The River has been in flood stage the last few days. This is bad news for most everyone. All we see our the tops of trees along the river. There are no places for us to land or camp. The only benefit is that we are flying down the river...and I mean flyin'! Today we went 40 miles in about 5 hours! The weather is getting very hot and humid quick.
Last night we stayed in Crystal City. I thought the whole city would look like that castle from "Wizard of OZ"...it didn't. We were blessed by Randall, who picked us up, took us out to a Mexican dinner, and then payed for two rooms at the Comfort Inn for us to enjoy. Today we arrived in Chester (The Home of Popeye!!!), and we were met at the boat launch by The Pastor and his family from First Baptist Chester. (Thank you Common Ground Fellowship for the connection!). We are staying in the house where the youth do all of their activities. The family is taking us out to dinner tonight for an All-You-Can-Eat buffet. Hopefully Ethan won't put the place out of business. Thank Y'all (we're about in the south now) for your continued 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, June 10, 2008
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5 comments:
Glad you're safe and sound. I was worried this morning when I saw even more crap in the river. Enjoy the ride for the next few days.
Cheers.
Justin, My name is carrie myers and I am the editor for the Randolph County Herald Tribune. Sorry i missed you come in, i was informed that you would be here around 5pm...bad for me good for you for making such great time. anyway what time do you plan to get back in the water???? would love to come and take photo for newspaper.
you can reach me at tribuneeditor@verizon.net
thanks for your time
Keep it up fellas. Praying for you daily.
I think it's funny that you are in the hometown of Popeye. I've been picturing you three coming home looking like Popeye because you have been using your arms and shoulder so much.
~Ethan's mom
I love reading this blog! You are in our prayers at Norco. Going to be sharing with another church tomorrow about what you're doing. May God continue to be glorified in you!
Angela Mooney
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