Red Thread Movement Recap

Red Threat Movement Recap

On Saturday, July 28, a long planned for event took place in downtown Ulysses: the fund raiser for the Red Thread Movement. The Red Thread Movement is a nonprofit organization that works closely with another nonprofit organization, Eternal Threads, to help young girls rescued from human trafficking to find their lives, health, self-esteem, and God.

 The thought of 25 million slaves world-wide, many of them suffering extreme deprivation and abuse, is heart rending, as it should be. Not only are our hearts touched, but God’s is, too. All the way back in the Old Testament the prophet Amos spoke about God’s feelings toward those who traffic in human beings. Through Amos God delivered this message: “For three sins of Tyre, even for four, I will not turn back my wrath, because she sold whole communities of captives to Edom, disregarding a treaty of brotherhood. I will send fire upon the walls of Tyre that will consume her fortresses.” (Amos 1:9-10)

A similar charge was made against Gaza of Philistia just a few verses earlier. Twice in chapter one of Amos God expressed his extreme displeasure with the buying and selling of human beings into slavery.

So, if we are appalled at human trafficking, we are in good company: God is, too. And, if we take a stand against it, we stand along side God as well.

Many people took a stand against human trafficking on Saturday. We had about 35 walkers and runners, and sold about 90 hamburgers. Through these efforts we raised just over $2,600 dollars.

The event was organized by Kristin Baldwin and Joci Wickard. Also assisting were Wes Baldwin and Megan Forney. Numerous others also pitched in and helped in various ways.

We had a lot of local businesses and individuals who contributed to the success of the fund raiser. Among them were Eddie Ochoa, who donated his services as a DJ, Western State Bank, Sonic, Richard Hankins, an old school chum of mine from Atlanta, GA, Russ’ Food Store, Pioneer Electric, Smyth Oil and Gas, Bank of Ulysses, Saxon Chiropractic, Grant County Feed Yard, and the employees of the Grant Co. Health Department. Each one of these individuals or organizations donated money, materials, or valuable time to help with this great project. I sincerely thank each one of them.

(Pictured above: Megan Forney, Becca Pledger,

Kristin Baldwin and Jocy Wickard)

Human trafficking will continue, but so will our efforts to combat it, and to rescue the women and children from its destructive tentacles. I believe God will help us in the effort. Every child that is rescued and that we support with food, clothing, a safe house, counseling, and with the message of Jesus Christ is a successful attack against the dark forces of the evil one. The gates of hell can not withstand the march of those who oppose its work.

There is still much work to do, but Saturday was a good sign that much is already being done. Thank you one and all.

Above, event organizer Kristin Baldwin meets Becca Pledger, runner, writer and blogger, at the run. Becca has written two articles about the Red Thread Movement: Empowering Women Once Held Captive in Sexual Slavery,  A Giveaway to Help Combat and Create Awareness of Modern Slavery and Exploring Kansas.

Above: two early finishers in the race: Jose Lopez, who came in first overall, and Chisolm Branscom.

Thanks to all who contributed, participated and supported this effort in anyway to help the girls of Nepal!

Warren Baldwin