PLEDGE TOTALS

I received word from Bibles For The World of the contributions and pledge totals that were made during my bicycle tour for the ministries of BFTW. There was $925 given for the distribution of Bibles and $1850 towards the hospital in Sielmat, Manipur India. The hospital money was matched from a $25,000 grant and was actually doubled for first time contributors so it totaled $3700 for a grand total given of $4625! Praise God!

Thank you all so much for giving towards the ministries of Bibles For The World. They greatly appreciate it and I do so much as well. May God richly bless you.

Mark

BIBLES FOR THE WORLD / MANNA FOR THE JOURNEY – THE VIDEO

At the top of the page, but below the picture, you'll find a You Tube link to a video that Solomon Pudaite, with BFTW, put together of my trip and reception when I arrived at their headquarters in Colorado Springs. He put a lot of time, thought and prayer into its making. I think he did a fantastic job. I told him how amazed I was that he had included the song “Majesty” by Grace, Jerry and Christina, former India Children Choir members. I fell in love with their version of it when I first watched them perform it on You Tube.

I also told him that the last picture of the five girls actually had Daisy, the girl we sponsor, in it. She’s the second girl from the left. He said he had no idea and had not planned that. What a joy it was to include her in the video.

I believe God’s hand was in the making of the video and He used Solomon to bless me and others with it. But, the most important thing is the message within the video. Bibles For The World is doing so much to reach the lost and hurting people of this world in spreading the Gospel but they need your help and mine to do it. Please pray for them and also support them in whatever way you can. Thank you for your support and for watching the video.

FINAL THOUGHTS - THE NEXT HORIZON

Now that I’m back home and the trip is over, I’ve looked back at the bike trip in a couple different ways. My first thoughts, after I decided to call off the return trip, was that I had failed. So often it seems I can start a project but have a hard time actually finishing it and this appeared to be another one of those deals. Kind of like remodeling a room but not getting the trim put up til years later (been there, done that).

On the other hand, I had very little to prove by biking back, other than that I was capable of doing it. I did want to visit the churches I had lined up along the way and also to complete the Katy Trail in Missouri from one end to the other, all 225 miles of it. I knew Eastern Colorado and Western Kansas would be lonely and probably very hot. The route would be on the Trans-Am Trail so I pretty much knew what the scenery, or the lack there of, would be like already since I’d seen it in other bikers journals.

So, the dilemma in my mind was, was it a success or a failure and how to be at peace about my decision. If I had to put a percentage to it I’d say of all the things I wanted to accomplish and of the personal goals I wanted to achieve, it was about 80% successful and 20% a failure. But, again, this is from my minds viewpoint.

I’ve had a lot of people tell me that it was a total success and that they were proud of me. I thank them for their kind words. Most people had no idea that I had wanted to also return home via the same form of transportation that I had gone out to Colorado on. So, they were shocked when they found out about the return. And 925 miles was a pretty good distance even though it was not the 2040 miles I had planned.

One problem I had was that I had not planned on going back home by any other way. So, it made it tough trying to find an inexpensive way to return. The U-Haul truck was far cheaper than a car yet not near as comfortable. Plus, most cars were not rented for a one way trip. But, it did the job well enough and the check in station was only about 15 miles from my home. Of the allotted time and miles allowed by U-Haul I was only over by 13 miles.

I’ve been asked a couple popular questions by people since I’ve been back. The most common question is, “Would you do it again?” I’d have to say not right away. Training for this trip took a full six months prior to leaving and I got little else done. I’d also have to make some changes if I did and that, pretty much, sums up the second question asked; “What would you do different next time?”

I am used to riding alone during training so I didn’t think it would be a big deal being alone on the trip. Looking back, there were times I wish I had someone to talk to, especially when I could not get a cell signal. I had my mp3 player but found little interest in listening to it. But, in training, I wasn’t normally riding 80+ miles back to back days either.

