An Inside view of The Challenge

Here are reflections from three of the wives of the riders. 

I'm grateful that Dave can represent our family in support of this ministry.  Their "high spirits" despite all the bumps (literally and figuratively) certainly reflect their determination to complete the work God has called them to do.  I count it a privilege to be part of the "crew" behind this dedicated team.      Gail

As far as thoughts on the trip from a wife's perspective... I know for me I was excited that Scott was able to take something he loves to do for enjoyment and exercise and use it to support local ministries.  I am used to Scott going overseas for short term medical trips and using the knowledge God gave him as a physician to help those in need for the advancement of the gospel but how cool is it that God can using something like biking!  A sport that Scott feels is a gift from God to him anyway. [He had spinal cord surgery 18 years ago that left him with some paralysis so he went from being a strong athlete to being unable to run or play basketball anymore.  When God opened up the door to allow him to ride a bike about 10 years ago it was such a blessing!  Anyway, I miss him like crazy but I know he is having the time of his life, being challenged physically and being encouraged in his faith by godly men--and the best part is because of the generosity of so many, several local ministries will be able to continue reaching the lost! It's a win-win!            Ellen 

My perspective....this has been a lesson in God's faithfulness for me and many watching this unfold.  This is the incredible journey that I watched Tony go through the past several months: 

He attended a gathering to learn more about Urban Vision.  God put a vision in Tony's heart for Justice and Mercy Ministries regarding Urban Vision.  Tony knew he could contribute $1000 and possibly gather additional support to match that amount.  Even though he had had back surgery in December 2010, he thought he should get back on his bike and raise the money on a bike trip.  Obviously the bike trip turned into a very long distance (Cincinnati to Cleveland) and many men joined the cycling cause. 

... God did great things with the faithfulness of few.  Everyday, Tony's email would rock with a new support dollar amount.  God has promised His faithfulness and I am learning to trust that more and more everyday.  That premise skyrocketed for me through this process.  The humorous part....Tony IS Italian.  You mix that with what has happened and it makes for a very weepy emotional man that has renewal so deep and so strong, the joy in our home is indescribable.   I am so happy for him that he gets to experience this journey with other men that love the Lord and I cannot wait to hear all the stories!!!      Love,      Robin

God Size Dreams!

Pregnancy Solutions and Services (P.S.S.) Van Visits the CCC Hudson Campus

This is a note to our riders from the Director of P.S.S. Ministries (one of the ministries the Micah 6:8 Bike Challenge is raising money for.)  

OH, my friends..... I know you are tired.  You are doing a great thing for The Kingdom.  

Yesterday was the first day for the mobile unit in Cleveland.  It is shocking to see the growth of this small ministry.  It is even more shocking to dream about the number of people who will be saved through it because people like you have sacrificed.  God has given me a desire to see 600 babies saved from abortion each year through PSS.  

Through you, God has brought a miracle to PSS.  Can you even imagine that we may be able to start a 4th unit? Our little ministry may be able to reach out to 5 counties because of this project.  WOW!!!!!

Keep it up, press towards the goal.  

You are deeply appreciated and deeply loved.  

Thank you

Wayne

Day 3: A Challenging 100 Miles

Day 3 - Off for another 100 miles!

Tony posted this comment Thursday evening:

“Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” – Hebrews 12:1-2

Scott Mabee has been leading our morning devotionals this week.  He has been taking us deeper into Micah 6:8, which has been a fantastic study.  This morning we took a pause in that study, and he took us in another direction.  We discussed endurance.  We discussed Hebrews 12.  Specifically, God’s call for us to run with endurance the race that is set before us.  He keyed us in on verse two, “…who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross.” 

He began by asking the question, “Why would Jesus do that?”   Our  discussion focused on two main areas.  First, we talked about the awesomeness of a God, who needs nothing, yet desires to have a relationship with us.  In other words, He desires to draw us to Himself.  Secondly, we discussed His desire to pull us out of something, namely our sin and the consequences that result from it.  When Jesus hung on the cross, He had both of those things in mind for each of us.   

