Kristen wanted to give an offering that cost her something. Seventeen-year-old Kathy felt convicted to do something about human trafficking. Una believed God called her to face her fears and learn to ride a bike. Cody lived for a week on 3-4 hours of sleep because he was repairing bikes, mapping routes, and honoring his […]
Continue readingAuthor: Rich
Why Climb The Hill?
Why does someone ride a cycle up hills like this? Better question: why did I climb this hill in West Virginia on a handcycle? Becky shot this video from the car. My team was probably five miles ahead. You’ll notice that this was a dangerous road—too much traffic, no shoulder, and a very slow rider. […]
Continue readingWell Done
I learned something important from the IJM Freedom Tour: “Follow” is an action verb. It’s almost impossible to follow without moving. Matthew 25:23 records a blessing I hope to hear one day. “Well done, good and faithful servant.” “Well done.” Not well said, or well thought, or well hoped. The blessing is for the one […]
Continue readingArrival Video
One small disappointment from last week’s ride was missing theopportunity to use our helmet camera to share some on-the-road footage. Our team mate Tom Roepke shot this video of our ride into DC. It’s a little long, but it provides a sense of the excitement of the final day. Can’t see the video? Click here. Please […]
Continue readingDoes Community Matter?
One lesson from the IJM Freedom Tour is the value of pursuing this sort of endeavor with a group. Our team became a community of shared sacrifice. It makes sense when you break it down, because following Jesus isn’t a solitary pursuit. We relate to Him individually, but we’re meant to follow in community. I could […]
Continue readingFacing Truth
For a writer, one huge benefit of an experience like the IJM Freedom Tour is the opportunity to reflect. The experience itself is amazing, but the looking back is where the real learning happens. As we head home after spending the weekend with our friend Jon Swanson, I’m trying to distill my thoughts. In the […]
Continue readingReview
Happy Monday! It’s great to be back after a week of R&R, and as our return home is an occasion for today’s word-of-the-week… REVIEW Have you ever felt like you missed important lessons? After a significant experience like the IJM Freedom Tour, it’s important to review, look back, and see what you learned. That’s what […]
Continue readingRemember
I’m normally not a museum guy. I think I’m not patient enough to really absorb the information. So today we visited the National Holocaust Memorial Museum and the Smithsonian Museum Of American History. Normally you might not see much commonality in those two places, but I guess my recent bike tour has narrowed my perceptions. […]
Continue readingAbraham And Martin
On this trip I’ve confronted the difference between dreams and politics. Politics is about identifying and achieving what’s possible. Dreams are about hope, and hope changes what’s possible. I hope I never diminish my dreams by settling for practicality. Becky and I are taking a few days to see the sights in DC. On Tuesday […]
Continue readingA Face In The Crowd
On Monday our IJM Freedom Tour met for the final time. There were hugs and good-byes and pictures and tears. It was a bit like the last day of summer camp with an enhanced sense of impending separation and loss. When people share this sort of struggle and sacrifice, strong bonds develop. Our last gathering […]
Continue readingI Can’t Un-Know
On Sunday a small group from our IJM Freedom Tour team visited the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial. The experience of this tour has changed me in one significant way: I now know about the horrors of violent oppression. I’ve heard individual stories from victims of human trafficking, slavery, and forced sexual bondage. I’ve heard the […]
Continue readingWe Made It!
This past week has been one of the most intense weeks I’ve experienced. We’ve literally had NO time to catch our breath, and certainly no time to reflect and write. There’s a lot I want to share. For now, it’s another late night, and an early wake-up call awaits. But I want to share some […]
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