Riding on behalf of ZOE International, an organization dedicated to ending child trafficking, eight athletes took to the road June 14 to embark on the Race Across America, or RAAM—an ultra-endurance bicycle race known as the toughest in the world—and took home first place. They dedicated their ride to God and trusted Him through all the trials and tribulations.
ZOE's mission is to end child trafficking and reach every person by bringing the Good News of Jesus Christ. The RAAM is a way for them to raise awareness about the reality of human trafficking, and to raise funds for their organization which works in countries around the world, including the United States, to end human trafficking. Their goal was not just to cross the finish line—it was to raise $750,000 to continue the fight. As of race’s end, they had already surpassed $630,000, with donations still rolling in.
"This race was Jesus' from the start" said Brad Ortenzi, ZOE's RAAM general manager. “We consecrated it to Him before a single pedal stroke, and He showed up mile after mile.”
The team has fondly dubbed the race "organized chaos", each year they face a different unique set of obstacles. This year, there were two separate wildlife incidents, first their follow van being struck by an elk and another van struck a deer. There also was a small van fire, a tornado warning, severe thunderstorms, and a brutal 25-mile-per-hour headwind across Kansas. But ZOE's team pressed on - with a sense of peace that could have only come from above. "There were some crazy things that happened, but we just had this peace that God had it" Ortenzi reflected "When everybody walks away safe, you know God's hand was on every part of it."
There was a total of 26 people on the road for this event, the eight cyclists along with 18 crew members who provided support along the way and they had contingency plans for everything. From an organizational stand-point the race went very well. As new issues arose, the team was able to adapt quickly and keep their spirits up united around their mission.
One cyclist spoke a phrase that galvanized the team and continued to echo in their hearts and prayers throughout the race becoming the war cry that pushed them forward mile after mile: "Hold on, little ones-the cavalry is coming."
Just one week before the race, cyclist Kevin Quinter underwent surgery for a kidney stone, when asked if he experienced any pain along the road Ortenzi said with a smile "Not one ounce." And it was clear who is to thank for that. "We prayed before every leg of the ride, and the cyclists had devotions every day. our eyes stayed on Him the whole time."
This year was unique for them as they set up a nearly 24/7 live stream with cameras both inside and outside the follow van. This gave supporters a unique perspective on the race as they were to see real-time updates from the road, interviews with sponsors and live Q&A with the cyclists and crew.
“We had people writing in that they were praying for us, asking how they could help, and even wanting to know how certain logistics worked,” Ortenzi said. This inside look into the race brought the mission closer to home as viewers could see the fatigue, the joy, the frustration, and the prayers as they were happening. "It became a megaphone" said Ortenzi "Not only for the team but for what God is doing through ZOE around the world."
This was the team's 5th race, they have previously raced once every other year due to logistics but with the momentum they gained and the overwhelming response to the addition of the live-stream, ZOE is hoping that in the future they might be able to start doing it every year.
Ortenzi said "This race is more than a challenge-it's a voice for the voiceless. And we're going to keep using it." “If you’re wondering how to help—pray. Pray for protection, pray for provision, and pray that more people would join the fight to end child trafficking in Jesus’ name.”
To learn more about ZOE International, or rewatch highlights from the RAAM livestream, visit GoZOE.org. The site includes resources on human trafficking awareness, and practical ways to get involved.
If you would like more information about RAAM, visit www.raamrace.org