True Church - my Hill 2 Hill experience

On Saturday I got to experience what it means to be "True Church" and yes, it didn't even happen anywhere near a Church building. It actually happened while we were busy riding our Hill2Hill bike challenge.

The day began well for all of us and after a smooth registration, most of us headed off in the final batch of the race. Besides a few interesting moments, most of the initial kilometers went by without a hitch, but that's when things began to change for me.

It could have been the side-effects of the flu, but my body started to really struggle around the 15 km mark. Initially, it was just a little cramp, but then the rest of my body started to say, "Howzit!" With the help of my team mates I managed to get through another 15km's, but by the time I reached 30km, I knew it was unwise to carry on - every muscle in my legs decided to cramp at the same time. So, very reluctantly I swallowed my pride (hard for a man to do) and caught a lift to the finish with my friend Pete. He was very understanding and encouraging - I felt cared for.

My greatest memory will be how brilliant my team mates were on the race. They knew I was in serious pain and they encouraged me every 'pedal' of the way. They offered to walk/ride with me - they helped me with medicine, liquids and many kind words - we even had a few laughs together.

It reminded my of what our church communities must be like - helping each other to get to the finish line. The journey is tough and filled with many challenges, but we can get so much further when we help each other. That's why God created us to be in community.

So, in the end, I didn't make it .... but it wasn't for a lack of care and encouragement. However, I will get back on the bike and ride again. So, thanks again to all my TEAM MATES and to all of you for the prayers. We have surpassed our fundraising goal for the Eden Kids project and that has made it all worthwhile.

1 Thessalonians 5:11 - "So encourage each other to build each other up..."

"The Church is not a gallery for the better exhibition of eminent Christians, but a school for the education of imperfect ones." - HENRY WARD BEECHER

Living in Grace
D3LM3