Shanti was terrified that her daughters would have to endure a life of exploitation like hers. Where they live in Nepal, it is extremely dangerous for girls, as they are frequently sold into sexual slavery or forced labor due to the low value placed on girls; combined with rampant poverty. Having no way to repay a loan taken out to send her husband overseas for work, Shanti feared she would need to leave her daughters with relatives to seek work.
In a world invaded and dominated by screens, we want to offer at Alpinis Leadership Center (ALC) an outdoor experience to help all those that visit to disconnect from the overwhelming and tumultuous world and connect with the Creator of it all. In this effort, we are setting up activity areas to help make the experience richer for the campers and those who visit. All of this is possible only with your support and inspiring kindness.
It has been a year since we left our home in the early morning with only a few backpacks crammed full of our most essential items. Haiti had been sinking further into political turmoil for the past five years. Things were getting desperate.
My buddy, Slavcho, who is our group ATV guide when we ride, owns the auto service and he agreed to train the girls on how to charge a dead car battery and how to change a flat tire! We were hoping that this fellowship will lead and equip Macedonian 16-19 year old young ladies to become women of character, integrity, strength and wisdom. It was a very successful day and the girls LOVED IT.
In May 2022, Matt & Jessica faithfully came on the COGAP2022. They prayed and raised funds for a ministry in Latin America called INCA LINK. During this gravel bike ride, they learned a lot about the ministry from the representative on the tour with us, Luke S. Every time Luke shared testimonies, prayer themes and stories, you could truly see the wheels turning in the minds of the Crossons.
An XCC is three days of challenge and inspiration for men out in the wild that creates a deep spiritual experience.
Because of my experience in youth ministry and behavioral addictions, I was invited to speak from a biblical perspective on the story of David and Bathsheba during the XCC. Through this story, I talked about sexual failures. I want to share the story of one of the men who spoke to me after the talk.
We have a core belief that “people don’t care what you know, until they know that you care.” So, in 2015 we launched Enrich Missions to extend Christ’s love to children living in extreme poverty. We wholeheartedly believe that education + a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ are two of the strongest tools a child can have to overcome generational poverty.
This year at camp, two of our older boys got in a big fight. The fight had to be broken up, and instead of participating in camp the following day, these two boys had to stay back and do chores. These are the moments that remind us of exactly why we have camp. It is an opportunity not just to have fun, but to learn and to grow. In the lives of kids all over the world, camp is special because it is time set aside just for them.
At Ends of the Earth Cycling, we like cycling and we like how our jerseys proclaim Jesus, but we know that it is the way that we love – global youth, those we come into contact with on our journeys, and our brothers and sisters on tour – that truly shows the world that we are Jesus’ disciples.
This blog is different. While the specific tour and beneficiary cannot be identified safely, and the names of people and places are changed, we hope that you’ll find this post from “behind enemy lines” an encouragement to your faith as a part of our Ends of the Earth Cycling family. The Lord is using an Ends of the Earth Cycling tour to promote and resource youth in a country in Africa!
