Freedom 4/24 » Freedom 4/24 Blog

Thailand pics and update

Freedom424 — Sat, 10 Dec 2011 16:53:43 +0000

http://calfeesinthailand.wordpress.com/

Go to the above link for an update of the Thailand Team!

Dec 2011 Thailand Team

Freedom424 — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 01:17:50 +0000

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.

Beyond the Fabric

Freedom424 — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 14:55:05 +0000

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.

http://store.freedom424.org/

Also check out our new Google+ page here!

Thanksgiving

Freedom424 — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 16:00:17 +0000

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.

Hindsight

Freedom424 — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 15:11:24 +0000

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.

R4TL Pics and Video

Freedom424 — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 12:36:04 +0000

This past Saturday’s Run for Their Lives was a testament that so many people are for freedom! Here in Lynchburg you came out in droves on a cold and wet day and ran, and wow was it overwhelming. At the beginning of the race, looking from the starting line, there were four lanes FULL! Now we are getting pictures from the races in other states and beginning to see the spread of this impact. You ran for them, you ran for freedom, you ran for their lives!

So on the blog today we want to celebrate with a few pics and short videos that were captured. If you have others you would like to give us , send us an email to admin@r4tl.com.

Tell us how you felt, what you thought, who you ran for either here or on Facebook and Twitter or send your stories about the race to the email above.

R4TL Indiana

R4TL Greensboro, NC

R4TL Redding, California

R4TL Alaska (That’s right!)

R4TL Hickory, NC

5 Days & Big News

Freedom424 — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 13:42:28 +0000

There are only 5 days before October 29th when the 3rd Run for Their Lives takes place here in Lynchburg, VA, across the country and the world! Registrations continue to grow each day, almost each hour! However online registration closes on Thursday, so get it done today!!! www.R4TL.com

It will be exciting all weekend long starting with packet pick-up on Friday night which will be more than just waiting and lines. While you are picking up your race shirts and packets there will be live music and booths with our partners. Talk with them to see exactly what we are supporting and the amazing things they are doing!

Then the race on Saturday has so much in store! Partners, kids stuff, music, and a few surprises that we suspect will be talked about for a while! It is not going to be something you will want to miss.

We are also looking for volunteers to be a part of the experience and assist the runners and events in all sorts of ways. Email us at volunteer@r4tl.com and we will help find a perfect place for you on the weekend!

Finally, this was an amazing weekend for Freedom 4/24 as our president, Mike Zealand, was interviewed nationally on The Fox News Channel. The interview is below, share it with your friends and family and we will see you all on Saturday at Run for Their Lives!

R4TL Inspire

Freedom424 — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 13:08:14 +0000

Have you registered? Who will you inspire to run with you? www.r4tl.com Make it happen today! Share the link on Twitter and facebook and tag us with the hashtag #run4freedom

If you want to volunteer for the event and help raise support and awareness that way you are very needed as well! Email us at Volunteer@r4tl.com to get the details. We are looking for help on Friday night and Saturday, at all different places. We will find the best place for you to encourage and assist!

11 days until the race are you ready, registered, and inspired?

Churches, Sponsors, and Creative Buzz!

Freedom424 — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 11:57:39 +0000

Directly to the point today, we are talking about Run 4 Their Lives! The race this year is heating up and with over 300 runners already registered in other states not including VA and literally across the world it is going to be amazing!

We have had support for the race from so many different areas over the past 2 years and so far it is coming along well but we would like more. We want your church and your business to get involved by spreading the word and sponsoring the race!

If you are a part of a church that you would like to talk with about having a team for the race let us know, we can get you information and materials to present to your church. You can spread passion for the freedom of those who are sexually exploited to your church through this specific way. Gather a team and be a part! Email us at info@r4tl.com .

In order for us to be able to send all of the money raised through registrations we need a specific numerical amount to cover the costs of the race. We are planning on continuing this tradition as well as help your business show the world that you are against human trafficking and doing something about it. There are several different opportunities for sponsorship levels. Simply email us at Sponsorship@r4tl.com and we will get back to you quickly!

Around Lynchburg, let us see how and where you are spreading the word about the race with Save the Date Cards, Posters, emails, whatever creative ways you come up with! Mention us in the status with the pics and videos showing how you are getting the word out and creating the buzz!

See you on Oct. 29th!

Gearing Up

Freedom424 — Tue, 04 Oct 2011 15:19:48 +0000

In a quick recap the Run for Their Lives walk / run has been a huge success in its two years of existence. This success is due to the people that decided to bring awareness and support to Freedom 4/24 by giving up a Saturday to run or walk a 5k, 10k, or the kids 1k. People who believe that sexual slavery is worth fighting against and that each thing that is done to fight this battle has an effect, it has meaning.

These are people who believe that Freedom Begins with a Day!

Coming off of two events, Frocks for Freedom / Girls Night Out, and Father Daughter Date Night, the excitement for this year is building quickly and expected to only continue! That momentum continues to build with the opportunity for family and friends to register and run a 5k with us all across the States, and even all across the world! Tell them about the race, let them experience what we experience. Simply ask them to run or walk in whatever state they are in. Even miles apart we can be unified together on October 29th to run for them, run for freedom, run for their lives!

For info on this email States@r4tl.com and help spread the awareness far beyond the reachings of Lynchburg, VA.

Though this industry is one of the largest in the world it is still not well known or thought of. That is why this race exists, to raise support and awareness of the issue, an issue that is uncomfortable and awkward when brought up. This is a way to bring awareness, raise support, and start conversations that may not happen without a spark. This is a way to love those who we cannot touch physically, a way to give the opportunity of freedom for a day and ultimately freedom for a lifetime in Christ.

Register today and encourage those around you and in your home state to do the same! Register here We will see you there and we hope to see pics of everyone participating across the country!

Tell us what and where you are walking or running!