Justice and Mercy International (JMI) is a faith-based, nonprofit organization that exists to change lives by confronting global injustice. We have a global perspective and conviction that there is value, virtue and a spiritual obligation to help the most downtrodden people on earth. We make a stand for these people because they can't stand for themselves. We strive to be a voice for the voiceless—hope for the hopeless.
Stand with us and help provide for the children and families in Moldova, South Africa and Brazil.
Every morning at 3:30 a.m., Ana-Rita climbs out of her cot to walk a long, dark path through the Amazon Jungle. After a while, the trail opens up to the Amazon River where she boards a motorized canoe that takes her to the nearest school, 2.5 hours away. Since the first grade, she has done this and throughout her travels, she has encountered potentially fatal threats like drowning in the murky waters of the Amazon or being attacked by native animals. Every day, hundreds of children like Ana-Rita risk their lives just for the chance to receive an education.
For those living in Brazil, there's an inconceivable value that comes with an education. Approximately 78 percent of the Brazilian population is functionally illiterate, meaning they are unable to read text like this in their native language. With your sacrificial gift and those of others, we can help build a school in Ana-Rita's village, remove children from harm's way, and inspire new hope for generations to follow.
In 2010, the AIDS crisis orphaned approximately 20 million African children. That's one million more than the population of New York State. And this epidemic is more prevalent than ever in South Africa. As JMI, such suffering is an unmistakable cry we cannot ignore. The epidemics of HIV/AIDS and Tuberculosis not only attack the body, they alienate their victims from the life, love and acceptance of their communities.
In Red Hill, an impoverished village in South Africa, JMI has committed to serving the people by building up spiritual leaders who can give moral and Christian guidance. With your contribution, you can help build a church community. It will serve as a shelter for outcasts, a safe place for disease treatment, and a refuge of hope where orphaned children can learn about the unconditional love of Father God, the One who lovingly adopts all believers into His family.
Moldova is not only the poorest and smallest country in Eastern Europe (roughly the size of Maryland), it is ground zero for human trafficking. In fact, 90 percent of women in the Balkan sex industry come from Moldova and every day, seven Moldovan children are sold into sexual slavery. In different circumstances, one of these children could be your brother, sister, cousin, or even worse: your own child.
These statistics represent children just like Jazgul. When she was a little girl, her own mother planned to sell her to a human trafficker for a one-way ticket out of Moldova. By God's grace, Jazgul was able to avoid that tragedy, and later entered into an orphanage. Unfortunately, every orphanage in Moldova has a policy where the orphans "age-out" at 16 years old. This opens the door for traffickers to prey on helpless children and teens that are forced onto the street. Jazgul was lucky to find hope and a future through JMI. But not all Moldovan orphans are so lucky.
That's where you come in. Through JMI, you can help us provide a refuge for children like Jazgul: a safe transitional living home for those at extreme risk; a space where love and faith can be restored; and a launching pad for futures filled with promise.
Food, clothing and shelter should be basic rights for all children. Unfortunately, the destitute children of Moldova, South Africa and Brazil are deprived of these necessities.
Without a physical refuge or a proper bed to rest their weak and tired bodies, these children are forced to settle down on the footpaths and roads of their cities, exposed to the blistering heat of summer and the bitter cold of winter.
Without a spiritual refuge, they are alone and scared. Without the guidance of a Christian leader in their lives, they are vulnerable to victimization, ruthless exploitation and some children may even succumb to sexual slavery or forced labor.
The lack of refuge—spiritual and physical—means a lack of hope. But with JMI, you can change that. Imagine the warmth and freedom you will create for orphans like Jazgul when you contribute to a transitional living home in Moldova. Envision the smiles on the faces of those like Ana-Rita when they see the school you helped provide in their village. Consider the peace and comfort you will bring to the orphans and AIDS-stricken families in Red Hill when they find eternal hope through the Christian community you helped create.
Now you've seen the plan, and yes, we know we can accomplish this, but we'll need your help. Join with others committed to our cause in raising our goal of $450,000 by October 7. With God's blessing and your involvement, we can and will change the world one precious life at a time.