Join us for live blogging from the Kenya, Guatemala, Thailand, and Cambodia prayer rooms on Saturday, March 28th at 2:00pm ET.
Thailand meeting beginning
The room is packed ... and Field Office Director Khem is introducing himself and the work he has done over 6 years with IJM
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THAILAND
(Thailand) Khem advocates for the 1 million hilltribe people in northern Thailand without citizenship.
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Thailand
(Thailand) Hilltribe people can not travel because they have no documents. They have no access to education. They are vulnerable to trafficking, exploitation and violence.
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[PERU] Peru prayer room is beginning. Alyson is translating from Spanish for the Director, Richard.
Thailand
(Thailand) Before having citizenship, life seemed impossible for IJM clients. With legal papers/citizenship they are free - free from fear, they can travel, they can see new beginnings.
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Thailand successes
(Thailand) Thousands of hilltribe people are in need of citizenship. Last year IJM got citizenship for 1045 Hilltribe people.
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[GUATEMALA] Field Office Director Pablo Villeda opening time of prayer by sharing the story of a young IJM client -- formerly a victim, now healing and participating in a human rights competition at the national level.
[PERU] Richard tells us about Jessica, a nine year old girl who was abandoned by her father and lives in extreme poverty. Jessica was assaulted by a local official, and launched a campaign to shield him from consequences of this crime. Jessica's mother contacted Paz y Esperanza for help. One of the challenges was finding a doctor to examine Jessica - but thanks be to God, he was found and the trail was able to conclude without delay.
Thailand
(Thailand) Group is moving into prayer for the encouragement of staff in the great work they have ahead of them.
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[PERU] The staff was nervous that the perpetrator would not receive a sentence - they had to pray for the judges to rule in favor of justice. But, the perpetrator was convicted to a LIFE sentence - which sends a message to the community that children should be protected and not abused.
[GUATEMALA] Tables are set up around the room -- Investigations, Aftercare, Casework, and for the Legal System in general.
Thailand
(Thailand) Prayers to open the hearts of people in Thailand to see the beauty and richness of the hilltribe people. Prayers that IJM's documentation program would find favor with officials.
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[GUATEMALA] At the legal systems table, GPGers can hold copies of the actual laws IJM lawyers use to advocate for justice -- praying for wisdom for them that they would push cases forward, that the laws would be used well.
[PERU] Please pray for the rehabilitation of 3 children who were abused at different times by the same aggressor. Paz has found him - but the justice system still sides in his favor. GPG attendees praying for these dear children now.
Thailand
(Thailand) Prayers for citizenship for the hilltribe people, and that they might find meaningful work to provide for themselves and their families.
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[GUATEMALA] At the Aftercare table, tiny bibs and shoes remind pray-ers of the perfect babies that often result from cases of assault and abuse
[PERU] Richard asks that we pray for the safety of the Paz y Esperanza staff - basically, all of the perpetrators see our staff as their enemies, and violence is common in Huanuco. Our staff's work is incredibly risky. Pray for divine protection for the Peru staff.
[GUATEMALA] Guatemala room in action.
[GUATEMALA] Pray for investigators risking their lives on behalf of the poor. Voices are raised around the room -- we want justice!
[GUATEMALA] Pray that righteousness would rise up in Guatemalan govmt officials -- that they would reject the corruption that is just so prevalent.
[PERU] We want the judges and prosecutors to have a sensitivity for the needs of the poor in Peru. GPG pray-ers are crying out to God in both English and Spanish for these authorities to refuse corruption and stand for justice.
[GUATEMALA] 'Lord, would you let the children in aftercare know how loved they are and how beautiful they are -- and that they would be healed.'
[GUATEMALA] Father of IJM Guatemala client is here, praying with staggering faith for other victims. The stream of Spanish is a song of joy and hope.
[GUATEMALA] PV closing time with with the Doxology -- tears in my eyes -- this one of the most beautiful collaborations of soul and voice I've ever heard.
[PERU] Praying Micah 6:8 over the Peru officials.
[GUATEMALA] Prayer room take-away are framed hand/footprints of babies born to young IJM clients -- the frames were made by family members of the clients -- one grandmother said that making the frame was, 'A great JOY.'
[PERU] Prayer tokens were made by victims of child sexual abuse who are in a program called the Tamar Project. They remind me of Christmas ornaments - they are so intricate, delicate, and colorful.
[PERU] Prayer room ending - Richard says he is strengthened by our prayers.
Thanks for joining us for the 2:00 session. Live blogging continues in the 2:50 prayer room in just a few!
