Well, we wanted to post real quick before we went to bed. We are tired but very relaxed. The weather has been rough the last couple days, but we have been very grateful to the families that have opened their homes to us. We greatly enjoyed the fellowship with Wayne and Karen Carvel in Savannah Il. Their church, Church on a Hill, and Common Ground fellowship both showed us great hospitality. We also want to thank Pastor Kathy (especially for her shower), Bob (for the vacant apartment), and the nice ladies at the restaurant in Cordova (who payed for our meals). We are in Bettendorf tonight, which is part of the quad cities. The Low family is taking great care of us with Lasagna a Movie and Ice Cream!!
We move on tomorrow morning to the great city of Muscatine, IA. We are staying with another family, and we are looking forward to getting to know them. We have been very blessed, since we have not had to camp in this poor weather yet. Our next weekend is going to be in Keokuk IA. If anyone knows a church or a family that might want to host us, please give us a call at (916)214-2636. Thank you again for all your prayers
-Justin
"Away with the noise of your songs! I will not listen to the music of your harps. But let justice role on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing steam."-Amos 5:23-24
7/9 ARRIVED in New Orleans! 1704 Miles paddled downstream to fight the upstream battle against the injustice of human trafficking.
7/9 ARRIVED in New Orleans! 1704 Miles paddled downstream to fight the upstream battle against the injustice of human trafficking.
Down the River with the Upstream Team
The Big Picture
THE PROBLEM
Everyday we go about our
lives either unaware of social injustice in our world or lacking in compassion
for them. There exists in our world a multitude of injustices, not the least
which, is human sex trafficking. The facts are:
- Human trafficking is the world’s third largest criminal enterprise, after drugs and weapons.
- Worldwide, there are nearly two million
children in the commercial sex trade.
- There are an estimated 600,000 to
800,000 children, women and men trafficked across international borders
annually.
- Approximately 80 percent of human
trafficking victims are women and girls, and up to 50 percent are minors.
- Sex trafficking is an engine of the
global AIDS epidemic.
Throughout the
world oppressors choose to indulge their selfish and brutal urges and dominate
the defenseless. The world is not going to simply change on its own.
THE PLAN
As a trio, we are kayaking down the Mississippi River, starting in
The International Justice Mission (IJM) is an organization that rescues
victims of violence, sexual exploitation, slavery, and oppression. They are
extremely active in the fight against sex trafficking. Their strategy is
four-fold:
- Victim Relief- Rescuing sex trafficking victims
- Perpetrator Accountability- Prosecuting those responsible
- Victim Aftercare- Facilitating the
recovery of victims and providing alternate means of income.
- Structural Prevention- Promoting functioning public justice
systems.
We have chosen to partner with IJM because we believe and support the
work they do in the battle against sex trafficking.
SUPPORT
There are several ways to support our cause by giving to the
International Justice Mission:
- Online donations can be made to the IJM website.
Be sure to write "Upstream
- Checks can be made out to "CBU" and sent to: ATTN: ISP - Box #1146 California Baptist University, 8432 Magnolia Avenue, Riverside, CA 92504 Write "Upstream Battle" in the Comment Line of the check
CONTACT
If you have any questions, comments or ideas, please email us at: anupstreambattle@gmail.com
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
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7 comments:
Justin,
I emailed some people I know in IOwa to see if they know anyone in that area. Hopefully it will be a fruitful search. If not, I'm glad to hear that you guys are still there! I'm calling you to see if we can meet up! I'll be in Wheaton on Sunday. Maybe we could work something out!
Hey,all! 'Nice to see the updates! Glad to hear all is well. :)
I'm praying for you guys!!
hey hey hey
I also emailed a friend from Iowa. And are you guys looking for a place to stay in St Louis...I have a good friend there. No but seriously, shes a good friend and I'm not just adding an adjective for the heck of it.
Eric
You all have gone so far! I enjoy reading your updates. Please let me know if there is anything you need specific prayer for. It is a blessing to hear about your travel down river and to hear/read of all of your encounters! I dont know anyone in Iowa but I will pray that God opens up doors for you there in Iowa!
Tim Cahill your the best!! Thanks for calling me and checking in with all of us here at the bookstore.I am so sorry that I missed your call the other day. I left early to spend some time with Kinsley who had just arrived from India! I always knew you were the sensitive, caring one in the group Tim...just kidding Justin! Please don't camp with Satan anymore!! We miss you all...Carson and Lauren just got back from their ISP trips. It is so nice to have everyone come back home...we look forward to your return. Keep up the great work you are doing!
Carol
I am very popular. I will make many calls.
But not really. Keep it up guys - you're doing great!
Ahhh....I miss you guys.
Blessed my week to be able to talk to 2 of you last week...let's make it a weekly thing, yes Ethan?
I'm gonna try calling you tomorrow.
I'm still praying for guys...and I both love you and miss you.
Oh, and I'm insanely proud of you. :-)
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