Day One to Duck Lake/Whitehall MI

We started off with a great crowd of followers. Our trip was near flawless until after our bridge cross in Grand Haven, MI. On the other side we must have been gaining great confidence with our progress when it happened. Things that go bump in daylight---aren't good. A few scratches, a slight bruise and a slightly messed up spoke and we were back on our way in good spirits to finish the day in record time. 1:30 pm we arrived at our destination to be greeted by our hosts: Mr. and Mrs. "S" in Whitehall on Duck Lake. Our sag wagon crew, "Uncle Jim and Aunt Diane", was ready for us along the route. Thanks for the good food! We had great fun swimming in Lake MI and Duck Lake with a peaceful close to the first day. Thankful and blessed for a safe and timely first day. NOTES FROM BACK HOME: our cash contributions to date have reached nearly $8,000. We are at the 1/2 way mark but still need $8,000 to make the $16k goal.

And they're off...

It was a perfect send off at about 7:15 am from Veldheer's Tulip Gardens. To encourage the cyclists this morning were friends and prayer supporters who traveled from as far as Fort Wayne, Kalamazoo, Holland and beyond. The kids were delighted and stunned with the turn-out of friends and co-workers who came to bid them safe travels on the near 400 mile trek to Mackinac City.

After they lined up their bicycles and made final pit stops, Pastors Lance and Dave "Kujo" Central Wesleyan Church, shared scripture and prayed for the teenagers. Several men of CWC gathered in to encourage and pray for the group. They were pumped and ready to go. I believe the last words of instruction given to the cyclists from one of the moms was, "Please walk your bikes across the busy highway." As the crowd of onlookers slowed traffic, they did just that "walk their bikes" and then with a show of arms stretched into the air that they were across safely across, they headed on their way.

They are posting their blog and anticipating your comments. If you have trouble logging in or posting comments below this post, fire them an email: cycle4hope@gmail.com or post on their Facebooks. See Monday's Grand Rapids Press, Region section and Tuesday's Holland Sentinel for story coverage. From all the teenagers, "stay tuned to our journey! And, thanks for the encouragement."

Post your comments for us to read right here on the blog...

Today we begin our 400 mile journey to raise the funds for the India orphanage vehicle. Please follow our daily blog as we post stories and photos from our journey. Click below our posts to leave us comments. We would love to hear from our followers---blog readers.

Thanks your contributions! Thanks for believing that not only can we bicycle the 400 miles but we can raise the $16,000. 100% of all donations go to the purchase of the school vehicle. Each of the team riders is responsible for their nominal rider's fee that covers the cost of the bike trip. All riders were expected to raise donations and sponsorships toward the purchase the orphanage vehicle. See the right side bar as to how you can donate via World Hope International. On Tuesday, we will give you an update on just how much has been contributed to date.

Rider Send Off -- Tuesday July 21, 6:30 - 7:00 am

Bring your friends, have a cup of coffee, meet the team of four riders, --Barrett, Abby, AJ and Ben-- riding to Mackinac City and, send the off on the 400 mile bicycle trip next Tuesday morning, July 21 between 6:30 – 7:00 am.

Veldheer's Tulip Gardens & Farm, Hwy 31 and Quincy St. Holland

For the children of the leper colony orphanage in Rajnandgoan, India we have raised over $6,000 so far. We would like to raise the remaining $11,000 for these kids and reach our goal of $16,000 for the school transportation vehicle before the end of our bike trip July 26--2009! It seems impossible yet remember…

“ I’m only 15 years old but I have a huge passion to make a difference in other people’s lives.”

"I believe God can do anything! Do you?"

I’m only 15 years old but...

... I have a huge passion to make a difference in other people’s lives. After hearing from my Dad about a children’s home in Rajnandgoan, India that was in need of a new vehicle for transportation, I began to wonder how I could help to meet their need. They currently have an old 1961 Willy’s jeep that is breaking down almost every day. Repairs are costly and time consuming. The children need the van to safely travel to school every day.

While praying for an answer, God immediately gave me an idea. God told me, “get on your bike and ride somewhere far and raise the money for these kids in India”. The school vehicle/van will cost $16,000 US dollars.

Together with my Dad, I am organizing a bike ride to make a difference—Ride Across Michigan--RAM. On JULY 21, I will be leaving Holland along with three other riders peddling 400 miles to Mackinaw City. This journey will test us physically and spiritually as we ride to raise the money. This will be a great time for devotions and sharing about my personal Jesus and His love for others. World Hope International—Hope for Children--- World Hope International will be partnering with me to manage the money and purchase the van for the orphanage.

Would you join me in PRAYER because without it our goal is impossible? You can commit to praying for our whole riding team as we raise the funds and ride. This crazy idea I have was born of God and only He can imagine what can really happen with your PRAYER support. Please mark your calendars for JULY 21 – 26 and PRAY for our safety.