here & now

At a screening of the documentary At the End of Slavery in 2009, I was confronted by how little I knew about the widespread injustice in the developing world and by how strongly I felt called to help. As I watched child slaves in India make bricks to pay off insurmountable debt and disturbingly young girls forced into Cambodian prostitution, I could feel the heat building in my face; I was angry that these millions of innocent children and adults had no advocate, no voice, and almost no hope.

After prayer and encouragement from family and friends, I decided to take a risk for this conviction.  Starting in June 2010, I am serving in Uganda with International Justice Mission, a Christian human rights organization based in Washington, DC.

International Justice Mission (IJM) works globally to protect victims of forced labor, sexual slavery, human trafficking, and other injustices by securing rescue and ensuring public justice systems work for the poor.  IJM Uganda advocates for victims of land grabbing, a dangerous rights issue exacerbated by the harrowing HIV/AIDS crisis.

In my fellowship, I explore and retell the stories behind IJM’s casework.  We will also connect with Ugandan media to raise public awareness of land-grabbing and its victims. I am also helping to coordinate a branding and media campaign to frame IJM Uganda’s expansion and structural transformation initiatives.

While God has given me just enough courage to take on this challenge, I am fully aware that I cannot do it alone.  I would greatly appreciate your prayers for my travel, cultural adjustment, and that my work in Uganda will have a real impact.  Please also pray for the IJM staff in Uganda and for the widows and orphans we encounter.

I also hope you will consider supporting me financially.  Because this fellowship is unpaid, I will need to raise all the funds to live and work in Uganda.  This includes international airfare, health insurance, visas, rent, food, and local transportation.  If you are able to provide support in this way, please follow this link to donate.  Simply follow the instructions and select my name (Scott Adams) from the drop-down list.  Financial gifts are tax-deductible.

I am truly grateful for whatever support you are willing and able to give.  If you have any questions about the fellowship or about giving, please let me know.  I look forward to sharing my experiences in Uganda with you and am thrilled to have you join me in this adventure.