Kevin Wilcox - IJM South Asia 2019

In 2013, the Lord changed my life. I met a little girl in a transition home for survivors of the criminal sex trade in South Asia. This little heroine tied a yellow braided string around my wrist as she said, in English, "uncle, I made this for you." There was a childlike playfulness in her demeanor and voice which revealed the reality that this little girl was no longer in bondage to the nightmare that evil men made of her childhood. She was free, in every sense of the word: in heart, soul, mind and body. 

Before then, I knew the Lord called me to law school, but I didn't know why; the call to advocacy seemed to be a poor fit for me. "Surely, I'd make a better pastor than a lawyer", I would tell myself - and, admittedly, those around me. 

However, as the holistic freedom that I now know the Gospel represents manifested itself in a little braided string around my wrist at the age of 18, I became acutely aware that my call - as a follower of Jesus - is to seek justice for "the least of these." My conviction then, and it remains so today, is that "the least of these" is epitomized in the institution of slavery. My heart today is to commit my life to see the end of slavery for the glory of the name of Jesus. 

I returned home, completed my undergraduate degree, and as of this year, I completed a Juris Doctor degree at the University of Ottawa. 

This summer, immediately following my graduation from law school in Canada, I have the enormous privilege of returning to South Asia from June to August to engage in anti-slavery work with International Justice Mission. I will be serving with the legal team in one of their South Asian field offices, working alongside other believers to support their work of ending slavery in our lifetime. 

International Justice Mission have been my heroes throughout my academic career, and it is nothing short of a miraculous blessing that I have the privilege of serving with them this summer.

It would also be my honour if you would partner with me in this journey as well. 

I simply cannot overstate how important it is to me to know that people are praying for me, for our office, for South Asia, and for the end of slavery in Canada while I am away. If you would consider praying for me while I am preparing, traveling, and working, please feel free to contact me via this platform on GoFundMe, and I will be happy to add you to an email list. 

Furthermore, if you are interested in donating your resources to this work, I will be aiming to raise approximately $6500 for the duration of my stay. This money will go towards travel vaccinations, three flights, accommodations, and weekly/monthly living expenses while I am serving this summer. Any amount you feel led to give, you may give here; you are an answer to prayer, and I haven't the words to express my heartfelt gratitude. 

From the bottom of my heart, to those who have supported me up to this point, and to those who are continuing to support me, and those who are now considering supporting me in this trip, thank you. As I've said, you are an answer to prayer, and I pray the Lord blesses you abundantly for your generosity and faithfulness. 

Much Love,
Kevin Wilcox