Crazy that the bike ride ended two weeks ago. I wish slavery had ended then also. But I do trust the Lord and and I know beyond a doubt that he used the ride, nightly speakers, blogs, media articles, etc. to further his kingdom and raise awareness on the modern-day slave trade. People’s eyes were opened to the reality that slaves exist in Mauritania, Sudan, Romania, Thailand, Peru, and gasp…the USA (to name a few).
Below is a photo of the four bikers upon arriving at the Grand Canyon: Clay Massey (top), Eric Hanson (left), Eric Retterbush (middle) and me.
Reflecting back on the experience…what lesson did I glean from the ride?
Well, many. One being my outlook on ‘obstacles’ (see my blog 450 miles later…). Another being community. It was amazing to be back in a group of individuals who were united around a common purpose. The double whammy here is that the goal pushed us all mentally, physically, emotionally, spiritually. It was a goal beyond each individual’s own ability. We needed each other. What made it even better was that the goal was beyond the team. We needed God. It was (and still is) a God-sized goal. The abolition of the slave trade. Are you crazy? How can four random vagabonds end slavery? They can’t. But God can. And he can accomplish that goal however he wants.
What? A carpenter from Nazareth who set the whole world free from spiritual bondage? Well, I guess if he want’s to use four random vegabonds to set the world free from physical bondange, who am i to stop him.
Thank you team – you were all great companions. Below: three of us posing for a pic during our first break of the ride. Oh, Yarnell hill – 5 miles of grueling uphill…at the same time, 5 miles of 30mph down hill on the way back. Crazy how one of the most challenging streches can also be one of the most rewarding! Life lesson #3?
So, what now?
Continue to Learn.
Share what you Learn.
Be Creative and Pray.
Go and Be the Church.
Give.
Visit our website www.freewebs.com/baht for resources and instructions on how to donate and to read more about our bike ride.
While we were out on the road, we compiled some video evidence. Enjoy our “Rock-U-Mentary” (coined by Hanson, I think).