Also, having someone to help make route changes would have been nice. A second opinion may have proved helpful even though the locals gave me pretty good advice. Along with that, having someone to help carry the common things, like a stove or anything else you only need one of, would have helped. I think I pretty much was loaded to the max with what I thought I needed. There were a few things I knew I could have done without going out there but I felt I might need on the return leg.

The horizons, plains and hills went on and on. There always seemed to be one more hill on the horizon. Sometimes that was disheartening and other times a blessing. I’d often crest a hill and be able to see the next hill on the horizon about 4-5 miles away. I know what was required to reach the next hill because I had just did it 4-5 miles ago. It was a good and bad feeling all wrapped up in one, if that makes any sense.

But, I do believe that the trip as a whole was great. I got to meet a lot of interesting people, I passed out a lot of tracts, I saw some very beautiful country, I stayed in some secluded places, I made new friends, I helped raise money for a good cause and I got to see family I had not visited with in years.

I also got to see how much my 50 year old body could take. And there were times I think I over did it. I was constantly comparing my trip with the times that Dr. Ro had to walk to school 96 miles from his home in the jungle. He started doing that at age 10. I had no tigers, bears or pythons to deal with. I don’t recall even seeing one skunk along the way. The worse I had it was one live snake and a bunch of dogs. I had it pretty easy compared to his journey so when I was feeling down and physically drained, I thought about his walk. What did I have to complain about? God was good to both of us and He promised never to leave or forsake us. I could draw strength in that truth.

The vistas and mountains were spectacular. I had never been to Colorado and I know that I will definitely be going back. I want to go to Pike’s Peak. I want to go up to the very top of Mt. Evans. I want to visit the summits of some of the other Fourteener’s. I want to go trout fishing (I may have to just watch) with Pamela Tucker. I want to revisit the offices of BFTW when I have more time. There is a LOT more stuff that I now realize that I should have seen or been doing prior to turning 50.

I do believe I will be attempting to do some more bike tours in the future. They probably will not be as long distance or time wise and I will try and recruit people to go with me. It’s nice to be able to share the beauty of God’s creation with others of like mind.

This trip has also helped motivate me to try and do more for Christ locally where I live. Relationships mean everything and our relationship with Christ is the most important one we can have. It effects our eternity. Others need to know how they can know Christ and how they need Him. But, believing in God or knowing of Christ is not what will get us to Heaven. We have to TRUST in Him, repent and turn from our evil ways and make Christ Lord of our lives. There is a big difference. We must walk the walk and not just talk the talk.

Thank you for reading my blog throughout the year as I prepared and experienced my bicycle missions trip. I appreciate your support and prayers. Please email me with any questions or comments. I would enjoy talking with you.

In one of my next posts I’ll mention how my blog is going to take on a little different look and focus. I will be starting to prepare for the next horizon in my life. For now, I’ll leave you with a quote from one of Dr. Ro’s books back when he was a small boy preparing for his journey to school thru the jungle. Ro’s father, Chawnga, while preaching used the verse found in John 13:1 which Ro questioned him about. The later part of the verse says. “…having loved His own which were in the world, He loved them unto the horizon (end).” Ro asked his father how far the horizon was. This was Chawnga’s reply.

“If you were to journey many weeks and come to the top of that mountain and look beyond, you would see another valley, and another mountain range in the distance. If you then journeyed on for many more days and weeks to the second mountain, you would be able to see a third. If you traveled to that you could still see further, for the horizon is never ending, my son. Like the horizon, there is no place in this world where the love of God has not touched or cannot reach.

When you go to school, whether you are on a mountaintop or in a deep valley, God will still be with you. It is impossible to travel beyond the scope of God’s love.”

THANK YOU'S ALL AROUND

This post is to so “thank you” to a bunch of people concerning my recent bicycle vacation/Missions trip. These are in no particular order.

Thank you to all my church family at Westfair Baptist Church. There are so many people there that encouraged me, kidded me, supported me, helped me financially, made pledges and, most importantly, prayed for me. Some even offered to come get me in Colorado when I was ready to return! My church family truly are family and I love them dearly. Thanks Gracie for collecting all the pledges.

