Justice & Mercy International’s Gospel-Centered Child Protection - Justice & Mercy International

Justice & Mercy International’s Gospel-Centered Child Protection

When we look into the faces of the world’s most vulnerable children, we see more than just their needs—we see their God-given worth. These children, often living in extreme poverty, face extraordinary risks of abuse, exploitation, neglect, and trafficking. We work in Moldova, which has been considered to have one of the highest rates of trafficking victims in Eastern Europe. Our team in the Amazon jungle continues to partner with pastors in remote villages where child abuse is the “norm.” Specifically for sexual violence, the Brazilian Amazon shows a rate 30% higher than in the rest of the country.

For Justice & Mercy International, our calling is clear: to defend and protect these precious lives as an outpouring of the Gospel. Psalm 82:3-4 encapsulates our mission: “Be fair to the poor and to orphans. Defend the helpless and everyone in need. Rescue the weak and homeless from the powerful hands of heartless people.”

Child protection is a foundational part of JMI’s work. We aim to reflect God’s heart by ensuring every child we serve is known, loved, and safe from harm. This belief drives our efforts in human trafficking prevention, child protection initiatives, the establishment of clear protective policies, and our dedication to equipping others to contribute to this vital mission.

The Gospel and the Call to Protect

The Gospel compels us to care for the vulnerable. Jesus welcomed children, affirming their value in a world that often overlooked them. JMI reflects this in our mission to promote Gospel-centered life change for the poor, the vulnerable, and the forgotten. This means ensuring that children are not only physically safe but also emotionally and spiritually nurtured.

Children in extreme poverty are among the most susceptible to harm. They often lack basic necessities, access to education, and the protective presence of stable caregivers. Tragically, this makes them prime targets for traffickers and abusers. But as followers of Christ, we cannot stand idly by. We must act as advocates, protectors, and ambassadors of hope.

Everyone Has a Role to Play

Protecting children is a collective effort. Parents and guardians are the first line of defense, but when they are unable to provide adequate care, the broader community must step in. At JMI, we partner with caregivers, local leaders, churches, volunteers, and sponsors to create a network of protection and support.

We believe that prevention starts with education. That’s why JMI invests in training for staff, volunteers, children, and their caregivers. Through workshops, resources, and ongoing support, we equip communities with the knowledge and tools they need to safeguard children from harm. This includes helping caregivers recognize signs of abuse and providing churches with strategies to create safe environments. 

One of JMI’s primary focuses in protecting children is the prevention of human trafficking. By addressing the root causes of vulnerability, such as poverty and lack of education, we aim to reduce the risk of exploitation. Our biggest direct intervention in Moldova is our Transitional Living program, which provides a safe environment, life skills training, and education for young people at high risk. This program equips them with the tools to build independent, secure futures.

In the Amazon, we operate a child protection program and address trafficking risks through education and training. We work closely with children, their families, and community leaders to raise awareness about exploitation and to empower them to recognize and resist potential threats. Children themselves are active participants in their protection. By teaching them about their rights, empowering them to understand their value, and recognizing unsafe situations, we help them become resilient and capable of advocating for themselves and others.

By combining these efforts across regions, we strive to create lasting change and protection for vulnerable children.

Policies That Safeguard

JMI’s commitment to child protection is reflected in our policies, which guide every aspect of our work. These policies are built on international standards, biblical principles, and the practical realities of the communities we serve. Here are some key practices of our Child Protection Policy:

  • Background Checks: All staff, volunteers, and mission trip participants undergo thorough background checks.
  • Training: Staff working directly with children receive child protection training to ensure they are equipped to identify, prevent, and respond to potential risks.
  • Clear Boundaries: To prevent abuse, JMI strictly prohibits volunteer, sponsor, or mission trip participants from being alone with a child in our programs. 
  • Accountability in Communication: All correspondence between sponsors and children is reviewed and monitored to ensure it aligns with our protection policies.
  • Mandatory Reporting: Any suspected abuse is taken seriously and reported to the appropriate authorities, ensuring swift action to protect the child.

Additionally, JMI’s Code of Conduct establishes clear expectations for all staff and volunteers. Key elements include:

  • Demonstrating respect for everyone and showing Christ’s love, regardless of gender, age, race, religion, social background, or culture.
  • Prohibiting all inappropriate behavior, including abusive language and culturally insensitive or exploitative actions.
  • Forbidding the sharing of children’s personal information, such as names, locations, or photos that could compromise their safety.

These guidelines not only protect children but also ensure that every representative of JMI reflects the highest standards of integrity and care.

Our Recent Efforts: Privacy for Protection

In today’s digital age, protecting a child’s personal information is critical. One of JMI’s most recent measures includes safeguarding children’s identities by refraining from sharing their last names or the names of their villages in our public-facing sponsorship platform. At JMI, we adopted this policy as part of our commitment to child safety, recognizing that such measures are essential to protect against digital and physical exploitation. 

This step reflects a broader trend in child protection practices across the nonprofit sector, emphasizing the importance of adapting to new risks in the Information Age. Whether through social media, printed materials, or sponsorship platforms, we remain diligent in ensuring that no shared information compromises a child’s safety.

Why We Must Act

The statistics on child abuse and trafficking are sobering. Each number represents a life—a child with dreams, potential, and inherent worth. Turning a blind eye is not an option for us as followers of Christ. The Gospel calls us to action, and our faith fuels our resolve to stand against injustice.

At JMI, we know that our efforts are just one part of a much larger fight. But we also know that every life protected is a victory. Every child given the chance to grow up safe and loved is a testament to God’s goodness and the power of collective compassion.

A Vision for the Future

As we look ahead, we are committed to continually improving our child protection policies and practices. This includes staying informed about emerging threats, such as online exploitation, and finding innovative ways to address them. We will also continue to partner with local and international organizations to amplify our impact and share resources.

Most importantly, we will remain steadfast in our mission to reflect God’s heart by protecting His children. We invite you to join us in this critical work. Whether as a sponsor, volunteer, donor, or advocate, you have a role to play in protecting vulnerable children. Together, we can be the hands and feet of Christ, bringing hope and healing to those who need it most.

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