A Story Nobody Would Write

They don’t write headlines about guys like Woody.

“Guy Serves Quietly In Background”

“Man Shows Up And Does Useful Stuff”

“Servant Seeks Tasks Without Being Asked”

If someone wrote a story about Woody, you’d know things he would never tell you himself.

You’d know he spent an hour beside the road with a guy whose bike broke down on the first day—while everyone else went on to eat lunch. You’d know he was the guy who did bike repairs late at night and behind the scenes, who made adjustments out of sight so others wouldn’t be embarrassed because they messed up. You’d know he bought parts for the men at Harvest Farm, quietly, because he didn’t want it noticed.

You’d know he’s one of the strongest cyclists but likes to ride in the back because he enjoys serving. You’d know a couple of folks occasionally poked at him about this (some people tend to be jealous of quiet, authentic servanthood) and it got under his skin a little, but you’d never see it.

You’d know he spent Saturdays helping a guy train from struggling a few blocks to 47 miles on the first day of the tour. You’d know he’s always the first guy to show up and the last to leave, and we never have to ask. You’d know he’s always got my back on the road.

You’d discover that he tells the story of the FREEDOM TOUR and the HOME OF HOPE to hundreds of people, one-on-one, year-round, all over the country. You’d discover that he was sponsored by more than sixty individuals on our latest ride. You’d learn that Woody’s using his unusual hobby of geocaching to spread the word about RICH’S RIDE.

You might be surprised to find out that he grew up in India, has experienced malaria, understands and appreciates the simple blessings of clean water and dependable plumbing. He’s planning a trip to India in October, hoping to visit the HOPE OF HOPE and meet the children about whom he’s so passionate.

You’d likely chuckle at the quirky stuff—his affinity for snakes, his determination to point out every edible weed. Hopefully you’d catch his ability to notice, point out, and photograph what most of us miss, the small details that make each mile unique.

Woody’s the guy who doesn’t need a mission trip or a ministry to do kingdom work. His life is his ministry. Everywhere he goes is a mission trip—except he’d never think of it like that, and he certainly wouldn’t want us making a big deal of it.

Always preach powerful sermons.
If absolutely necessary, use words.

Guys like Woody don’t end up on the stage. Nobody writes stories about them.

Maybe they should.

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