Thank you to my co-workers that filled in for me while I was off and prior to my departure. Thank you to Tim Thomas, Sharon Evans, Rick Conrad and Greg Dickerson. Without them I would not have been able to take this adventure.

Thank you to all the churches that extended hospitality to me along the route. Some offered a place to sleep, food to eat, a shower and protection from the elements. Some were not even on my schedule to visit but still offered me help, such as the Pastor and his family at Liberty Baptist Church in Joes, CO. and the Pastor and his family at the Lutheran Church in Deshler, NE. Some allowed me to sit in on their Bible studies and one, the First Christian Church of Canon City, also let me speak during their morning worship service. Thank you Pastor Carson for that opportunity and for the friendliness of your congregation. God’s hand was in many of these meetings and I know He will bless those who blessed me.

Thank you also to those, other than churches, who opened their homes and treated me so well. One of them was my brother Tom’s family in Quincy IL. I helped make Tom and Harley well known in Colorado Springs. Also, to Tony Stonebarger at King City, MO. for opening up the hunting lodge he manages. He was a great host. To the Diedrich family in Byers, CO., the first place I saw the Rocky Mountains and the last night’s accommodations before I hit Denver. Hope your hand heals soon Dave. And to Randy and Esta Bringman who I love dearly. They will always hold a special place in my heart. I felt so “at home” in their home. And I will never forget the morning church service. It was so special to me.

Thank you to the churches that were ready to host me on my return trip even though I called it off. I regret not being able to meet the pastors and members. But, I am so grateful for their willingness to help. This also includes the Baptist Church in Wray, CO. My schedule was originally going to have me visit them on a Sunday, but later, the schedule changed and it fell on Monday. They were the first church I contacted when I started planning my route. They also have been without a pastor for a couple years and my church and I are praying God will lead His man to them soon.
Also, thank you to the Baptist Church in Ness City, KS. that offered a photo shoot, meal and donation to Bibles For The World. I wish I could have met their pastor Russell King. They would have been an oasis in the middle of a long day.

Thank you also to the churches that were not on my route but knew of my trip and offered up prayers on my behalf anyway. I may never know who you all are but thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Thank you to those of you that I only met in passing, maybe at a Subway restaurant or someone on the street that I visited with. Thank you for visiting my blog and leaving me a note of encouragement and for your prayers.

Thank you to all you dog owners along the route that let your dogs run free. It helped with my conversations with the Lord the days I passed your houses and, definitely, never allowed the day to be boring.

Thank you to Living Waters in California. Danny Goodall sent books out to the pastors on my route that Ray Comfort donated for my trip. Trish Ramos also sent me some Million Dollar tracts that I handed out. Thank you Danny, Ray, Trish and all the staff at Living Waters for partnering with me on my journey. Your donation, prayers and time was most appreciated.

Thank you to my Aunt Sue and Uncle Charles for putting Sam and I up for a couple days. They spoiled us in every way they could. They picked me and my bike up at Watkins and also Sam at the airport. They hauled me to the Palmer Lake Trailhead and took Sam back to the airport. They showed us as many sites as we could possibly work in while there. And thanks Brad for allowing me to use your vehicle to haul the bike. I especially thank them for going to BFTW with us. I’m so glad they could be a part of my journey. We love them dearly and have already decided that we will be vacationing with them again in the future.

Thank you to Bibles For The World. The Pudaite’s and staff were all wonderful. They put out the red carpet for us (me, Sam, Sue & Charles) and invited many of their vendors and friends to share in our visit. I am so thankful for those who came to the celebration that had no idea who I even was! They made us feel most welcome. We are happy to be a part of the ministry work that BFTW does around the world. I want to thank them for the great reception, the gifts, the video welcome, the signs, the building tour, the meal, the birthday cake, the motel room, the evening meal, the phone call to the Pudaite’s in India, the emails, the encouraging messages, the prayers and especially for their love and friendship. Thank you Dr. Ro, Mawii, Pamela, Fred, Julie, Doreen, Darlene, Tiffany, Marlyn, Shiloh, Bethany, Solomon & Gloria. You made this trip such a blessing and I look forward to working with you all in the future for the furtherance of God’s kingdom and His Word.

