Going The Distance

A week before the ride, our SAG (Support And Gear) driver along with his wife, drove the entire distance of our 635 mile ride and personally delivered a small green tote bag that contained info about Wycliffe and about our ride to every single church along the route. As we ride, we pray for these churches as we pass them but today was a special surprise. A church in southern Georgia had erected a hand made sign welcoming our group of 7 cyclists. We stopped, personally autographed the sign and had our pictures taken. Each church along the route, more than 225 of them, or, about one every 3 miles, has the God-given potential to make a difference in the global task of Bible Translation. We're extremely grateful for each and every church that is involved in God's Commission of reaching every tribe, and tongue, and language, and people.

Today's ride also represents the halfway point of our journey. We can tell we're moving south as the mercury soared to 95 F with few clouds and fewer areas to stop at that afford shade. One of our stops was an old abandoned convenience store that had no conveniences whatsoever. And the heat is starting to take its toll as well on all of us cyclists. Higher temperatures mean more stops with more ice and more cold drinks. This slows our pace but keeps us hydrated and healthy. Doug had another flat tire and had problems with his rear wheel but Rollie, our SAG driver has been magnanimous as he jumps in quickly and assists with any and every problem. We praise God for helpful hands and willing hearts. And for you as well as we start the 2nd half of our Wycliffe Southeast Cycle Chase 2009, headed for Wycliffe USA headquarters in Orlando. Tomorrow we anticipate spending the night in Callahan, Florida.