Tour Blog
The Go-the-Distance Urban Bicycle Tour

UPDATE: (July 18) Made it home safe and inspired from visits with 17 ministries, in 5 days, traveling 9 days for 682 miles. There are 75 posts to the blog with photos at http://gtd2009.blogspot.com/

Coming This Week: More photos, videos and reflections from the trip.

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Thursday, July 9
The Day Before the Tour!

“Greet all the saints in Christ Jesus!”
(Read Romans Chapter 16 for some Go-the-Distance inspiration!)

As I write it is the afternoon before leaving on the Go-the-Distance Urban Bicycle Tour. Over the next 9 days, I hope to ride my bicycle over 650 miles through 5 states, visiting at least 16 ministries in urban settings. The purpose of this endeavor is to heighten our awareness to the ministry needs in urban areas and to encourage the saints who are doing the work of ministry in places like Milwaukee, Chicago, Gary, Detroit and Cleveland.

In nearly every New Testament letter we witness the exchange of greetings between the writers, travelers, local faith communities and communities sending missionaries. For example, nearly all of the last chapter of Romans is full of such a beloved exchange. We tend to read over those quickly in our bible reading. Most of the people named we know nothing about. But what I do know is they were important to each other, they prayed for each other, and they had a sense of community that crossed distances much greater than 650 miles—all in a time without internet, cell phones, photography, postal systems or speedy transportation.

Paul wasn’t the only traveler or encourager on those missionary journeys he made. Companions traveled with him and perhaps hundreds prayed for him and those he visited. Most likely few, if any, of those praying for each other ever met. Their meeting place was in their Savior. Meeting Jesus and Living as His Disciples bonded them together. They could greet one another with such affection because God’s love flowed through them. There’s no doubt that miles could not keep them from the joy of experiencing the support of a church.

As I prepare to head out on this journey, I bring with me the prayers, hearts and greetings of the people sending me—you! And though you may never personally meet some of the people I will see along the way, you will engage a part of their story. And we share a common bond as the body of Christ. Even before I make my first stop I know that we are going to receive as much strength and encouragement as we seek to give by making this tour. So as I head out, I do so knowing well that I have your prayers, hearts and support behind me. Indeed, you’re praying for me, but also pray with me for those we will meet along the way. Follow their stories in my journals. Meet, Experience and Live the joy of sharing in greeting and encouraging all the saints in Christ Jesus!