Why I Ride

The fourth annual Ride for Refugees is in full swing, and yesterday (Sept 29) was the first ‘pre-ride’. For me, it was 50km of pure pleasure! I love to ride, and when I get the opportunity to ride for a cause I love and with people who share that love … well the kilometres just seem to fly by.

You have to understand that cycling has been my hobby for many years. But let me say again, I count it a real opportunity to ride with friends (old and new) who join International Teams in our annual Refugee Ride. But there is a lot more to this event that just riding.

When I was younger, and doing a lot of riding, I went to a London cycling shop, looking for gearing for my bike that would make things just a little bit easier on the hills. The storeowner and friend Derek listened to my request and then said through his thick Eastern European accent, “In cycling, you have to suffer”. I walked out of the store that day, having spent no money and with no new gear for my bike. From that day forward, I have been learning how to suffer on the bike … and then recover. Some days you take it easy and just have fun, but other times you ‘pound the pedals’ and press your body to its limits.

Over the years, I’ve had the privilege to meet a lot of refugees, people who have been forcefully uprooted and literally displaced. I’ve spent time with them, listened to stories filled with despair, taken meals together watched smiles appear when someone cares enough to learn their name. Let me make a disclaimer here. While I have interacted with those on the refugee highway, there are others who work with people caught in this emotional and physical turmoil everyday. These ones who walk alongside the uprooted daily are the real heroes!

But whether it’s been my personal interaction or hearing reports through colleagues, I know that refugees suffer, and all of them suffer greatly. But unlike me on my bike, they have no choice … they don’t get to manage their schedules so they can have hard days and easy days, or even rest days.

However, everyday, loving people from International Teams, motivated by their faith and God’s love for all people who meet refugees and former refugees and care for their needs. These and countless others from churches and organizations are present with those in suffering. This is what it means to be a follower Jesus.

So why do I ride in the Ride for Refugees? I choose to suffer a little on the bike. I choose to identify with those I know who suffer greatly. I choose to call others to join me in small and big ways. I choose to follow Jesus in his mission to bring good news to the poor … to care for the widow, orphan and refugee.

I choose to ride for the cause. Join me! Check out http://www.RideForRefugees.com

Stilling praying the prayer ...

I continue to pray the 'prayer of Jesus', each day, and many times. If I wake up in the night, the first thing I do is inhale ... 'Lord Jesus Christ, son of man, son of David' then exhale ... 'have mercy on me a sinner.' I find it an excellent discipline and a great opening to any kind of spontaneous prayer.

Also, as I have been praying for mercy I have become more aware of my own sin and shortcomings. But the great news is, I have become more aware of the depth of mercy and grace that Jesus brings and gives.