In some small measure that is what this Micah 6:8 ride is all about.  We, all of us, are really just committing ourselves to entering into a relationship with and to attempt to pull people out of situations and circumstances that are less than what God would have for them.  So today as we went out, we did so with the knowledge that there were many inside and outside of our church family that were giving of themselves to support this cause, that every time we turned the crank on our bike it was going to help someone less fortunate than us to feel, in a very tangible way, the blessing of God in their lives.

Today was the most challenging day yet.  Westerville to Wooster.  102 miles in temperatures ranging from the high-80’s to low-90’s!  There were no crashes today (praise the Lord), but we had at least two riders that were out of gas 60 miles into the ride.  In addition, the last fifteen miles was probably the most challenging riding we’ve dealt with all week.  There were several large climbs, with tons of truck traffic on road, and less than desirable bike lanes.  With all that said, we finished.  We did so, knowing that there were many back home praying for us, but also because we were remembering why we were doing it.

Thank you for supporting this initiative for our local outreach partners.  The generosity that you have shown is amazing and inspiring.  Thank you also for your continued prayers for our safety.

In Christ’s love,

Tony

Click here if you would like to learn more about the Micah 6:8 Challenge or make a pledge to support any of the great justice and mercy ministries the team is riding to support.

Prayer Request:  Please keep the team in prayer - for safety and the opportunity to be a great witness to those they meet along the way on their 400-mile journey back to Hudson Ohio.

He has showed you, O man, what is good.
   And what does the LORD require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy
   and to walk humbly with your God.

Micah 6:8 NIV

The last stop for the day before a good
night's rest.

Each Day Starts with Devotions.

A HOT Challenging Day 2!

The 8 men riding start the say with devotions.  Scott has been
leading the time of devotion.  Day 2 focused on doing justice.

Here is an update from Tony on Day 2:

It is early morning on Thursday, and I’m writing this from my hotel room.  I wanted to shoot off this note before our day’s activities begin.

Yesterday we traveled 90 miles from Beavercreek to Westerville. The temperature was in the mid-90’s for most of the day.  Seeing it coming, we decided to get an earlier start than the day before, and it was a good decision as we were able to bite off 40 miles before things got really hot.  It was another great day, but not without its share of challenges.  The fun began in the last thirty miles as our team experienced five flats.  The changing of the flat is not really the challenging part, actually it is standing in the hot sun on asphalt during the change.  A few of the flats occurred on the open road with sparse trees.  Lastly, mixed into all the stops for flats, Bill Burton had a bad fall.  You can see from the attached photo that he was scraped up pretty badly (We cyclists call that “road rash”).  Despite his discomfort he finished the day’s ride.

Today we have 100 miles ahead of us.  Pray for safety and moderate temperatures!

Tony

a HOT 95 degree day!

Still in great spirits after a bad fall.

Click here if you would like to learn more about the Micah 6:8 Challenge or make a pledge to support any of the great justice and mercy ministries the team is riding to support.

Prasie:  Donations went over the $150,000 mark on Day 2!  The team is also only $5,000 away from reaching one of its goals, and that is to raise all the funds needed to purchase and equip another ultra-sound RV for Pregnancy Solutions and Services. 

Prayer Request:  Please keep the team in prayer - for safety and the opportunity to be a great witness to those they meet along the way on their 400-mile journey back to Hudson Ohio.

He has showed you, O man, what is good.
   And what does the LORD require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy
   and to walk humbly with your God.

Micah 6:8 NIV

An Up-Hill Ride for The Kingdom!

Day 1 - The Micah 6:8  Team is ready to start The Challenge!

SOME GREAT NEWS TO SHARE: 

Funds committed to date now total $149,650.00 that will go to aiding all the projects the Team is representing.

Please pray for our bike riders - as you can see from Tony's latest post, it was a challenging day for The Team!   

We had a great ride today.  82 miles!  We had originally planned to ride 64 miles, but we learned of a bike path this morning so we re-routed to take adantage of it.  As you very well may know, bike paths are usually built on retired railroad lines, so the hills are usually shaved off.  So we traded 18 extra miles for minimal climbing.  That said, we did end up climbing virtually all day, about 2300 feet in total, but it really didn’t seem like it because the incline was so gradual.

