Cassandra Wilhelm

Hey everyone,

I am asking for support for the Ride Against Traffick fundraising project. The goal is to provide support to victims of human sex trafficking as well as protect and support vulnerable orphans. Money raised during the trip will go to House of Hope, which is a support center for trafficked victims, and the Oak Tree Project, which is a scholarship program for orphans.

Over the last couple of years, I have become more aware of this tragedy, but didn't know how I could help or make a difference. When I learned about the ride from Busan to Seoul through my church, I immediately felt a pull by the Lord to act.

Once I decided to join, a pang of nervousness hit me. I realized that I was agreeing to ride 550km on a bike in 5 days! I'm still a bit nervous about the distance, but I am excited about what the impact of this ride could bring. I am praying that the hearts of those victimized by human trafficking will be changed. I am praying that the hearts of those reading this will be changed. And finally, that my heart will be changed.
I ask that you give and pray as you are able, both are very welcome!

Thanks,
Cassie

UPDATE: We have exceeded our original goal of 20 million won! Thank you so much to everyone who has contributed so far. But it's not too late to give! Let's see if we can hit 30 million now!

Details:
Dates: 2014 Chuseok weekend Sep 6-10 (Saturday to Wednesday)
Route: 4 Rivers Cycle Path from Busan to Seoul (riders will take the KTX to Busan, and the bikes will be sent via truck ahead of time). We'll cover approximately 120-135 km per day.
Worship and Prayer: Each night we'll have an optional worship and prayer meeting.  Sunday morning we will have an optional worship service before we depart for the day.
Cost:  Still TBD, but in the neighborhood of 120,000 - 150,000 plus money for meals.
Who:  Anyone who is cleared physically by a doctor to join and willing to train.  Novice to expert levels are welcome.  We are also in need of support crew volunteers.
Sign Up Deadline:  Cyclists and support crew volunteers should contact John Choi (johnchoi80@gmail.com) by June 15th.  After June 15th cyclists will be put on a waiting list.

Objectives:
1. Raise awareness about the injustice of human trafficking, especially sex trafficking, as well as the plight of orphans (high risk targets of pimps/traffickers) in Korea. Awareness is spread through each involved person's relationships, social circles and social networks - there will be daily updates as we bike from Busan to Seoul.
2. Raise funds for House of Hope (Korea's only gospel-centered restoration center for trafficked victims) and Oak Tree Project (college scholarship and mentoring program for true orphans).  We raise funds through our website www.rideagainsttraffick.org
3. Pray for leaders, laws, law enforcement, society/culture perspective, pimps/traffickers, johns, and victims. Pray for justice. Pray for churches and Christians to rise up, live out the gospel in caring for the orphans, marginalized, and oppressed.

Requirements:
1. A road bike or hybrid bike, front and rear lights, helmet. Biking shorts highly recommended.
2. Physical / doctor approval of health
3. Training - Cyclists must commit to ride 20 km 3x a week and to taking one longer ride per week.  We have a group that is already training in Seoul and the Incheon group will start next week.