BEING CALLED TO GIVE
Fourteen years ago, a special conversation took place. It was at an in-person event, where Jon and Jacqueline met IJM Global’s CEO Gary Haugen for the first time. They listened as he told them how IJM works to bring justice and restoration to many vulnerable people around the world.
In hearing the stories of victims and survivors, the couple felt that the organization’s mission fit into the larger picture of what the Lord called them to do.
They wanted to give back in a way that was meaningful to them, and soon became Freedom Partners (monthly donors), faithfully supporting the organization ever since.
Over the years, they wanted to deepen their connections to IJM and learn more about the work, so Jackie decided to join IJM Canada in Bolivia in 2017.
“One of the first things that we really appreciated about IJM was that it wasn’t just about freeing people, but giving them the help they need to heal,” said Jon, reflecting on the trip.
The couple was impressed by how IJM helped people through deep emotional and physical trauma. They saw how meticulously and thoroughly every step of the survivor’s journey was planned to help them heal and recover.
They also learned how their money was being spent. While often it was needed to pay for a survivor’s recovery process, it was also used to support investigations in essential ways, like fueling an investigator’s car or paying for police station equipment.
While they believe that giving is a deeply personal decision, to those who are considering becoming Freedom Partners they say:
“As a Freedom Partner, you’re making a significant impact in people’s lives who, at the end of the day, don’t have much recourse. There’s no way to help them until you get them out of a bad situation, and then support them through their recovery process.”
Through giving back, Jon and Jacqueline feel proud they can be part of a survivor’s journey—from recovery to transformation.
You can become a Freedom Partner too! Month after month, you can help find, rescue and restore children from unimaginable abuse.