When Sydney agreed to work on a summer fundraising campaign, she was surprised to find out that it centered on a bike ride.
“Ministry can truly happen anywhere, even on a bicycle in the middle of Iowa.”
How could bicycles help spread the Gospel?
Although she was skeptical at first, Sydney quickly discovered that the unique ministry of Ends of the Earth Cycling is doing powerful work for the kingdom of God.
Ends of the Earth Cycling Ministry is “an active bicycling community impacting youth globally.”
The organization uses bicycling events to raise awareness and funds for Christian ministries around the world.
“We give people who want to change the world opportunities to use cycling to bring the hope of the Gospel to global youth through multi-day, Christ-centered bicycling tours,” the organization writes.
“We exist to promote and resource global youth ministries and we do this through prayer, awareness, fundraising, and a whole lot of FUN!”
Maybe an entire day of cycling isn’t everyone’s idea of fun, but Ends of the Earth has attracted a solid group of bicyclists who want to impact the world for Christ.
“When I heard about this ministry,” Sydney admitted, “I was taken aback. Really? A cycling ministry? I just did not understand how cycling could fit into God’s great plan. Little did I know, He was about to show me exactly this.”
Sydney was interning with Ends of the Earth’s parent organization, New International, when she was invited to join Ends of the Earth on a week-long cycling tour across the state of Iowa.
RAGBRAI (Register’s Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa) attracts approximately 20,000 people annually. Stretching across more than 400 miles, it’s a secular event for passionate bicyclists, but Ends of the Earth takes the opportunity to use it as a fundraiser for global ministry.
Sydney wasn’t a bicyclist herself, but she volunteered to serve on the support team for Ends of the Earth’s cycling team. The event opened her eyes to the incredible potential of a cycling ministry.
The cycling team at RAGBRAI is composed of bicyclists of all skill and experience levels, from novices to experienced riders. That’s part of the philosophy of Ends of the Earth – the organization accepts bikers of all levels as long as they’re willing to give their all!
And Sydney witnessed the team giving their all every day of the ride.
“I was truly impressed,” Sydney said. “Watching everyone involved serve with whole hearts and being joyful right where they were was beautiful to witness.”
While Ends of the Earth exists to raise funds for global ministry, the organization also seizes every opportunity to spiritually encourage those who serve through cycling.
If you go on a cycling tour with Ends of the Earth, you’ll be pushed physically and mentally, but you’ll also receive spiritual mentorship. “You will learn about missions and how to pray for missionaries,” the organization promises.
Additionally, you’ll see God working in and through your own efforts. Cyclists with Ends of the Earth have reminisced fondly on their tours with the organization, calling them “a mission trip” and a time of spiritual renewal and encouragement.
“Although I was not on the course itself, hearing the stories our riders tell when they finished for the day were fascinating,” Sydney said. “Hearing these stories really solidified this ministry for me.”
“Ministry can truly happen anywhere, even on a bicycle in the middle of Iowa.”
In addition to ministering to its riders, Ends of the Earth strives to preach the good news of the Gospel along the bicycle tour routes. Leaders in the organization conduct worship services during each night of a bike trip, inviting locals and fellow riders to join their community.
“This was my favorite part of each day,” Sydney admitted. “At some points, you could physically see the stress and exhaustion lift away as we turned our eyes and hearts upon Jesus.”
The RAGBRAI ride that Sydney was involved with raised funds and awareness for global youth ministries as well as strengthened Christian cyclists’ faith.
“To take a seemingly random hobby and use it to spread the word of God is amazing and something I will never forget,” Sydney concluded.
Ends of the Earth is reaching the cycling community for Christ and using its influence to spread the Gospel around the world!
To find out how you can join a ride or support the organization’s work, visit the Ends of the Earth website.
(h/t Christian Life Daily)