Makoto & Haejin Shim Fujimura, an artist and an attorney, talk about living out the gospel in their professions, the importance of humility, creating sacred spaces, immersing in God's Word, and restoring beauty through seeking justice. They also discuss supporting trafficking victims, the burden of being an artist in the NYC art community, and living with hope and courage.
Embers International works to protect and restore victims of injustice, particularly focusing on human trafficking in India's red light districts.
Embers International shows the transformative power of God's grace by providing not only immediate needs but also a pathway for healing and restoration.
Makoto Fujimura and Embers International use the power of art and creativity to inspire hope and empower those they serve, giving voice to the voiceless and cultivating a sense of possibility.
Deep dives
Creating Beauty in the Midst of Darkness: The Work of Embers International
Embers International is a global organization dedicated to protecting, restoring, and empowering victims of injustice. They focus particularly on the issue of human trafficking, working in India's red light districts. Their center, known as Sahasumes, provides care, education, health services, and legal aid to children and mothers trapped in the cycle of exploitation. Through their efforts, they seek to bring light and beauty to the darkest places, advocating for justice and transformation in the lives of those they serve. The organization is driven by their faith and a vision of redemption and restoration for all, offering hope and support for individuals and communities in need.
Discovering the Power of God's Grace
The work of Embers International is fueled by a deep understanding of the power of God's grace. Through their programs and initiatives, they seek to show extravagant love to those who have experienced unimaginable pain and trauma. Their aim is not only to address immediate needs, such as nutrition and education, but also to create a pathway for healing and restoration. By believing in the inherent worth and dignity of every individual and committing to walk alongside them on their journey, Embers International embodies the transformative nature of God's grace.
The Intersection of Creativity and Advocacy
Makoto Fujimura, an artist and co-founder of Embers International, sees the organization's work as a realization of his own calling to advocate for justice through creativity. He recognizes the power of art and imagination to bring light into darkness, and he believes that advocacy can take many forms. Makoto's own journey as an artist has influenced his understanding of the importance of beauty and creativity in the midst of suffering. Through Embers International, he and his team harness the power of creativity to inspire and empower those they serve, giving voice to the voiceless and cultivating a sense of hope and possibility.
The Call to Action: Embracing Hope and Being a Part of the Solution
While the problem of injustice and exploitation can seem overwhelming, Embers International demonstrates that even one person can make a difference. Through their work, they inspire others to embrace hope and actively engage in advocating for justice. Whether it is through supporting organizations like Embers, volunteering time and resources, or raising awareness about crucial issues, individuals have the power to be a part of the solution. By collectively standing against injustice and shining a light in the darkest places, we can create a world where all individuals are free, empowered, and valued.
The Power of Education and Love in Restoring Hope
The podcast episode highlights the transformative impact of education and love in restoring hope in vulnerable children. The speaker shares how their organization started an education program that sends children to private schools, enabling them to receive proper education and escape the Red Light District. After just a year of education, the children gained a sense of confidence, defying their difficult backgrounds and developing remarkable resilience. The speaker emphasizes that this transformation is not only due to empowerment programs but also the love and support received from their team and supporters. The episode underscores the importance of community and invites others to become ambassadors for justice and restoration.
The Role of Artists in Discovering and Restoring Beauty
The podcast discusses the unique role that artists play in understanding and bringing about justice by restoring broken beauty. The speaker highlights the intimate connection between justice and the restoration of the image of God, which is violated when injustice occurs. Artists, being naturally attuned to the work of justice, have the ability to engage deeply with brokenness and envision new forms of beauty. They are called to be storytellers and advocates, raising awareness about the problems of the world and sharing stories of hope. The episode underscores the significance of artists joining together in community to explore how they can use their talents and creativity to be voices for the voiceless and agents of restoration.
What does it look like to live out the gospel in your profession? How can you make an impact for the Kingdom in the public sphere?
In this month's episode of The Connecting Podcast, Paul has a conversation with husband and wife Makoto and Haejin Shim Fujimura.
Makoto is a prolific painter and artist who formed the International Arts Movement and was appointed by the president to the National Council on the Arts in 2003.
Haejin is an attorney and is the CEO of Embers International, a global organization that seeks to protect, restore, and empower victims of injustice.
We discuss their professional ventures and more on this month's episode of The Connecting Podcast.
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Most Sundays we are unprepared to offer to our Lord the worship he deserves and open our hearts to instruction from his word. In his newest book, Sunday Matters, Paul Tripp will help you slow down, pay attention, and fall deeper in love with the gospel of Jesus Christ before you walk through the doors of church every week. Get your copy today at PaulTripp.com/Sunday.
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