So here I am...again on the edge of taking on another epic bike ride for a cause that simply cannot be ignored any longer. Human Trafficking...Modern Slavery...Sexual Trafficking...Labor exploitation...whatever name you want to call it. Oppression and subjugation of another human is wrong...PERIOD. And when it is done in order to make someone a profit it is evil. To look at these young girls forced into sexual servitude at the season of their childhood is staring into the depths of evil and darkness. I am an atypical advocate of all anti slavery issues because I am insulated and removed personally from this hell that modern day slaves live in. I have a comfortable middle aged white guy suburban 2 dog 1 cat life. What in the world could possible motivate me into riding a bicycle...in the heat...about 75 miles a day...on a three inch wide bike seat...for 1800 miles...uncomfortable, hot, tired, and hungry ?? Simple really...two things...one...I have daughters that have been, in much smaller degrees, victims of sexual predators at one time in their lives. So, yeah, it's kind of personal like that. Secondly, and as important...God calls me to this cause in a very loud voice...actually He calls ALL of us. I didn't want you to think I was the only one...Seriously, Jesus was abundantly clear of what our response was to be to those who were oppressed. We are commanded...obligated...expected...to take care of them. We are to give the thirsty water, the hungry food, and the naked clothes. Any question on how basic that is ? Why aren't we doing this ? Why isn't the body of Christ responding in a powerful and unified manner ? That is something we must search our own hearts for the answer and respond. I always remember a line I heard in a promo video for Blood:Water Mission, when one of the members of Jars of Clay says, "Our knowledge now demands our action"...That is the great paradox for me... how can I see and be aware of immense suffering because of human trafficking and yet do nothing. I can't. So, this summer I will do something that I have discovered is a powerful tool to engage people in these issues. I will ride my bike...really far...again. There will be lots of stories shared and people will be, hopefully...excited,,,energized...empowered to see that they can, in fact, do something to shine a light into this darkness. It really is as simple as riding a bike...
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