A few years ago, I had the amazing opportunity to take my then 15 year old daughter and a friend to Kenya with me and a group of college students, to minister at an orphanage in Tumaini.  It was an amazing experience, as you can imagine.  My heart fell in love with the people of Kenya, their smiles, their joy, their struggles, their perseverance.

I came across this story today about a man named Joseph in Nairobi.  Nairobi is a city that I can’t even find words to describe.  You have to experience it, hear it, smell it, let it seep into your fiber to even begin to get a glimpse of what life there is like.

Joseph was a shop owner who, following being shot during a riot, was falsely accused of stealing a policeman’s gun.  He was imprisoned, facing a possible life sentence.  Joseph had a wife and 5 children, with another child on the way.  The situation seemed hopeless.

But God sent International Justice Mission to be his advocate–to be his defender.  And as a result, Joseph was acquitted and was able to return home to his family.

Watch this powerful video of Joseph.  Check out the International Justice Mission webpage (link above).  And consider–what can you do to help?  Can you give?  Can you go?  My heart aches to return to Kenya–this time to the heart of Nairobi and the Kibera slums.  I pray some day God will grant that.

This story reminded me, also, of the song “Defender”.  International Justice Mission stepped in and defended an innocent man.  But we have a defender on our behalf, even in light of our guilt and sins.  After Joseph’s story below, I’ve included a video of the song “Defender”.  I know I don’t acknowledge enough the role of Defender that Christ plays in my life.  I am so thankful and undeserving.  Joseph deserved defense; I, however, do not deserve defense from my God, but am grants it by grace.