Sept. 3, 2008 -- Many Sea to Sea cyclists exercised more than their legs during the recently completed Sea to Sea Bike Tour across the United States and part of Canada this summer.
More than 70 of the 200-plus participants also took time in libraries, schools, campsites and in other locations to write colorful and frequently in-depth blogs to keep their supporters up-to-date on their travels. Now that they have finished their journey that began on June 30 in Seattle, Wash., many have written a final blog, reflecting on lessons learned along the way.
The tour, sponsored by the Christian Reformed Church in North America in partnership with the Reformed Church in America, raised $2.1 million to help fund poverty-reduction programs while also raising awareness about poverty-related issues.
Most riders agreed it was the trip of a lifetime that provided great satisfaction for their bodies as well as their souls. Some riders went the entire distance, while others participated for shorter stints.
In her blog, Margaret DeWeerd of Waterdown, Ont., says that her six weeks on the road kept her focused on whatever events unfolded in her day. She was out of touch with what was happening in the wider world.
"I lived one day at a time out of two laundry hampers that held everything I needed - the only decision I had to make each day was what cycling clothes to wear and how much depending on temperature. No blow dryer or curling iron for six weeks - how simple life can be lived if we let it."
In addition, the tour helped to renew her appreciation for the CRC. "It was wonderful to see how the churches treated us along the way in whatever way they could to make us feel welcomed and with providing meals and snacks. Being a part of the total community on the tour was an awesome experience, the young people and the older ones mixed well - we helped each other out in many different ways - there was unity in the body."
Bill Wybenga, of Brampton, Ont., asks in his blog: "What permanent changes will we make in our lives as a result of hearing about and discussing poverty issues for the past nine weeks? Will we continue to raise the topic in other discussions bringing out a new perspective on the issue?"
In his case, he says, he became more aware by visiting ministries along the route "of what our church is doing in the poor areas of the cities in the USA. I will continue to work for DRS (Disaster Response Services of the Christian Reformed World Relief Committee) as I have prior to the tour but now I may look farther a field for projects that I can help with."
Jim Holwerda, of Grand Rapids, Mich., says the tour for him "provided a taste of redemption. The biking I so enjoyed was made possible by Jesus' death and resurrection ... The tour also allowed me to participate in the work of redemption. Jesus died and rose so that the scourge of poverty and starvation could be ended. In raising money and awareness of poverty, and in facing my own greed, Jesus invited me to continue his work. That has been a glorious calling."
Eritia Smit, of Hamilton, Ont., says the tour reminded her of the joy and connection to God that can emerge from facing and overcoming obstacles such as searing desert heat, flat tires, sore hips and aching muscles. "God was there," she writes. "His grace carried us. I think of all the prayer support that this trip has had and I marvel. It's like we were covered by a blanket of prayer, of support from churches, friends and family, and God truly heard the prayers."
Doug and Joy Lutke, of Dorr, Mich., say in their blog that the tour helped them appreciate the little things in life – a tent, a chair, a cool breeze. Sea to Sea also underscored for them the value and importance of family and of friends, especially members of their congregation, First CRC in Byron Center.
"We know that many members of our home church prayed for our safety every day. Our family members encouraged us almost everyday by calling or writing encouragements on this blog. Strangers would spend hours, maybe even days preparing for us before we entered their towns so we had food and places to sleep."
Most of all, though, the tour left them with a sense of gratitude for being able to take part in a trip that had a higher purpose. "Over $2.1 million was raised by the tour. Some of the money will go to micro loans for families in South America, and Haiti and Africa, struggling to survive. Some of the money will be going to help those in our own inner cities All of the money raised will be going to help families around the world and in the States."
John VanderVeen, of Edmonton, Alberta, says the tour "forced me to think twice about many of my previous understandings or misunderstandings about the issue of poverty. This tour has no doubt changed me. I hope that this tour is only the beginning of me living a life of a servant. Like Jesus, we need to put others first and inherit the mentality of a servant. God was at work during the tour and He will continue to be at work now."
—CRC Communications
www.SeatoSea.org
|
