President's Blog

Remember IJM “Freedom Sunday"

July 29, 2019

Slavery remains a very real threat in the 21st century. Hostile treatment of the poor and marginalized is still very prevalent in most corners of our world.

Our Fellowship is in formal partnership with IJM (International Justice Mission) through our FAIR (Fellowship Aid and International Relief) department. All our churches could partner with IJM by focusing on “Freedom Sunday” on September 22, 2019, a Sunday of special prayer for those enslaved around the world.

I’ve asked our FAIR Director, Dan Shurr, to explain further and share tools and resources to help you plan your special “Freedom Sunday” in September.

Dan writes:

“Last September we invited our Fellowship churches to join a global movement in prayer to bring about an end to slavery. Last year 18,426 churches from around the world participated, representing 52 countries. This year we are once again encouraging you and your church to join IJM’s “Freedom Sunday” on Sunday, September 22nd.”   

For more information click here.    

IJM Canada will provide resources for churches such as:

  • Sermon Resource:A package that contains suggested scriptures, a variety of IJM client stories each with a unique casework and regional focus, a sermon outline, a sample sermon script as well as helpful tips and suggestions for crafting a high-impact Freedom Sunday message.
  • PowerPoint Presentations: Customized PowerPoint presentations to accompany your Freedom Sunday message that correspond with the different client stories.
  • IJM Client Videos:Client videos to show on Freedom Sunday that accompany the stories in the sermon outline. What could be better than hearing part of the story told by the client themselves?
  • Prayer and Liturgy Resource: Justice-centred prayers and liturgical resources from various Christian traditions.
  • Micah Six Eight Worship Song: Teach your congregation a new song about justice by Canadian singer and songwriter, Brian Doerksen. This includes a PowerPoint deck with lyrics, a lyric video, song sheets and chords, and a message from Brian Doerksen.
  • Social Media and Web Shareables: Share about Freedom Sunday and build momentum on your social media using these shareables and web banners.
  • Promotional Flyer:Print and distribute these to your congregation to share about the vision and mission of Freedom Sunday.