"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

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 21, 2008

Picture Post

We are in Memphis TN!! Here are a few highlights from the trip so far. We have so many pictures, but we can only put up a few. We haven't had to camp since ST. Louis, so we want to thank the generosity of all the families that have opened their homes to us. We are very grateful.





13 comments:

Alicia said...

such studs....

carsonbelmont said...

I think my favorite is the jump picture where Justin is just levitating slightly and Ethan and Tim are jumping as high as they can!

escamillaweddings said...

these are great!

lovin' the red shorts, justin. :D

Unknown said...

You guys look great!! It is so good to hear that things are going well and that you have had places to stay! That is such a blessing!! I am praying for you all! Much love! God bless!

John Montgomery said...

Keep it up guys! I love reading your posts and am praying for you!

Anonymous said...

Great pictures guys! Justin, once again I did not see your life jacket...You must have been wearing the see through invisible life jacket the day this picture was taken?? We are all praying for you and your safe return home.
Carol Bracey

Anonymous said...

Hey guys, Great to see the pictures and hear your voices! Tim I like the beard. The whole church is praying for you guys and your trip is brought up every sunday with a new update. Love you guys and can't wait to see you again

Anonymous said...

Hey Justin,
Nice prank Saturday night. After Aaron got on the phone I was wishing you were on the river bank sleeping on the ground. Just kidding I hope you had a great time with Aaron. He can be somewhat cool at times. Keep paddlin' for Jesus!
Jason Sipes

AdamCook said...

ok bronze buff boys.... like the illiteration? Me too.

Anonymous said...

Hey guys!
So I was listening to Air1 this morning and they were talking about you guys! I was like, "Hey I know Ethan!" I just want you to know how proud I am of all of you! This is such an amazing thing you are doing, I remember when you were planning your bike trip! I pray that you guys will be blessed and that every person you come in contact with will be blessed as well! Love you guys!
Rebekah Peoples

QTPie said...

Hi Justin, Tim & Ethan. This is Kenyetta, the nice lady that kept you company at McCallie's Landing in Arkansas City, while you were waiting on the pastor. Anyway, I just want to say that what you guys are doing is really awesome! It is also an inspiration to see people actually reaching out and touching others in such a profound way! Keep up the good work and stay safe on the remainder of your journey. Keep God first and you will never come in last! Talk to you guys later!!!

Anonymous said...

Ethan, your muscles look amazing. I mean seriously, we enlarged the picture.

Anonymous said...

You guys are making amazing time ony your trip. you made it through Chester just in time, as the river has crested and our river front is under water. May God Bless you on the rest of your amazing journey. Remember I want to do a follow up story once you have completed your trip. I have been keeping up with you through your blogs!!!!
Carrie Myers