The Lutheran Men in Mission 2024 Summer Ambassador-Gram is available by clicking here. You can also view the LMM page where Ambassador-Grams (including this one) are archived.

Their summer Foundations newsletter is also available via PDF and contains valuable info, including their cover story, Fighting Human Trafficking One Mile and One Meal at a Time: “Cyclists in Iowa rode 200 miles to raise over $2 million to combat human trafficking, supported by Lutheran Men in Mission and congregations like Emanuel St. John’s in Lytton. Their journey reflects the bold and daring challenge of living out faith through action.”

Cyclists Break the Cycle of Human Trafficking: A Journey of Faith and Justice

On June 21, 2024, a group of 40 cyclists, including four women, embarked on a grueling 200-mile ride from Des Moines to the Okoboji lakes district in Iowa. This ride, known as Break The Cycle 200, is not just an athletic challenge but a powerful statement of faith and commitment to ending human trafficking. Since its inception 13 years ago, this event has raised over $2 million to support the fight against human trafficking in Iowa and globally.

The funds raised by Break The Cycle 200 provide critical support to full-time investigators at the state level and aid organizations dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating women and girls who have fallen victim to trafficking and sexual slavery. This year’s ride was marked by challenging weather, including thunderstorms and even a tornado warning, yet the cyclists pressed on, driven by their mission to make a difference.

Emanuel St. John’s Lutheran Church in Lytton, Iowa, a small congregation with a big heart, played a vital role in the event by hosting a rest stop and providing lunch for the riders. Pastor Ben Worley shared that hosting the cyclists has become a highlight for the congregation, reflecting their deep commitment to social justice and community service.

Lutheran Men in Mission (LMM), which aims to create bold and daring followers of Jesus Christ, is proud to be connected with this powerful initiative. The event embodies LMM’s mission of living out faith in tangible, impactful ways. As Kyle Pedersen from the LMM team put it, “Living into that bold and daring challenge looks different for each of us. For some, it’s a 200-mile bike ride; for others, it’s opening doors and serving those in need.”

What is God calling you to do to be a bold and daring follower of Christ? Whether through acts of service, leadership, or advocacy, each of us can make a difference. Learn more about Break The Cycle 200 and how you can get involved at www.BreakTheCycle200.com.