Steps of Justice began in 2011 when I (Phil) and a few others realized that there were many injustices in the world we weren’t hearing about—but that were happening every single day. Human trafficking, modern-day slavery, poverty, racism, gender inequality, lack of access to clean water, and limited education opportunities—these are just a few. We knew that, in order to walk in obedience to what we read in the Bible and heard from Jesus, we had to do something.

At its core, Steps of Justice exists to bring awareness to injustice and provide practical steps for people to engage in doing justice.

To me, doing justice means restoring what has been broken: feeding the hungry, freeing the enslaved, educating others, and standing up to oppressors. This mission has guided me for over a decade. It’s why I take teams to Cambodia—to listen, learn, and partner with local ministries led by Cambodians who are actively doing justice. It’s also why I host teams, to come alongside local leaders who are addressing injustice in their own communities.

From 2016-2020 I worked at a school in City Heights, one of San Diego’s most diverse neighborhoods, home to many refugees, immigrants, and low-income families. I took this step because I saw injustice close to home—specifically, the lack of access to quality education and opportunity—and I wanted to be part of the solution.

This same heart for justice speaks to what’s happening across the United States right now—especially the injustice experienced by the foreigner, the refugee and the immigrant community. Many of us have known about this for a long time. Others are just now waking up to it as they turn on the news, scroll through social media, or witness protests in their own cities.

Our response matters. And it should come in this order:

1. Wait, Listen, and Learn.
Start by reading. Watch the news (from multiple sources). Follow voices of color and justice leaders on social media. Watch a documentary. Ask God to give you His heart. Sit in the discomfort, and allow your perspective to be shaped.

2. Act.
Once you’ve begun to understand, let your heart move you to action. But don’t act on emotion alone—get educated. Attend a protest because you know what you stand for. Sign a petition you’ve taken time to read and understand. Use your voice to influence those around you—not just with passion, but with knowledge.

3. Peace.
Justice, done in love and rooted in peace, brings change. As we respond, may we do so in a way that reflects the heart of God and leads to lasting restoration.