Well what a trip it was! From San Diego, CA to St. Augustine, FL and done all on a bicycle. This is something that I never even considered doing till 4 months ago. Hanging with my 2 best university friends on a bicycle side by side pushing each other through some of the most grueling days I have ever experienced is something that I can say I will never forget and always treasure. Seeing how we grew together through biking as a team and how God was so much a part of the ministry we were doing. How much He provided for us throughout the whole adventure; paid meals, lodging, and so much hospitality shown to us by so many people. What a ministry it was to us on how instrumental and important the church is in our lives. I want to give the praise to the Lord for giving me the strength to press on and the ability to provide for us. Thanks so much for the people who were so kind to support us through their prayers and finances! Also want to give a shout out to Seamark Ranch, one of the coolest places with the coolest kids I met on the whole trip. What a loving and great atmosphere. Rj
As I sit waiting for breakfast at the lovely beach front inn, also known as the Engelhardt home, I think back on our crazy adventure. This adventure if you haven’t been following us was a cross-country bike trip from San Diego, California to St. Augustine, Florida. What a crazy experience this was, from the moment we left Ocean Beach Park, we were in for a treat! From the first trip into the mountains of San Diego we realized this was going to take patience, teamwork and a little help from the Big Man Upstairs. We will never forget every moment, fun, tiring, trying or even embarrassing. Each new person we met built a little nook and cranny in each of our hearts. Thank you all for your love, support and encouragement. I now realize how amazing the God we serve is and how he intended His children to live in community and love… there was no better example than that shown by all of the amazing new friends we made. In closing please remember a few things, keep in touch, if you have a dream (GO FOR IT), give every part of your life to our Creator and you’ll never regret it. Lastly don’t forget to, do what is right, love mercy and walk humbly with your God!!
Much love n God bless,
-CP
You have heard it from the others. It’s true. The trip was amazing! What a “beyond words” experience packed with memories I can take away from this extended bike ride. The bond is strong, our legs are as physically powerful as they will ever get, tan lines are brightly shining, smiles are plentiful, community is encouraging and supportive, and we are FINISHED!! That’s it. No more riding bikes every day, although that pedaling action will be missed. The sight of the Atlantic was such a relief. As we rolled up, we almost crashed as the screams from our parents caught us off guard. The news crew, banana bread, and the Star Wars theme song made for a good homecoming. Many lessons were learned, friendships were created, lives were touched (including mine), and faith was strengthened as we persevered on our journey. Hopefully our trip had a greater impact than just our physical accomplishments. I thank God for people like you who are reading this…that prayed and supported us. It felt as if you were right there with us on our handlebars. Thanks to His love and mercy we await a wonderful Greek dinner. -jee.
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Wow, my 3 amigos…what can I say except how proud I am of each of you. What testimonies you have given — God gave you the physical strength you needed to persevere through the rough roads at times, the emotional strength to support each other, and the spiritual strength to lean on Him through this whole wild adventure. What an awesome God we truly serve! Plus you had a lot of love, support, an encouragement from your family and friends. You will be forever touched by the bond you cemented even more with each other, and the memories that no one can take away from you. Scrapbook your pictures (if you need any help, you know a great person who can help you!
) and look at them a lot. I still look at my pictures from trips all the time and remember. I’m glad you all had this opportunity to share in God’s ministry with each other and with all the people you met along the way, and even the ones you have no idea you left a impact on. Thanks for letting me share this with you! Love and miss you, Momma S.
P.S. Keep in touch Jonathan and Ryan!
I am so happy you made it!!! It was great meeting you guys!!
HI Caleb,Ryan&Jon,
I am so proud of you all.The Lord has blessed each of you. Always keep him
frist in your lifes and all will be good!
Caleb hope to see you soon!
Love in Christ
MAMAW
Betty
Don’t underestimate how many of our lives you guys also touched. You guys reminded us to live each day in prayer, to never doubt the power of our God, and to know that through Him all things are possible. Thanks!
thats a big family i think
Good job dudes. Proud of you and glad you can sleep in and eat waffles. I am blessed to have been able to experience a tiny fraction of the trip with you dudes, and also glad to have made some new friends. I would like to point out how awkwardly you are all standing in the 2nd to last picture. It made me and KAI laugh. GODSPEED – -
ROBBY THE SHEATH
So proud of you guys. Wish I could have met you when you rode through Silsbee, Texas.
You three are an inspiration to us all! There are many times in our lives we want to throw in the towel or just…change course. Thank you for your steadfastness and holding each other to the task.
It will be great to hear about the people and places you’ve met and been.
Caleb,
Congrats to you, Johathan and Ryan. What a statement of faith to make the journey from sea to shining sea. All of us here at the office are amazed by your accomplishment. Take care and God bless.
Sincerely,
Dr. Scott McCranels