Blessed To Be A Blessing

Kindness and generosity surround us.

It’s one of the enduring lessons of RICH’S RIDE. Wherever we travel, Becky and I encounter people eager to help. Our Front Range FREEDOM Tour team found the same attitude everywhere along our route.

Within a seemingly limitless sea of thoughtfulness, some acts of generosity are so unexpected and over-the-top that I can only conclude I’ve been touched by the human hands and feet of Jesus.

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Friday, June 28

The whole thing started innocently enough. A week before the ride began, we met with our friend Nancy to discuss the tour and some long-range plans for RICH’S RIDE. As our conversation ended, Becky tossed out a casual question. “You don’t happen to have any connections in Trinidad, do you?”

Nancy grinned. “That’s my husband’s hometown. I’d love to connect you with my sister-in-law, Annie.”

After a couple of email exchanges, Becky and Annie talked by phone. We hoped for a contact with a potential host church—what we received was a blessing beyond anything we could have imagined.

Annie and Mark invited our entire team to stay at their house!

So after a long, hot day of cycling, a bunch of sweaty, smelly riders invaded their beautiful home in the hills above Trinidad. We were welcomed by incredibly gracious hosts who made us feel like old friends.

Annie and Mark’s home came alive with our team members and a group of their friends and family members. We shared an amazing, home-cooked meal and some wonderful conversation. Our new friends provided the perfect conclusion to our last full day of cycling.

After dinner we shared the U COUNT story and discussed the horrible issue of human trafficking. Each team member talked about their personal reasons for being part of the tour. A couple of people showed photos of rescued women and children they’d carried with them during the ride as a reminder.

I’m pretty sure I saw a few tears.

The next morning brought an avalanche of eggs, bacon, and pancakes. On previous days, I’d been a bit anxious to get started. This morning it was difficult not to linger. Raton Pass beckoned, but this place and these people had become a special part of our tour. For me, at least, it was tough to leave so quickly.

Like so many aspects of the tour, our stop at Annie and Mark’s home wasn’t planned or anticipated. But I don’t believe it was an accident, either.

I believe God connected us with these very special people and their friends. I can’t know what He had in mind, but I believe our encounter impacted everyone there in some way. That impact will spread in ways we’ll likely never see.

As we raised our helmets to pray that morning I experienced Jesus’ calm, powerful presence in our circle. We’d been touched so tangibly that no one could miss it, by people who clearly understand and helped us remember God’s ancient covenant with Abraham in Genesis 12. We’re not blessed so we can feel special.

We’re blessed so we can be a blessing to others.

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