As Tour Concludes, Justice Emphasis Continues

Setting out on their third last day of the tour Thursday, Sea to Sea riders will have a chance to reflect on the highlights of their cycling adventure across North America this summer.

But one highlight – the dipping of tires into the Atlantic Ocean – is still to come.

The bike tour, presented by the Christian Reformed Church in partnership with the Reformed Church in America, concludes on Saturday, Aug. 30 in New Jersey after nine weeks.

Jim Beezhold, of Pauma Valley, Calif., said the experience has been a complete joy and blessing to him and he was struck by the many different anti-poverty ministries and efforts he discovered along the way.

“In Jordanelle (Utah), a Hispanic fellow gave testimony to his work with homeless people under a bridge,” Beezhold recalled. “And seeing the efforts of the Roseland Ministries in Chicago, and in Hamilton I heard about a veterinarian ministering in Sierra Leone helping to start a chicken farm. Everywhere you go you hear people talking about addressing situations of poverty.”

He says this tour is just the tip of the iceberg. “We need to keep emphasizing social justice in the church and work from this (tour) as a start to continue to promote it and keep the fire lit.”

Kathryn Matzigkeit, of Calgary, Alberta., also enjoyed hearing stories from missionaries on the tour and in places she stayed about the work that is being done all over the world.

“When I was billeted (hosted) at Calvin College, (my hosts) told me about the Amaranth Project in Kenya and showed me the water purification system,” she said. “It made it more real for me and drove home the wonderful ways in which these ministries are working.”

Matzigkeit has mixed feelings about the tour’s ending. “A week ago, I was upset that the ride was coming to an end,” she said. “I’ve made a lot of friends and I will miss a lot of people. But my body needs a rest and I’m looking forward to establishing a regular routine again.”