Why We Partner with IJM: Talbot Street Church

When Talbot Street Church began exploring new ways to live out its calling to compassion and 
justice, one name kept coming up — International Justice Mission (IJM). For Rachel Brouwer, 
who serves in Hospitality and Outreach, the connection felt especially meaningful.

“I worked for IJM for about ten years,” Rachel shares. “I’ve always loved God’s call for 
Christians to pursue justice. We were exploring different organizations and charities that were 
committed to compassion and justice. We found IJM’s work to align perfectly with our vision of 
pursuing justice in a holistic, helpful, and long-term way—one that integrates faith and action 
beautifully.”

That personal connection sparked something deeper. What began as a simple introduction 
evolved into an ongoing, growing partnership rooted in shared purpose — to protect the 
vulnerable and bring lasting change.

From Awareness to Action
Since partnering with IJM, Talbot Street Church has witnessed a shift within its congregation, a 
transformation from awareness to engagement.

“The biggest change has been in awareness,” Rachel explains. “It moved people from simply 
knowing about injustice, and feeling helpless about it, to realizing that they can actively 
participate in bringing change.”

For many members, this partnership replaced feelings of helplessness with a sense of 
empowerment. “The transformation has really been from a sense of hopelessness and limited 
awareness to a place of empowerment and collective action,” she says. 

A Christmas Campaign that Moved Hearts
One of the most powerful moments in the church’s journey came during their annual Christmas 
campaign. Each year, Talbot Street Church chooses one partner to support — and that year, 
the church selected IJM, focusing on the fight against the online sexual exploitation of children in 
the Philippines.

“Addressing such a dark and difficult topic within a church setting required a lot of thought and 
intentionality, especially in a diverse community where some people may have personal 
experiences related to that kind of abuse,” Rachel recalls. “But we did it carefully and 
compassionately, and it deeply resonated with our congregation.”

The congregation responded with overwhelming generosity and empathy. They not only 
exceeded their fundraising goals but also deepened their collective commitment to prayer and 
advocacy. When Rev. Joash Thomas from IJM visited to preach one Sunday, “His message 
was powerful and deeply moving—he connected beautifully with our community,” Rachel says. 
“That moment had a huge impact, not only inspiring financial support but also encouraging our 
congregation to pray and engage more deeply with IJM’s mission.”

A Partnership that Reflects the Global Church
When asked what she would say to other churches considering a partnership with IJM, Rachel’s 
answer is simple: “Do it!”

“IJM is such a worthy partner,” she says. “What makes IJM even more special is that everything 
they do is rooted in prayer and a deep love for Jesus. They bring real expertise, and they’re so 
willing to share that with churches and invite them to join in the mission.”

For Rachel, this collaboration is a living picture of the global Church in action — believers 
across nations coming together to bring light where there is darkness.

Looking Ahead: Justice as a Long-Term Calling
At Talbot Street Church, the pursuit of justice isn’t viewed as a short-term campaign — it’s a 
long-term commitment.

“Justice isn’t something that can be achieved with a quick fix or a band-aid solution,” 
Rachel reflects. “Our conviction is that pursuing justice requires long-term commitment—it’s a 
marathon, not a sprint.”

As the partnership continues to flourish, Rachel and the congregation remain inspired by IJM’s 
steadfast mission — a reminder that justice, compassion, and faith are strongest when lived out 
together.