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North Park University

IJM Prayer Gathering: Meeting Freed Slaves

"After a 13-hr. overnight drive to Washington DC, six North Park University students were thrilled to jump out of the minivan. We were overwhelmed with the hundreds of people that showed up for International Justice Mission's (IJM) prayer gathering in April. Some with suits and ties, some college or high school students and some who just wanted to pray. Gary Haugen, the founder of IJM, held our first session. His speech was addressed to college students. He geared us up, made us excited for what God wants us to do and reminded us especially that we are the future of this country.

The second day, was a day full of prayer. We were allowed time for six different prayer slots, 50 minutes each. I've never known what it really meant to 'pray endlessly and tirelessly' until that day. By the end we all had so much rushing through our minds that we could barely do anything but sleep. The directors of the different offices informed us what kinds of slavery each country deals with and how God is currently working through IJM.

During the last gathering there was a gigantic screen which functioned as a big TV screen. With our own eyes we more or less met freed victims of slavery. We met a family from India, a girl from Thailand and heard from them the story of God's rescuing hand. It was inredible! They are tangible proof that God will and can free the chains of bondage and slavery."

-Ingrid Johnson, North Park University Student 

Loose Change to Loosen Chains

"One of the focuses for the North Park IJM Chapter is fundraising. For our end-of-the-year send off in May we decided to do more of a personal challenge. Following the pattern of Loose Change to Loosen Chains we gave volunteers red cups with IJM stickers. For two weeks we collected change during our chapel services. The total collected was $470. Incredible!"

 -Ingrid Johnson

The North Park Dialogue

The general curriculum (sometimes known as the core curriculum) at North Park University is built around the North Park Dialogue, an ongoing conversation about "Life's Great Questions." Three courses in particular are constructed around one of these questions, and Dialogue II, which normally is taken by second year students, deals with the question Why be ethical? Different faculty offer different approaches to the question. One, taught by Dr. Boaz Johnson, focuses on the topic of global slavery. Below is a perspective on the course offered by sophomore Ingrid Johnson. 

A student perspective on Dialogue II: Ethics and Global Slavery 

"The course began with study of the history of what it means to be human. We discussed the work of philosophers; we talked about ethics, who makes up ethics and who abides by what. This led to the discussion of what is going on today in our world. Little did I know that slavery is still taking place, and on a staggering scale. We tried to define ethics and how that affects how one human treats another human. Does anyone really have the authority to own another? 

The class is having a huge impact at North Park University. Before reading articles, doing research and hearing lectures in class, I was not aware of modern slavery. This class was an eye opener and many students have felt called to help stop injustice. People need to be educated and aware of this tragedy and North Park is doing students a tremendous service in this way."

-Ingrid Johnson 

International Justice Mission: North Park Chapter

The International Justice Mission (IJM) chapter at North Park University is new, but its members have a great vision for the future. The NPU chapter of IJM makes prayer its top priority. The  members meet each week, beginning and ending with a concentrated time of prayer. Their prayers are fueled by the conviction that God loves justice, and although it is a desperate situation, God is on the side of justice.

Another major focus of the IJM chapter at NPU is awareness. To raise awareness of global slavery, the chapter is hosting movie nights, discussion dinners, with future plans under discussion. Their goal is not only to make people aware but also to spark an interest in justice issues.

The third goal of IJM chapter is to raise money. This year it has had a bake sale, coffee sale and a rock/paper/scissors contest and has raised over $250. These funds have been utilized through the IJM offices located in Washington, DC.

The NPU IJM chapter has also been working to build a relationship with the IJM office in Guatemala where we will be in direct contact with the workers there, receiving periodic updates and be able to pray for specific individuals. 

Students have sensed God's blessings through many wonderful, passionate people that care about the world. 

For information on the North Park University chapter of IJM, contact Dan at: dspellacy (at) northpark.edu.