Justice Ventures International’s Story
At Justice Ventures International, we are aware that while we walk in faith and the strength of the Holy Spirit, we are not immune to the pain, suffering, and potential burnout that can come from this work, especially with realities such as vicarious trauma, that are experienced by our investigators, lawyers and social workers who are daily serving survivors of sexual exploitation and violent forced labor, but also for our leaders who are responsible for shepherding these teams.
Coming together as Christian leaders from across the US and South Asia, structured as a community of spiritual formation, proved healing and strengthening on many levels and grounded us corporately in the hope we must hold onto as we press deeper into confronting the wickedness of injustice.
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Our season with Fuller’s Center for Spiritual Formation was, in many ways, a season that laid the foundation for JVI’s next era of work.
From regular debriefs with small-group leaders and as a cohort, it was clear that consistently engaging in a range of practices was deeply helpful. Many of us experienced a discovery or recovery of how beautiful it is to be called and equipped to seek justice as beloved sons and daughters, rooted in different communities and circumstances that allow us to worship and obey Jesus in ways that far exceed the specific role we have at JVI in any given season.
Equally, small groups provided all of us with a unique and much-needed space to come together with colleagues who understand the reality of the work God has assigned us vocationally. It was a healing space to process and pray through many of life’s personal joys and sorrows, knowing that while those we are praying with may not know our family or community deeply, they do understand what it is like to balance all of life with the weight of pursuing justice in dark places.
Small groups were often the place where we experienced the fruit of some new practices: a place to lament before one another, a place to reflect upon how our hearts have been softened and shaped by new rhythms of talking with God.
What emerged from months of intentional spiritual formation individually, in small groups, and on retreat as a team was a strengthened conviction that we can experience real freedom in this weighty work together when we encourage each other to abide in Jesus.
