Sam Beary is a senior Christian studies and missions major from Batesville, Ark. He is the founder and president of Ouachita’s International Justice Mission chapter. He shares his story of how he found out about this organization.
“I went to Passion Conference in 2013 where I heard Gary Haugen, president of IJM, speak,” Beary said. “He spoke about the current size and scope of slavery in the world. I had never heard that slavery still existed, and I was shocked. I wanted to do something about this issue, so I looked up IJM’s website. I found their college resources and started the process of forming a campus chapter at Ouachita.”
Realizing how much of an issue modern-day slavery was, Beary took action. By pairing with IJM, others have the opportunity to help raise awareness and fight for justice around the world.
“When I heard the staggering statistics of slavery I was devastated and angry,” Beary said. “That was the moment I knew I wanted to be a part of ending slavery. I didn’t see how I could both live a comfortable life and turn a blind eye to these people in suffering. God laid IJM on my heart, so I checked them out. I like IJM because it’s a Christian organization. Their work is the outpouring of their faith. I thought it so important to work with them because slavery is an issue Christians should be actively against.”
Beary gives all the credit to God for his inspiration.
“God laid this leadership role on my heart,” Beary said. “I really wanted to get involved in the fight against slavery, and I asked God to show me how I could. The IJM Chapter was his answer.”
Even though it seems that our campus organizations are only limited to the Arkadelphia community, IJM Ouachita is reaching out to people all over the world.
“The IJM Chapter at Ouachita works to support IJM in any way we can,” Beary said. “For example, we fundraise for IJM. All of that money goes to support rescue operations, aftercare for victims, and other needs. We also seek to provide awareness and knowledge about the issues to Ouachita’s campus. College students are future leaders. Many will be in powerful positions in the future, so the more students that realize the importance of this issue, the more ways support will be gained for those trapped in slavery.”
“I would tell them to invest in those they’re leading,” Beary said. “Leadership is a servant role. Take the time to get to know those you’re leading or leading with. Establish a good relationship. Spend time together outside of meetings. Ask if you can pray for them and if so, how? People will respond to your authority better when they know you genuinely care about them. They’ll be more willing and glad to accomplish tasks.”
If you are interested in learning more about International Justice Mission and their work, please visit www.ijm.org for more information about their cause.
Follow the IJM Ouachita chapter on Facebook and Twitter for updates and events.
by Sarah G. Hays
