http://calfeesinthailand.wordpress.com/
Go to the above link for an update of the Thailand Team!
Freedom 424 Blog
Dec
10
Thailand pics and update
Dec
07
Dec 2011 Thailand Team
The following is a re-post from Johanna Calfee at http://calfeesinthailand.wordpress.com/2011/11/30/back-to-bangkok/
Regular updates will be re-posted here while the team fights sexual exploitation on this trip.
Back to Bangkok
On December 8, I, along with six other women from Brentwood Church, will head to Bangkok, Thailand, representing Freedom 4/24. We will stay at Beginnings, a safe house for women there and will be throwing two Christmas parties for the girls of Nana Plaza and Soi Cowboy, two of Bangkok’s largest red light districts. These girls and women–sexual slaves–will be shown honor, Christ’s love and a pathway to freedom during these parties. Our team will return Dec. 18. Below are some of my thoughts leading up to this trip…
It’s been two years since I’ve been to Bangkok. For two lightning fast years, I have thought about the girls there nearly every single day–those in the bars, on the streets, and in Beginnings. My heart has ached to go back. And yet…
I’m not ashamed to admit that I’ve been scared to go. A lot has changed in two years. I’m a mom now. In fact, the last time I was in Bangkok, I was just 8 weeks along with our daughter, Ella–sorry blog, I wasn’t ready to tell you at the time.
God has been so good to Daryl and I since our time in Thailand, when we were just a little bit pregnant. And yet…
I fear.
What if something happens to Daryl or Ella while I’m gone? What if something goes wrong while traveling? What if…? The worries–and trust me, I’m not really a worrier–are seemingly endless.
And yet, that’s the point.
The last time I went to Thailand, it was an opportunity to trust in God’s plan and hand of protection on us. I found out just four days before we boarded the plane that we were expecting our sweet Ella. My world was rocked. I should have been panicked. And yet…I was supernaturally calm. Comforted. Completely at peace with going. It was a feeling I had never experienced before–I was completely resting in the fact that God is in control and that His timing is perfect.
Quickly, the trip became anything but about ME. I know it will be the same way this go round too.
It’s just getting there. It’s just obeying.
Two years have gone by in a blessed blink for me. But in the in between, they have likely drug by for the hundreds of thousands of women who are currently in sexual slavery…bound by human hands and twisted intentions. Once you’re exposed to this level of darkness, you have only two options moving forward: fight or flight. Stand up and fight the pervasive evil or run in the opposite direction, hoping to forget what you witnessed.
I can’t help but fight. I have no choice but to trust. My mind and heart won’t ever let me forget. And yet…
My first fight is against myself this time. After that, it’s a fight to reach the hearts and minds of these girls and women who are the lowest of the low in their own society. To show them light. Love. Hope. Freedom.
The fight for freedom is as real today as it was in when I was last in Bangkok in 2009. The number of women enslaved is beyond alarming. Once you become aware–see it with your own eyes or hear stories of these girls who are subjected to every form of demoralization–you either become a part of the problem or a part of the solution.
Despite my fears, I’m ready to do battle. It’s what we, as Christ followers, are called to do. I hope one day Ella will be there beside me, but for now, I’m not afraid to pray for protection. I expect some amazing stories to emerge from our 10 short days there.
Nov
29
Beyond the Fabric
December is a time to celebrate the victories of the year and set the goals for the next and at a recent Freedom 4/24 meeting that excitement was evident. With teams that we have sponsored heading to different partners in both December and January we are immediately seeing the impact of Run For Their Lives as well as the other ways you have supported us and them. There are also some events and new ways for everyone to get involved that we will be rolling out as well!
For now, on this day after Cyber Monday while gifts and giving is on the mind, consider the gift of freedom through our store. The limited availability merchandise we release at the race has been going fast and the the Freedom 4/24 gift tags are perfect to top any present with. So what will you tag with Freedom this year? Remember that your purchase from the store helps to give slaves the chance for freedom, from prevention, to rescue, to care.
So browse the store and consider giving the gift of freedom, a gift that carries far beyond the fabric.
Follow us on Twitter @Freedom424 and @R4TL and facebook Freedom 4/24 facebook page and Run 4 Their Lives facebook page.
Also check out our new Google+ page here!
Nov
22
Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is upon us and with Run for Their Lives having been such a success this year we thought the recap video would be perfect. Remember, this is a great place to bring your family and friends just after a great dinner to show them what we are about! In fact, being that Thanksgiving falls on the 24th this year we would love to have pictures of you with your dinner feast wearing your freedom 4/24 gear or your Run for Their Lives shirts!
We are thankful for our partners, our donors, our volunteers, and all of the participants in the events we are able to put on. Without any of this we would not be able to bring the support and awareness to the epidemic of sexual slavery throughout the world. We are also thankful for all the organizations that exist to accomplish the same goals that we have, each of us in different arenas.
We are mostly thankful for the grace and love of our Lord Jesus Christ who gives us the will, energy, and determination to pour ourselves into a cause so much greater than ourselves. It is though His blood that we are changed and through His truth that we love. All for the glory of His name.
So on this week of Thanksgiving, thank you to all who have been a part, in whatever way you have. There is no small role, no insignificant step that you have taken with us that has not affected the goals. You are for freedom, and we are both daily and eternally grateful.
Freedom begins with a day.
Follow us on Twitter @Freedom_424 and @R4TL and facebook Freedom 4/24 facebook page and Run 4 Their Lives facebook page.
Nov
15
Hindsight
The news this past week has been sighted on Penn State and the horrendous scandal that took place there. Our prayers have gone to all involved in the incidents and there are many thoughts on who, what, and why. We will not delve into the politico that surrounds these events. What is has done is reminded us why we are here raising awareness against sexual exploitation.
It is easy for us to get caught up in the excitement of an event such as Run for Their Lives and see a community and in many senses a country come together against sexual exploitation but it is very different when we stop and think about what is actually going on, what is actually happening. Boys and girls all over the world will be given a chance for freedom because you took action and registered to run or walk. Not just teenagers and older women it is boys and girls who have been sold into this trade many times by their families who see no other outlet.
The battle we wage is sickening when it is realized, disturbing when it is taken into account that this is one of the largest illegal money makers in the world. And that is why we exist, to bring awareness and support to the issue. To show the world that this is happening and that there is something that we can do about it!
Amidst all the chaos and sadness at Penn State over the past week there was one quote by Joe Paterno that struck me as profoundly powerful. ”In hindsight, I wish I would have done more.”
Every morning a cup of coffee and a biscuit look mighty nice. By the afternoon they are an afterthought. In hindsight is $24 too much to pay for a t-shirt and the chance of freedom? When I look back will what I do and what I spend be beneficial or an afterthought?
Let us help you get involved, either through a purchase or action. Visit our store (http://store.freedom424.org/) and look around knowing that each purchase goes towards freedom. Browse our partners to see how they fight for freedom and if you want more information on how to be a part, locally or globally contact us on Facebook or Twitter.
Freedom begins with a day.
Follow us on Twitter @Freedom_424 and @R4TL and facebook Freedom 4/24 facebook page and Run 4 Their Lives facebook page.