8 Cyclists Ride 3,000 Miles to Raise Awareness for Child Trafficking Victims
A team of eight men is courageously cycling 3,000 miles across the United States this week -- through mountains, deserts, and everything in between -- to spotlight the scourge of child trafficking and raise money to help bring it to an end.
The team is representing the Christian organization ZOE International in the 2025 Race Across America (RAAM), a grueling endurance event known as one of the toughest cycling races in the world. They began June 14 in Oceanside, Calif., and will end in Atlantic City, N.J., pedaling through pounding storms and blistering sunshine with the hope of raising $750,000.
It's not without its dangers. The other day, one of the support vans collided with an elk -- a startling encounter that caused minor damage, though no one was injured.
In the past seven years, the ZOE cycling team has placed in the top three three times, including a first-place showing in 2021.
Brad Ortenzi, a former undercover online child exploitation investigator who is currently ZOE team race director, was inspired to get involved in the fight after visiting Thailand in 2014 and experiencing ZOE's work first-hand in rescuing children.
"The children's fight inspired me," he said. "Every one of them was a fighter -- fighting to get their life back. Their fight inspired me and changed my life. Competing in Race Across America allows ZOE to take this fight against child sex trafficking across the United States."
David Cox, ZOE USA's national director, said this week that the 3,000-mile ride across America "elevates the reality of the issue."
"And once the issue is elevated, and you realize that this is something that's going on, people then have a desire to know: Well, if it's going on, one, how do we stop it? Secondly, how do we protect our kids?
"So that's why this is so important," Cox added. "And there's nothing like men like these who are going to step away from their families, step away from their jobs, be willing to put their body on the line to go out there and raise awareness like this. It really does it in a way that no other event that we do does."
Since its founding in 2002, ZOE International has worked to share God's love with the world and combat child trafficking through a comprehensive approach that includes prevention, rescue and restoration. The organization operates in five countries -- Thailand, Mexico, Japan, Australia and the United States -- reaching vulnerable communities with hope and healing.
WATCH: A Ride for Freedom | Official Documentary
Photo Credit: ©ZOE International
Michael Foust has covered the intersection of faith and news for 20 years. His stories have appeared in Baptist Press, Christianity Today, The Christian Post, the Leaf-Chronicle, the Toronto Star and the Knoxville News-Sentinel.
Listen to Michael's Podcast! He is the host of Crosswalk Talk, a podcast where he talks with Christian movie stars, musicians, directors, and more. Hear how famous Christian figures keep their faith a priority in Hollywood and discover the best Christian movies, books, television, and other entertainment. You can find Crosswalk Talk on LifeAudio.com, or subscribe on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an interview that will be sure to encourage your faith.
Originally published June 20, 2025.
