Month Six

So another month is upon me and I have given little thought of what my sacrifice would be this month. During my morning devotions I was going through my mind of what I haven't given up yet and where I am spending my money. This is getting harder and harder as months go by and it's getting harder and harder to want to give things up. It came upon me that this month would I would sacrifice watching TV and movies. I had yet to turn my television on today. I was sitting on my deck reading my bible with worship music playing in the background and thought a month of this would be nice. I can devote these times for praying, scripture and worship. This month takes us to Uganda and shines the spotlight on IJM (International Justice Mission)

Across Africa, many widows and orphans are left defenseless when their husband or father dies. In this time of vulnerability, they become victims of ‘succession-related’ property grabbing - the term for illegal property seizure in the aftermath of a death. Victims often lose not only their homes, but - for many who raise crops or engage in small enterprise on their land - their only sources of livelihood, leaving them and their children homeless and without income.

Property grabbing often arises from the perceived lack of land rights for women in traditional societies. Family members, local leaders and potential victims may not be aware of the legal rights of widows and orphans or the criminal sanctions that may arise from illegal property seizure. Moreover, agencies charged with enforcement of rights lack the knowledge and resources to meet the overwhelming need.