MISSIONAL WOMEN
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5 Ways to Fight Injustice

1/9/2014

11 Comments

 
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I am not political. In fact, some might say, “I am just a housewife”. But something came over me when I heard of a recent Pastor’s imprisonment. Compassion moved me, so much so, I could almost see the walls, hear the echoing cries from the prison cell he was trapped in.

Missional living, simply put, is “helping others”. It can be going overseas, feeding the poor, caring for widows, or even parenting and passing on scriptural lessons to our children.

Still, when I think of a Missional life, I forget it can also mean not silencing the cries of people hurting, or sharing the plight of a dying world with others who may be ambivalent.

See, Jesus is our greatest example of living in light of eternity; a servant, for others, not for His own cause or reputation.  And as a writer, I never want public approval to dictate my passions or purpose.

Maybe that is why I jumped on the bandwagon?  I saw a pastor, much like the ones I had met in China….Fearless men, willing to give their lives so Jesus might be known. 

And somehow I grabbed ahold of the thought, “What if that was me in that prison cell?”, “What if that was my son or daughter?”  Would I want the world to remain silent, as I suffered for the gospel?

Jesus came to redeem injustices. His humble sacrifice was the blood that paid the price so that the wickedness in this world could be made right.  Jesus didn’t turn from his cause saying, “this is too hard”, or cave to worldly opinions, for the sake of “getting along”.

Jesus lay at the cross His own reputation.  He was willing to not only live, but to die for His own convictions.  He was a God who felt the needs of the hurting around Him, so much so, He had to do something.

Here are 5 reasons why speaking out against injustice is Biblical missional living.

1. Jesus came to a proclaim liberty to the captives, recovering sight to the blind and giving liberty to those oppressed. (Luke 4:18-19)

2. Scripture tells us….Give justice to the weak and the fatherless; maintain the right of the afflicted and the destitute. (Psalms 83:20)

3. The Bible instructs….Learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow's cause. (Isaiah 1:17)

4. The Lord tells us: Do justice and righteousness, and deliver from the hand of the oppressor him who has been robbed. (Jer 22:3)

5. We are called in love to…Open our mouth for the mute, for the rights of all who are destitute. Open our mouth, judge righteously; defend the rights of the poor and needy. (Prov 31:8-9)

So how do you use your voice to advocate for others?  
Here are 5 ways…

1. Take the time to vote. We are blessed with the right to have a say in our community on political, legal, and social issues.

2. Be a volunteer Guardian Ad Litem, advocating in the court for foster children, the abused, or the oppressed.

3. Write letters to congressmen and/or senators helping them be aware of injustices taking place.

4. Go to city council or neighborhood meetings; offering support, advocacy, and encouragement to officials and community leaders.

5. Start a prayer group, petitioning the God of justice for healing in homes, hearts, and communities.

Matthew 7:12 says, “Whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them…” 

And after all, if we were imprisoned for our faith, suffering abuse, bound by the oppression of a dictating government….wouldn’t we want someone to do something?
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About Jen

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Though born, raised, and still living only miles from where she grew up, Jen's heart lies in the nations. Jen loves the beautiful tapestry found in the wide diversity of people, different cultures, and all nations.  Jen and her husband have been married twenty years, and have parented fifteen kids and counting; twelve foster, one adopted, and two bios.  Her multi-racial family reflects her passion for unity, desire for faith without walls, and missional mindset to share both the gospel and the power of redemption to a world desperately needing the hope found in Jesus Christ. Jen and her husband have led in a variety of ministries; including prayer, small groups, children's, and women’s.  Jen advocates for the orphan as a board member for the non-profit, A New Song; and loves doing missions work internationally, along with her family.  You can find Jen writing about faith, while challenging her readers at her blog, Rich Faith Rising, as well as at tweeting faith-filled messages @Jen_Avellaneda .  Jen is also on facebook.  

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11 Comments
laura link
1/13/2014 08:02:26 am

Jen! It's nice to see you, friend. Thank you for speaking out about injustice so powerfully. I know your heart for the least of these, and it shines. Good words for us all tonight.

Reply
Jen link
1/14/2014 01:43:11 am

Laura - That's so nice of you to say, Laura! My prayer is that His heart would be what shines in us all...stronger, brighter every day friend! Blessings!

