Sitting 37 river miles from New Orleans, it is almost surreal to us that we are that close. The trip has gone by so quickly in some ways, but I also almost couldn't imagine paddling another day after tomorrow. We are spending the night in Reserve, LA at First Baptist Church Reserve. We'll set our kayaks in early tomorrow morning, and hopefully be in New Orleans at Audubon Park around 2pm. Some friends (or soon to be friends) are picking us up tomorrow and we'll be well taken care of in New Orleans.
Thank you all so much for the ways in which you have blessed us with your prayers, comments, and all the other things that you have done. It has been so encouraging having that support along the river, and we cannot tell you enough how much we appreciate it. As we complete the trip, please do not let this be the end of praying for the fight against Human Trafficking and for IJM, but please continue to pray for justice to be seen in the lives of the oppressed.
Tim
"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, July 8, 2008
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11 comments:
You said it well, Tim. It really IS hard to believe you are that close. I'm praying God's blessing on your day tomorrow. ~Ethan's mom
WOW! Crazy! Still praying for you guys until I actually get to see you in person.
Have a great day, and a safe trip home!
I look forward to a few "wrap-up" posts with lots of pictures!
(Next Summer, The Missouri River, from Montana to St. Louis!)
Cheers.
The final hours! Wow! Thank you guys for taking us along your journey. It has been both a joy and a challenge to hear of your adventures and the opportunites you have been able to share with the people you have encountered. We have some plans to bring more IJM involvement and awareness to the CBU campus next year...looking forward to getting that started.
Continued prayers as you bring this journey to a close and make your way back to California.
i hope you took a picture of Southern Adrian.
so now is when you start the actually physically impressive part of the trip and go with the name of the whole deal right, upstream?
congrats on finishing up the journey! Very proud of you all and thankful that you have come through safely. love, tim's mom
Well done, you guys! It was great having you on the speaker phone during prayer today.
I'm on staff with IJM, but I'm also a freelance writer. You guys must be bushed right now, but do you think you'd be up for some interviews. I'd like to do a piece on you and see where I could pitch it.
alyson.thoner@gmail.com
We are so stoked for you three! Way to go!
Congraduations, all three of you. I am glad you are safe and I look forward to seeing you all soon (Ethan-see you at the wedding) :)
It's good to see y'all made it to New Orleans safely. I enjoyed your visit with us at First Baptist Reserve. Just wish Mike would have given me a little more heads up and I could have cook a real cajun meal for y'all. I guess the bacon and eggs for breakfast will have to do this time. If y'all come back to South Louisiana, look me up and I'll have something good cooked. If not I'll see y'all in the New Jerusalem (Rev 21) where we'll worship God together for eternity!
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