Cycle/Recycle

Today we gave bikes to 4 people from CwD. Each one shared his story of difficult circumstances in breaking out of the grasp of being unhoused. All were staying temporarily with a friend or family. We shared the reason for giving away bikes as a gift from God out of His redeeming love. One man stood out to me. He revealed that he struggles from a mental illness and is in a therapy group. He struggles with relationships and tries to avoid people. I sat down beside him, and he opened up to me. I shared with him how riding a bike may be life-changing for him, as he rides in the countryside and experiences the joy and freedom of nature and listens for God's voice - just the two of them. I saw him relax with a big smile on his face. "I know," he said. "I thank you for this bike." 2355

Three men, three different stories. One has applied for disability and afraid to work at all. One had his bike stolen several months ago. One is looking for work as a DJ locally. God loves them all. We loved on them and encouraged them how each can move forward with his new bike, helmet, vest and bike lock. How can a bike make a difference? How does a bike offer you a new life to break out of old and worn out ways? How does this gift from God speak to each man where he is? 2347

Mike Swain, a volunteer at South Fork Elementary, picked up 6 bikes this morning. The top student in each grade, K - 5th, who has read the most is awarded a bike. I have no idea how one measures how much students read. 2344

Another amazing Tuesday. CwD brought 5 individuals to us, 3 people needed bikes and 2 needed a new tire for the bike they had received earlier. All three shared their stories about hardships that they could not control that led them to their current status. God once again showed me that homelessness is sometimes not fully due to bad decisions or bad behavior. South Fork School then came by to pick up 25 bikes for 5th graders who reached a certain achievement level in their math scores. I love that we can provide an incentive to kids to improve reading and math scores. 2338