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Nannette and the Sweetheart link
1/13/2014 10:54:53 am

Enjoyed this so much. We never know when it might come to our own shores as well. I pray we never seen it here. Having lived in Eastern Europe and served as missionaries there I have seen the pain in the eyes of others that HAVE lived that horror. I, too, share your burden for injustice of any kind...wherever it is in this world, especially for faith!

Reply
Jen link
1/14/2014 01:45:18 am

Nannette - You were a missionary? How exciting! I would love to sit down with you to a cup of coffee, if you are ever in the Seattle area..and hear all about it! Can't imagine the heartache you have seen! Praying for others like you who minister so faithfully to the least of these!

Reply
Carol link
1/13/2014 12:02:49 pm

Yes, we do have to speak up. Thank-you for writing about the Christians that are suffering for their faith. The Voice of the Martyrs informs us and gives guidance for prayer. We had a team at our church that organized a Christmas card/letter writing campaign. We were given the names and addresses of people that are imprisoned for their faith. we wrote individual notes, included Bible verses that had been translated into their language. We sent our cards to the prisons. If the individual did not receive the mail, we prayed that their guards would read the Bible verses. We were notifying the prisons that we were praying for the people that they were holding.

Reply
Jen link
1/14/2014 01:48:17 am

Carol - Can't tell you just how much this moves my heart....you all writing letters to those imprisoned for their faith! What an amazing way to increase prisoners faith and touch the lives of potential soldiers or other prisoners who might get to read those letters! LOVE the Voice of the Martyrs too. Such an excellent resource for anyone who wants to learn more about the persecuted church! Thanks for sharing!

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Sharon link
1/13/2014 12:30:04 pm

Jen, I love your passion for others - especially for the disenfranchised, the poor, the people that Jesus would reach out to with His message of salvation.

You inspire me to look *beyond my own neighborhood* and see how I can act on my convictions.

GOD BLESS!

Reply
Jen link
1/14/2014 01:50:50 am

Sharon - We have sister-hearts, for sure! My prayer is that even more, we would burn for those all over the world truly hurting, and that as believers, we would diligently continue praying, "Lord, break our hearts for what breaks yours."

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Joanne Viola link
1/13/2014 08:29:13 pm

Beautiful post. May we keep our eyes open even in our own neighborhood, our own church, our own schools, on line in the grocery store. God will put opportunities in our paths in places we never imagined.

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Jen link
1/14/2014 01:52:18 am

Amen Joanne - I so agree! Sometimes the great missions field of all, is the one hardest to see....the one always in front of us!

Reply
bluecottonmemory link
1/15/2014 11:38:22 am

Jesus showed us how to champion those who needed championing. It's important to know our history, the foundational principles so we can write those letters, get involved and stand for right. Our churches college ministry encourages its students to get involved in campus government to make sure Godly principles have a voice:) Love your article!

Reply



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  • Home
    • Ministry Resources for Women >
      • Beholding Him Freebie
    • Contributors
    • Statement of Faith
  • Blog
    • Ministry >
      • Evangelism {Win}
      • Discipleship {Build}
      • Living Missionally {Send}
    • God's Word >
      • Bible Study
      • Prayer
      • Devotionals
      • Bible Studies
      • Apologetics
    • Relationships >
      • Marriage
      • Singleness
      • Dating
      • Family
      • Friendship
    • World >
      • Social Justice Issues
      • Internet & Social Media
      • Politics
      • International
      • Science Revealing God
    • Life >
      • Image & Idenity
      • Health
      • Fashion
      • Food
      • Organization
  • Bible Study Resources
  • Prints
  • Stickers
  • Quiet Time Journals
  • Courses
    • Discover God's Calling
    • Women's Ministry Training Promo
    • How to Study the Bible
    • Women's Ministry Training Course
    • Growing in Your Faith Mini Course
  • Retreat
  • Video Bible Studies
    • Matthew
    • John
    • Galatians
    • Philippians
    • Know your Purpose
    • Creation Reveals
    • Ministry
    • Heart Growth
  • You Are Unshaken Book
    • Unshaken Groups
    • You Are Unshaken Launch Team
    • You Are Unshaken Paint Party
    • Unshaken Freebies
  • Shop