International Justice Mission is a global organization that protects the poor from violence throughout the developing world. IJM partners with local authorities to rescue victims of violence, bring criminals to justice, restore survivors, and strengthen justice systems.

IJM is opening a new field office in Bangkok, Thailand, that will focus primarily on combating forced labor trafficking in the seafood industry. It will be working with the governments of Thailand, Cambodia, Myanmar (Burma), and Laos to address the problem of migrants and other vulnerable populations being forced to work under oppressive conditions for little to no pay on dangerous fishing boats.

Starting in January, I will serve for approximately 8-12 months as a Legal Fellow helping IJM’s legal team combat forced labor trafficking by enforcing laws already in place to hold perpetrators accountable and reform the industry.

I know from working with IJM in 2014-15 in the Philippines that I respect the work IJM does—in how they partner with local governments to strengthen the justice system, and how they step aside when the government can respond appropriately. But what I love most about IJM is how they rely on God every step of the way, particularly through daily prayer as an office. When we prayed for things and then saw them happen, it was much harder to write them off as chance or luck. We were witnesses to a God mightily at work in the world. God renewed the energy of our staff when they faced setbacks, health issues, and frustrations in the work. He softened the hearts of our police partners to allow rescue operations to go forward. He appointed trustworthy officers to lead the regional anti-trafficking task force. He protected survivors from witness tampering and gave them the courage to testify boldly against their traffickers. He gave judges wisdom in issuing convictions. He opened doors in the community to provide resources for survivors.

I am excited to once again see the work God will accomplish through IJM, and I invite you to partner with me while I serve as a Legal Fellow in Bangkok, Thailand.

First, I ask for your prayers. God hears our prayers, so I ask you to pray (1) for IJM as it hires local staff for the new Bangkok office, and (2) for me as I prepare to leave for Thailand in January. I’d love to send you prayer updates throughout the year—sign up here!

Second, I ask you to consider partnering with me financially. I will need about $20,000 to cover my expenses, including flights, insurance, housing, food, and other costs I’ll encounter during the year or so I’ll be in Thailand.

Thank you for your interest, and for considering how you might partner with me as I work with IJM in Bangkok.