The Bicycle and the BibleНамуна

Finish Well

Ready:

"Don’t neglect to do what is good and to share, for God is pleased with such sacrifices." --Hebrews 13:16

Set:

Daniel (Romania), Willie and Vince (Malaysia), Mark (VA), Carolyn (NJ), Paul (NC) and I (SC) were poised to bicycle from Charleston, SC to Orlando, FL. Several had already begun their journey to Charleston. Willie, Carolyn and Mark delivered their bicycles to Laura and me for transport to the starting line. Paul and his wife, Nancy, were packed. Laura’s car was loaded with Carolyn’s and Willie’s bicycles and her gear. Larry had refurbished bicycles for Daniel and Vince allowing them to avoid checking them on the plane. Heather and I were ready. The host FCA staff members who were providing evening meals and chapel messages along the way were ready. Lodging arrangements were in place.

Everything was set. Then the unthinkable occurred.

On Friday, February 16, 2024, our daughter, Amanda, who was living with us, went in to awaken her five-month-old daughter, Ky’Lynn. Seconds later, she ran screaming into the backyard. Heather jumped up and ran after her. I jumped up and ran into Ky’Lynn’s bedroom . . . finding her lifeless body lying motionless in the crib. God, in His perfect sovereignty, had taken His daughter home.

We made phone calls and handled details. The family took priority. During the melee, however, I could not shake the question, “What about the ride?” Heather, God’s helpmate for me, leaned into that very question and freed me to answer it when she said, “You know you have to figure out how to do both . . . and I can’t go with you. I must be here with Amanda.”

I called some of the team to share the news and to collaborate. Paul had the routes. Laura would be flexible enough to “figure it out.” Mark was willing to lead. Onward.

But how was I to do my part? That afternoon, I called Larry and asked him to assume Heather’s spot. That would free me to lead the team and also provide dedicated transportation for me to return to South Carolina when needed. Larry quickly agreed. He also abandoned his plans for the following week.

With revised plans in place, the team gathered in Charleston on February 19. I briefed the team. I would ride with them for four of the five days. They would then complete the last stage without me or Larry. We would return to South Carolina and I would officiate the funeral. Then, Heather and I would return to Florida where I would ride the last stage with Heather as SAG. The team executed. Everyone worked for the glory of God while caring for each other. I guided family proceedings via an earpiece and mobile phone. SAG handled numerous logistical issues. The team functioned as a well-oiled machine.

What a beautiful example of Hebrews 13:16. What a provision from God. In a time when everything is important and it’s impossible to accomplish everything, what a joy it is to be on a team comprised of members who abide in God, sacrifice, share, and do good in working to finish God’s mission for His glory.

Go:

1. Recall a time in your life when, amidst adversity, you said, “Mission accomplished.” How did team members do their part? How did God orchestrate the details?
2. If asked on a Friday afternoon to give up your plans for the following week to support a mission, would you? How would you process such a question?
3. How comfortable are you in stretching to cover for someone else? How willing are you to step into discomfort for the good of the team and mission?

Workout:

1 Cor. 12; John 15:12-13; Matthew 5:42; 25:44-45; Philippians 2:3-4; 2 Timothy 4:12

Overtime:

Father, thank you for your sovereignty. Thank you for controlling life and death. Thank you for creating and calling your children home in your perfect timing. Please bless us as team leaders and team members. Would you give us godly perspective as we seek to obediently serve you and each other? In Jesus’ name for His glory, we pray, Amen.