On June 14th, a team of eight cyclists will set out on an extraordinary challenge: the Race Across America, a 3,000-mile endurance race stretching through 12 states from coast to coast. Riding on behalf of ZOE International—a ministry devoted to ending child trafficking—these athletes are driven by more than just competition. Their mission is clear: to raise awareness and inspire action so they can reach every person and rescue every child.
Riding day and night in a non-stop relay from California to the finish line in Atlantic City, N.J., the Race Across America (RAAM) is an opportunity for ZOE International to raise awareness for their mission. Known as one of the most successful teams when it comes to using RAAM as a platform for fundraising, ZOE has set an ambitious goal of $750,000 for 2025.
This year’s inspirational and fast team features returning riders Kevin Quinter, Craig Whiteford, Merv Beiler, John Glick, Nate Eakin, Tom Jordan, Rodney Garer, and Mike Kreider.
ZOE International is a non-profit organization founded with a dual mission: to reach every person with the Good News of Jesus Christ and to rescue every child by ending child trafficking. Through prevention, rescue, and restoration, ZOE works to protect at-risk children and support survivors. The organization is actively serving in five countries— the United States, Thailand, Mexico, Japan, and Australia.
“This is always about the kids. It always has been,” said Brad Ortenzi Eastern Regional Director for ZOE International and general manager of the cycling team. “We want this event to engage the Church to begin calling on heaven for these kids who are still waiting to be rescued.”
The team includes men like Kevin Quinter, a task force officer with the Department of Homeland Security working human trafficking investigations and full time detective with the Wyomissing Police Department. And, Nate Eakin, a sixth-grade teacher at Lititz Elementary who was first involved with RAAM in the 2019 race as a crew member, in 2023 he was a cyclist for the first time and this year he will be returning as a cyclist.
Quinter said he initially didn’t believe trafficking was happening in his Pennsylvania community.
“When I found out it was, I was blown away,” Quinter said. “We can arrest people, but we can’t restore victims. That’s why I partnered with ZOE. They help bring real healing.”
For Eakin, the mission hits close to home. “I have three kids of my own, and I see students every day who are vulnerable,” he said. “ZOE’s work is about fighting for those kids before they’re ever exploited.”
The team’s journey began in 2018, when Ortenzi and his wife—then serving as missionaries in Thailand—organized a cross-country ride to raise awareness. The following year, they joined the official RAAM. This month’s race marks their fourth appearance.
In total, 26 people will travel with the team, including drivers, mechanics, and a support crew. Riders cycle in shifts, with each person covering hundreds of miles over six days. The team averages about 20-22 miles per hour and endures a very minimal amount of sleep. Despite the physical toll, they say it’s a small price to pay.
To stay focused, each cyclist writes the name of a trafficking survivor on their arm—a real story with a fictitious name to protect identity. They pray for that child throughout their ride.
“We know their stories. We ride for them,” Eakin said. “When the pain sets in, we remember why we’re doing this.”
Each rider faces their own set of challenges. For Quinter, this year’s race comes with a personal hurdle—just nine days before the start, he underwent surgery to remove a kidney stone. Despite the physical strain, Quinter is pressing forward, determined to give his all for the cause so close to his heart.
Each of ZOE's riders have a unique sense of peace on the open road, even when the routes turn dangerous, due to their faith. Cyclist Kevin Eakin recalled feeling the presence of God during the most intense moments of his last race. When he hit speeds of more than 50 mph, his personal all time record, while descending a hill. “Hands out wide... I was just crying out to the Lord,” Eakin said. “He just gave me a peace. He’s like, ‘Just relax, I’ve got you. Let it fly.’” He spent the rest of the ride singing worship songs through tears feeling the Lord's presence.
This year, the team will livestream their race 24/7, offering viewers an up-close look at the journey and sharing stories from ZOE’s international partners.
“We may not all be able to jump into the trenches,” Ortenzi said. “But we can all pray. Heaven’s not ignoring these prayers.”
For more information about ZOE, livestream details, or to support the team, visit www.gozoe.org
For more information about Race Across America, (RAAM) visit www.raamrace.org