What comes to mind when you hear the word justice? For some of you, maybe the Bible verse Micah 6:8: “He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”
For me, the word justice took on a whole new meaning and purpose in my life a little over two years ago. I was at the National Vineyard Conference that VCNP hosted and learned about the Vineyard Anti-Slavery Team.
It was at a time in my life where God was directing me to get involved with a local organization called StreetlightUSA. The goal of this organization is to raise awareness about the sex-trafficking of minors, to prevent it and to help those rescued heal and start a new life free from oppression and bondage.
God has done amazing things in my life over the last two years and recently blessed me abundantly by giving me the opportunity to attend the Vineyard Justice Network Conference in Chicago. (The VAST group has been renamed and grown to encompass other injustices in addition to human trafficking).
Have you heard of the Vineyard Justice Network? If not, I encourage you to go to the website and learn more: www.vineyardjusticenetwork.org.
While at the conference, I learned that this network is about three things: freeing slaves, ending poverty and tending creation. What I also learned is that these three areas are interconnected. Here is the short version of one example of how it can happen. Hasty changes made in the environment can affect farmers in poor countries to the extent that it destroys their ability to provide for their families and as a devastating result, some of their children may end up as a slave in either the labor market or sex industry. The stories are heartbreaking.
As Christians, we are called to love God above all else and to love our neighbor as ourselves. These people who have suffered injustice beyond what we can imagine and have no voice are our neighbors. They need people to speak for them. I was so inspired to meet fellow Vineyard members (Pastors and Leaders) at the VJN conference who are doing great work across the country and in some cases, internationally, to make a difference in a variety of ways. (Injustice doesn’t just happen in poor countries – plenty of it happens all over the U.S.)
So – what am I thankful for this Thanksgiving? In addition to things like faith, family and friends, this Thanksgiving I am particularly thankful that God has led me down this path and for all of the wonderful people working to make a difference by acting justly, loving mercy and walking humbly with our God.
Blessings to you this Thanksgiving,
Melissa
I like the three clear points. Thanks.
So glad you got to attend this!
Such a great organization! Thanks for sharing- it’s a topic we don’t here nearly enough about.