Venus and her husband operated four market stalls together in the outskirts of Lusaka, Zambia.
After her husband’s death, a male relative seized the stalls from Venus, despite Zambian laws dictating that the property be shared equally among surviving relatives.
With no source of income, Venus watched one of her sons die from malnutrition.
It is cases like hers that inspires the work of the International Justice Mission (IJM), a human rights agency based in Washington, D.C., that secures justice for victims of slavery, sexual exploitation and violent oppression.
When IJM learned of her case, lawyers from the office fought for her legal right to her property, securing a court order for the return of the market stalls to her control.
Today, she is able to provide for her children and works to educate other women in her community on their property rights.
On Sunday, April 18, the Sammamish Presbyterian Church (SPC) will welcome IJM Field Office Director in Zambia, Pamela Sibanda Mumbi, and IJM Representative, Mike Hogan, for a discussion of the work IJM does to ensure victim rescue, to prosecute perpetrators and to strengthen the community and civic factors that promote functioning public justice systems – “An Evening with IJM In the Field.”
Come learn what is happening in Zambia with IJM and how the Sammamish community can support their efforts for justice.
All are welcome, and there is no registration required.
Sammamish Presbyterian Church partners with IJM in several areas. IJM is supported financially by SPC and through the Seek Justice Challenge, an area-wide Bike/Run/Walk event to raise money and awareness about IJM and human rights violations around the world.
SPC is also sponsoring a mission trip this fall to visit IJM offices in Africa.
This year’s Seek Justice Challenge will be September 11.
For questions or more information, about IJM, The Seek Justice Challenge, or “An Evening with IJM In the Field”, contact Shelli Vlastelica at the
SPC office at shellivlastelica@spconline.org., or phone 425-868-5186.
SPC is also hosting a number of community events over the coming weeks.
Fitness Classes
Cardio Sculpt – Wednesdays and Fridays, 6:30-7:30 a.m.
Pilates – Tuesdays and Thursdays, 8:30-9:30 a.m.
Fit and Fab – Tuesdays and Thursdays, 2-3 p.m.
Classes are free, and no registration is required.
For more information, contact Billie Donahue at 425-785-2880.
Spring Choir Concert – The Bible on Broadway!
Sunday, April 25, at 7 p.m.
Come enjoy an evening of music with the SPC Choir’s presentation of “The Bible on Broadway”. The evening will feature songs and medleys from Broadway hits such as Godspell, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Jesus Christ Superstar, Fiddler on the Roof, and more. An ice cream social will follow the concert and an offering will be taken to support the music department.
For more information, call 425-868-5186
GriefShare
Thursday Evenings, 7-9 p.m.
As we grieve the loss of a loved one, it can often be difficult to feel optimistic about the future. If you’ve lost a spouse, child, family member or friend, you’ve probably found that there are not many people who understand the hurt you feel. In GriefShare, members of the community are invited to reflect upon their experiences of grief and share one another’s burden with leaders trained to listen and facilitate conversation. We hope you join us as we grow and heal together.
To register, or for more information, call 425-868-5186 or e-mail mainoffice@spconline.org.
