Day 8 - Coming Home!

    BEFORE - September 20,2014 

    Ready to ride 700 miles for life.

    AFTER - SEPTEMBER 27, 2017

    Arriving home after riding 700.5 miles for life.

Why we ride, why you prayed, why you gave financially and why Lakeshore Pregnancy Center exists! So that generations yet unborn shall hear of ALL the miracles HE did for us.

We began today with breakfast and a prayer in Ludington. The sun was just up and the day promised to be beautiful AGAIN!

Along the route we experienced many great moments and a few surprises. Fresh-from-the-oven cinnamon rolls were delivered to us at our break in Pentwater (thanks Tebos family), friends cheered us on with signs and cheers in Shelby and then came and
sent us on our way with a prayerful blessing. (Thank you all for tracking us down!)

The colors we amazing but we were all ready to get home.  A final break at Duck Lake State Park, a final ride along the shores of Lake Michigan and two stops in the last 10 miles to change flat tires. 


















We then got close to the thing we have all been riding toward the past 8 days...the finish line. 

As we were round the bend to the cheers of our families and friends we knew it had all been worth every mile. 

With banners waving, horns blowing, and tears flowing we rode into Maranatha having completed our goal. 

You have ALL been an integral part of our success! We have all raised over $102,000 for life! We do not believe God is done blessing us for we know that "He can do more than we can think or imagine." 

Just before arriving today we made a quick stop for a final picture and to say goodbye to one another knowing that once we saw all of you we would not want to be drawn away again. 
Here is a glimpse into that moment.

As we took a final group photo we gathered to pray one last time, thanking God for the way He has protected us, provided for us and promoted life through this ride this ride.

 We count it ALL joy to Ride4Life and thank you all for joining us in so many ways!

Your 2014 R4L team 

Riders -  Don, Sherry, Bonnie, Garry, Jonna, Jennifer, Bobby, 

Kelly, Patty, Ivory, Val, & Amy. 

SAG (Support & Gear) team -  Terry, Mary Ann, Nancy, Diane & Carolyn

Day 7     Part Two 

He leadeth me!

1. He leadeth me, O blessed thought!
   O words with heav’nly comfort fraught!
   Whate’er I do, where’er I be
   Still ’tis God’s hand that leadeth me.
   • Refrain:
     He leadeth me, He leadeth me,
     By His own hand He leadeth me;
     His faithful foll’wer I would be,
     For by His hand He leadeth me.
2. As we stood praying over lunch in the park in Manistee today, the bells of a nearby church began to play this song - He Leadeth Me. It gave all of us chills and a greater awareness of His presence among us. 

Leaving Interlochen early

This has been a day of great joy and renewed energy. The early mornings, long rides, and late nights have not dampened the spirits of this team. 

A cool morning greeted us but as the day went on the sun warmed up everyone. We have experienced minor glitches but it has made us pray even harder and become even more dependent on God.

Riding in traffic

 


We once again experienced the
beauty of God's creation as we road by sparkling lakes, colorful trees, farmland, dunes and the Big Lake.

Terry and Mary Ann flag in the team for break.

As we mentioned in part one of today's blog, we made great time today and decided to ride up the lake to take in more of the scenery. (Yes, we love our bikes!)

Riding the lakeshore

We saw it fitting to celebrate the end of the day with a plunge into Lake Michigan

hand in hand. What a great time we had!

Celebration in the crystal clear waters of Lake Michigan

Dinner was planned for 7:30 pm in the community room at Nader's Motel - Thank you Nader's for your hospitality! The night ended with a meaningful prayer over each of us as well as an award ceremony during which Don and Sherry presented certificates to each individual accentuating our God-given gifts. 

We look forward to tomorrow as we ride the final leg of this mission, journey and adventure. We also look forward to seeing you at the end.

We have been blessed by the amount of funds and awareness this trip has raised. We  know that this trip is not really about us, it is about the ministry of Lakeshore Pregnancy Center and TOTALLY about God and His love for Life!

The funds raised to date (and it's not too late to contribute more) equate to one life saved every 8.28 miles we ride! 

We ride for life! To God be the Glory. He has led us all week and He will lead us home! 

Our verse for today reflects His Outrageous Grace!