Monday, February 2, 2009

Going The Distance

In three and a half months, a group of Wycliffe cyclists will take on a six-day, 600-mile challenge from Waxhaw, NC to Orlando, Fla. This will be a new adventure for me. I’ve done a hundred miles a day over three days, but six “centuries” in a row will be a first.

What sets this ride apart from your average adventure is the cause. Remember the account of David’s mighty men in 1 Chronicles 11, when David longed for a drink of the water from the well in Bethlehem? “The three” broke through enemy lines to draw water to bring back to their king. What motivated them? It sounds like madness: elite warriors acting on a whim—-and for what?

I’d love to think of myself as an "elite warrior” on a bike. (I can dream, can’t I?) The heart racing, feeling strong, the euphoric rush of a 20+ mph paceline is a blast. Yes, 600 miles in six days sounds symptomatic of a 45 year old in crisis—-a bit whimsical—-but what can I say? I love being on the bike and I was wired for adventure (mid-life or otherwise). But it’s soo much more…

I believe the vision to see God’s Word accessible to all people in their heart language is close to God’s heart, maybe even a longing of the One who lacks not. The Word is the wellspring of Bethlehem for those who thirst: I’ve partaken and I’ll never thirst again! I can’t describe the love that motivates me, and neither could "the three," or did they? I’ll be honest, 600 miles feels like nothing.

Would you go the distance with us? The vision is for all of us. I can see it bringing churches and communities together, I see it bringing a smile to God’s face. Let’s go all the way…

Let’s ride!


--Doug Haag