"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.

Down the River with the Upstream Team


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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 St. Paul, MN and finishing in New Orleans, LA. On May 12th we will set out on our adventure, not for our own benefit, but with the hope of spreading awareness and raising money to fight against sex trafficking. Our goal is to raise $20,000 that will be donated to the International Justice Mission, a human rights agency we are partnering with.

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 Battle" in the comment line!
  • 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

Saturday, June 28, 2008

Arkansas, Mississippi, Louisiana


Its been a long week. We have safely arrived in Vicksburg Mississippi, and we are staying at the First Presbyterian Church. We've been moving really quick. We successfully outran a thunder storm that followed us for nearly the whole day today. It was angry, but the storm was no match for our quick paddling. We had a few consecutive 50 mile days this week. We camped out a few times and we enjoyed some great stays with families in Helena-West Helena (yep,thats its official name), Arkansas City (the names a bit deceiving...it has only 500 people), and Lake Providence Louisiana.

In Lake Providence we stayed in a mansion-cabin-camp right on the river. Tommy Scrogins fed us delicious steaks, and then a huge breakfast to get us going in the morning. We are really roughing it out here on the Mississippi. We walked in a small coffee shop called Jehova Java in Lake Providence. We weren't sure what we were getting into, but we met about a dozen southern ladies who were supporting their friend who was having a book signing. these ladies were a lot of fun, and they taught us all about what southern mama's tell there daughters.
Blake from Helena-West Helena
Campsite on an island outside of Crumrod
The gravel road to Arkansas City
Campsite at Greenville MississippiThe interior of the mansion-cabin (the last person to stay in this place was Brett Favre...not kidding)

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4 comments:

AdamCook said...

wow sounds like you guys are really roughin it haha. Good to hear you guys are getting taken care of. Expect to hear from me this weekend

June 29, 2008 at 12:26 AM
Anonymous said...

Guys, those videos are so powerful, in a sense, giving each of us viewers the blessed opportunity to "taste" and see and hear a bit of your scenic river experience. I found it was easy to imagine and felt I was right among you on the water and on the land. On behalf of all of us viewers, "Thank you so very much for thoughtfully including us and sharing by posting all the videos, photos, notes, and voice message." Continue to enjoy the Lord's great pleasure, blessings and favor that surround you all to his glory. God bless you mightily!

June 29, 2008 at 9:34 PM
Anonymous said...

Hey Ethen, nice arm pits in the video! We are going to try and show one of your videos in church Wed. night and all pray for you guys. Justin you look like you are straight out of the 70's with the glasses and the shorts!! Tim, way to represent CA to those kids on their fieldtrip! Have a great last week and end strong. Can't wait to see all you guys!
Brendon and Staci

June 30, 2008 at 3:57 PM
Anonymous said...

i am currently in helena west helena, arkansas. it's weird that we both came here. what a great place! also, im excited you guys are almost done and im sort of almost done. it will be great to share stories! you guys are awesome!!

July 7, 2008 at 7:16 PM

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