At the end of July, our church was blessed with the opportunity to host the International Justice Mission and challenged by a message focused on biblical justice and freedom. The message brought to light and magnified that millions of people around the world are enslaved, deprived of choices, and without hope.
First Baptist Covington is focusing on the work that IJM is engaged in within the Dominican Republic. The DR is a nation that has beautiful beaches, hospitable resorts, and easy access for Americans and citizens from other nations to visit. In the background, the active tourist industry also provides a fertile atmosphere for young women and children to be trafficked and exploited. Jeff Hancock, from the International Justice Mission, helped us understand that God cares about the oppressed and gave us an account of why we should be active in partnering with them in the Dominican Republic.
If you did not hear Jeff’s message and would like to, click on this link:
As our first step in partnering with IJM in the Dominican Republic, we were presented with the opportunity to give toward funding a rescue. A rescue is not just going in setting girls and boys in bondage free from their present situation. It involves helping them heal physically, emotionally, and spiritually. It helps them begin a life of freedom with hope that they were incapable of seeing. The rescue also leads toward the incarceration and prosecution of criminals that enslave people.
Our goal was to raise enough to fund the equivalent of one rescue. I am happy to report that you gave enough to not only fund a rescue, but to fund four rescues.
Thank you. Your faithful giving helps not only free individuals, but helps change laws, and show the love of Jesus Christ in practical ways through Christians and local churches in the Dominican Republic that seek to help the girls and boys.
We are excited about what God will do within the Dominican Republic and how He will use the partnership between First Baptist Covington and the International Justice Mission.
Truly,
Glynn Robinson
Minister of Missions & Evangelism
First Baptist Church Covington