It was not anywhere near a piece of cake though.  It was very close to 90 degrees.  All told, we had two flats, a rider with leg cramps, one with heat exhaustion, and I had what I’m told was a spectacular crash.  I’m a little worse for the wear, but I’m OK.  I am sure that all the prayer warriors out there had something to do with me not being badly injured.  Keep those prayers coming!

We’re all looking forward to a great day of riding tomorrow.

Blessings,

Tony

WHAT CAN YOU DO TO HELP? 

1. Please pray for the bikers - for safety, for endurance, and for opportunities to witness to others along the  way. 
2. $5,500 is still needed to complete our goal to purchase the PSS Micah 6:8 mobile Ultrasound Van - if you know of anyone who has a heart for the unborn, please share our blog post on PSS with them.  
3. Please post a comment of encouragement (below) to our bikers on this blog - let them know you are praying for them!  

Energy bars and power aid for breakfast...  all the carbs
you can order for dinner!  

After spare tires, pumps and other bike gear ... the next most
important item to pack when biking 400 miles.

Click here if you would like to support the team with a pledge or prayers.

He has showed you, O man, what is good.
   And what does the LORD require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy
   and to walk humbly with your God.

Micah 6:8 NIV

Bike Challenge Riders arrive in Cincinnati!!

Loading 8 bikes into Cargo Van donated by Don Sitts for the trip to Cincinnati.

Bike Challenge Team Leaving CCC Hudson Campus for trip to Cincinnati Monday late afternoon

Micah 6:8 Bike Challenge Riders get ready to begin their 400 mile trip for Justice and Mercy!  


This just in from Tony Galieti, one of our precious riders.  Please keep them all in prayer!


Monday night


"We are just back from dinner, and settling in for the night.   Everyone is excited to get started.  We have a tough day tomorrow.  Sixty-Four miles with the vast majority being uphill, so we’ll come out of the gate with a real test!

I had my first interesting encounter of the week as I was checking into the hotel.  Two men we’re there, and they became curious when they saw the bikes.  As it ended up they were pastors, who were in town for a pastor’s conference.  I asked them to pray for our ride, which they committed to do.  We can never have enough of that!"

Thanks again.

In Christ,

Tony

Cargo van arriving in Cincinnati Monday as the sun sets.

Click here to learn more about the Bike Challenge or to make a pledge.

Justice and Mercy for the Unborn

Christ Community Chapel’s newest local outreach ministry partner is Pregnancy Solutions & Services, located at 3136 Manchester Road, Akron, OH.  PSS exists to reach out to women in a crisis pregnancy and to help them make informed decisions through ultrasound services, counseling, and ultimately to point the way to a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ.  PSS has found that on average 75% of abortion-minded women change their minds when the see their unborn baby on an ultrasound. The ministry’s Image Clear Ultrasound mobile unit is being displayed at the various Christ Community Chapel campuses in June and July.

The ultrasound reveals the truth about the life of the unborn, while caring counselors reveal the truth of the Gospel. PSS ministers to women via pregnancy testing, first trimester obstetrical ultrasound, options counseling, information about their pregnancy, and referrals. For more on this great ministry, please visit their website at www.pssfriends.org .

In the interest of justice and mercy for the unborn, PSS wants to put an additional mobile ultrasound unit on the road. The total cost of a unit is $100,000.  The goal of Christ Community Chapel is to help PSS raise $50,000 because the same amount has become available from a matching funds donor. If you sense God’s call to support this effort, you can make a donation or pledge via CCC’s Bike Challenge, designating the Pregnancy Solutions Mobile Ultra-Sound Units as recipient. Pick up a form at the church or click here to get one on line.  The Bike Challenge is part of CCC's Vision for 2011 to Do Justice, Love Mercy and Walk Humbly. 

He has showed you, O man, what is good.  And what does the Lord require of you?  To act justly and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.  Micah 6:8 NIV

 *You can contact either  Michael.ammirati@ccchapel.com or   Barbara.ammirati@ccchapel.com 

for more information on this initiative.