IJM Cebu

Before writing anymore about dancing inmates or fighting cocks, I want to write about the real reason I am here and the work that I am privileged to be a part of.

First, a little background on the office. IJM's first office in the Philippines was actually started in Manila in 2001 with a focus on child sexual exploitation and sex trafficking cases. The office in Cebu was started in 2007 with a similar focus. IJM Cebu was funded by a five-year grant given by the Gates Foundation with a two-fold purpose. First, IJM Cebu seeks to reduce the number of children available for sexual exploitation through a law enforcement approach and second, to develop a model that can be replicated by other organizations. Allow me to elaborate a little on the first goal and what is meant by a "law enforcement approach." IJM is working to empower local agencies (governments, police, prosecutors, judges, etc.) to enforce the laws against trafficking and to seek justice on behalf of the victims who are suffering. By working with police to conduct operations in brothels, arrest perpetrators, and seek convictions, a message is being sent to traffickers that the sexual exploitation of women and girls will no longer be tolerated and that there will be consequences for their actions. If a person is convicted for trafficking of a minor, the penalty is life in prison. Unfortunately, there are several difficulties encountered when trying to obtain a conviction. But that is a story for another time.

One of my first assignments was to read all past reports submitted to the Gates Foundation each quarter. It was so encouraging to learn about everything that has been accomplished over the past three year and the progress that has been made. For example, during the three years before IJM Cebu started, law enforcement rescued 27 victims of sex trafficking. However, in the three years since IJM Cebu started in 2007, IJM has assisted law enforcement with the rescue of over 250 victims of sex trafficking. In addition to that, IJM's aftercare staff work with local aftercare partners to train and equip them to care for these victims following their rescue. These aftercare facilities provide for physical, emotional, and psychological healing as these girls attempt to recover from unimaginable suffering. IJM has also developed a job training program to equip the girls with marketable skills so that, as they are reintegrated into their communities, they can provide for themselves and their families financially so they do not become vulnerable to being re-trafficked. It is so beautiful to hear individual stories of hope and healing as girls overcome their pasts... to see light come from darkness.

God is doing some amazing things in Cebu as He brings rescue and healing to girls who are suffering, holds perpetrator accountable for the pain they have inflicted upon the innocent; and causes a community to be transformed through those who stand for justice. I am so thankful that God would choose me to be a part of what is happening here in Cebu.

To learn more about the work that IJM is doing around the world, click here for their website.