Thank you to those that Dr. Ro and Mawii encouraged in India to pray for me as I traveled on the road. It was such a blessing to know that, not even here in the U.S., but also, on the other side of the planet prayers were being lifted up for my strength and safety. There was a peace in knowing this that is hard to explain and I am so thankful.

A big thank you to the donors and sponsors of BFTW. I will never know who you are or where you’re from but thank you for your prayers and contributions made on behalf of me and my missions trip.

Thank you to my friends at work and abroad. I received many emails, phone calls and comments (and also concerns) that helped keep me encouraged before, during and after the trip. They meant a lot to me. I just wish some of you could have come along on the road with me.

Thanks to my mom, dad, brother, sisters, aunts, uncles, cousins, brother and sister-in-laws, nieces and nephews. Your prayers, thoughts and support were most appreciated. I’m thankful for all of you.

Thank you to Daisy, the young lady we sponsor in India, and her wonderful family; for their prayers, letters, pictures and being a part of our family and focus for so many years. We love you.

And my biggest thanks go to my immediate family here at home. My wife says she never actually gave me permission to go when I asked her about it two years ago and I still didn’t have it when I left. They sacrificed a lot of time and money to make my dream come true. They did all I asked and were very patient with me. Especially when I said I just needed “one more thing” for the ride. There were a few days when I was unable to talk with any of them due to bad cell signals but I cherished every conversation or email that I could. They took care of my daily chores while away. Their prayers and thoughts kept me going. I could have never attempted or done this trip without them. Thanks again Pat, Samantha, Erin, Justin, Julia, Landon, Heather & Caleb. I love you all.

And thank you to anyone else that I missed. Thanks for viewing my blog and offering up prayers for me. Thanks for supporting Bibles For The World and their work in winning the world for Christ. Please continue to give to this organization on a regular basis. You will be richly blessed.

PICS FROM THE ROAD - DAY EIGHTEEN

Sunrise Monday morning.

Almost home.

My welcoming commitee. Boy, was I glad to see them.

My transportation home.

Things kind of explode when I unload the bike.

Plenty of room to play.

"What is that grandma?"

I could have used a co-driver on the way home.


The Pilgrim docked at home.

PICS FROM THE ROAD - DAYS SIXTEEN & SEVENTEEN

My loving friends, Randy, Esta and Riley Bringman. They live in Canon City, CO.

Randy and Esta's home.

I slept well.

Children's church.

Randy leading the song service.

Esta and her father.

PICS FROM THE ROAD - DAY FIFTEEN AT BFTW!

My dream finally becomes a reality.






I am extremely humbled by Pamela's kind words.

Marlyn and her daughter Shiloh.

Pretty ladies.

Solomon presenting me with a Hmar Puon.

Getting an updated picture of our darly Daisy.

The Pilgrim needs a serious bath.

The chow line.

What a cake!

Pamela, the Master Trout Fisherlady & yours truly.

Mark, Sam, Marlyn, Pamela, Bethany, Julie, Doreen, Solomon, Fred, Tiffany, Charles and Sue.

PICS FROM THE ROAD - DAY FIFTEEN

My cousin Blake and his boys, Seth & Christian.

My cousin Brad.

Solomon interviewing me before we head towards Bibles For The World at the Palmer Lake Trailhead.

My riding partners, Sarah and Stan.

PICS FROM THE ROAD - DAY FOURTEEN

We did some sight seeing today. We took a tour of Coors Stadium, where the Colorado Rockies play. This was the first day in about two straight weeks I didn't have to be on the bike.

Sam at the press desk.

The coach calling in a reliever.

Space ship shaped house. Woody Allen used it in a movie once.

We went up Mt. Evans. It was closed above 12,000 ft. but breath taking none-the-less.


It's hard to know when to stop taking pictures like this. The mountains are just so beautiful.

Echo Lake.

Found this pretty stream while coming down from Mt. Evans.