, check out their Facebook page.
Micayla Chapman is a staff writer for the Daily Runner.
