Ever since we paddled into Dick's Marina on Friday afternoon, the town of Winona, MN and the people of Pleasant Valley Church have been very good to us. We have not been hungry, wet, or cold at any point in the past 48 hours. The Bruihler family in particular has welcomed us as they would family. Even in the middle of the chaos of planting their thirteen billion acres worth of corn they made the time to hang out around the kitched table and chat with the three of us. It was some good quality time indeed. The best part of all was that Deb Bruihler anticipated our hunger and made it her goal to cook more than we could eat...she won...but barely.
This morning (Sunday, May 18th) we went with the Bruihlers to church at Pleasant Valley Church. Right before the sermon they showed a video about the International Justice Mission. After the video we went up on stage as Pastor Rick read from Proverbs, "Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy." (31:8-9) After reading this passage he interviewed the three of us about who we are, what we are doing, and why we are doing it. We did this in both services and after each one Pastor Rick lead the church in prayer for us. After each service there were ushers at the doors for anyone who wanted to give to the work of IJM. This is were Pleasant Valley Church really stepped it up on behalf of the women and children who are trafficked around the world. They gave $8,174.54 to the work of IJM. That is $8,174.54 that will go toward freeing victims of sex trafficking. On top of this we also walked away with half a smoked turkey and a pizza hut gift card.
For me (Ethan) the most touching experience of the day (and the trip for that matter) came when a lady walked up to me after the second service. She came right up to me and grabbed my hands in hers. Looking right into my eyes she said, "I have been homeless for the past six weeks." Needless to say, I was taken a little off guard. She continued, "This is all I have. May God bless you all." When she walked away there was left in my hand a ten dollar bill. It is not every day that you see a parable lived out before your very eyes (Mark 12:42-44) If you are reading this blog and praying for our trip then I would like ask you that include this woman in your prayers as well. Pray that God would bless her act of faith and provide for her needs and that he would not withhold any spiritual blessing from her.
So Winona was (and is) good to us and to the people effected by the work of IJM. Tonight we are staying with the Kuhn family (no relation to Kinsley.) They are really fun and friendly people. They have already blessed us by helping us move our kayaks around, and they are currently blessing us with beds, a hot tub, and fellowship.
Tomorrow we take off again with rested muscles and healing blisters. It is going to be 30 miles a day from here to St. Louis.
"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
Sunday, May 18, 2008
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14 comments:
Wow! What a blessing! I pray that you guys have a great Monday. Love you.
Amazing entry into the ol' blog. I'm so encouraged by your journey and the amazing people you are meeting along the way.
In support of your combined effort . . . OSL and the Bookstore have joined forces as well! We are all officing in the same area! Seriously. With the construction taking place in the bookstore over the summer . . . Carol, Ted and Amy are now in the OSL. Carol is in Kris' old office. Ted took over the conference room and Amy is back by the copy machine. Ethan, your desk is still your desk . . . however the whole area seems to have acquired all the extra chairs, boxes, and the keyboard.
Wow what a neat place of believers! I am blessed by the woman who gave and believe God will not withhold any blessing from her. Rest up boys. It's exciting to watch the tracker down the river. You are already so far:)
Ephes. 3:20-21 (ESV)
Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, [21] to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
May the three of you continue your trip with the passion of the one who liberated you!
Dr. Mooney
If you guys stopped now you would have already been an amazing blessing to the IJM - its awesome that you still have an entire river ahead of you to raise awareness and funds. Good job.
PS Ethan - bring me something back from your journey.
I'm miss each and every one of you boys, and I'm praying for you. Lots.
You know me, Mama Robin worries.
:-)
I'm praying God brings you great rest with wherever you camp this week (and a chance to call Robin to let her know how you're doing).
Love you studs.
WOW! I am encouraged to hear all that God is doing in and through you guys! You are definitely in mz prayers daily!! I am praying for God's favor as you continue your journey and for the continued work of the Holy Spirit in your lives. Press On!!
I work for IJM in Bolivia, and just recently read your blog. Thanks for what you're doing. It's incredibly encouraging! May God bless you in your effort!!!
Prayers for you from south of St. Louis near the river. Contact me when you get close.
shermanfamilyoutdoors@hotmail.com
Cheers.
You boys made my day reading about your accomplishments so early on in your trip. I am ecstatic for what will become of your boys efforts. I am encouraged by peoples generosity and almost cried reading about your experience Ethan! I miss you all.
Stay strong boys, I'll be back in the states before you know it.
man,this is the coolest story ever! im so excited for you guys, and for the impact your trip is making on thousands of lives. i really hope we see you in tenessee!
God bless Winona.
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