Day 73 - July 30 - Barkeyville to Clearfield, PA (99 mi / 3167 total mi)
Long, long day! Detoured -- tight rope walked a bridge on I-80, with bikes, in fog! Beautiful country! Mountains, mountains and more mountains! Thank you, Kevin and Cindy Grindstaff -- you guys are the best! Four days to NYC!
The Lord delivered us again! A cool day and a much appreciated tail-breeze! With UPG's there will always be mountains to climb; but our God is able to deliver in ways we never could! To Him be all praise!
Tired and going to bed!
Thank you for praying!
Dave, Luey and Andy (w/ Cindy, Kevin, Brenda and Noah)
Tuesday, July 30, 2013
Monday, July 29, 2013
Day 72 - July 29 - Alliance, OH to Barkeyville, PA
Day 72 - July 29 - Alliance, OH to Barkeyville, PA (78 mi)
After breakfast with the Hoover's, we went to the church where Kevin and Cindy were waiting to join us for the next couple days. Mark Black joined us for prayer, and we set out on a very chilly morning -- in the low 50's. Cindy drove ahead and helped us navigate the country highways. Great to have Kevin riding with us too! The weather was cool today, with a slight tail-breeze! Thank you, Lord!
Before 10 AM, we had said good-bye to Ohio and hello to Pennsylvania! We had a wonderful time sharing with churches in my home state! Except for one evening, we were booked solid each day, and the message of Gloritrek was well received! PTL! UNfortunately, through PA, we have not one opportunity to share! We had several folks trying hard -- but the door seems closed to us and the Gloritrek message. Hmmm.....
Meanwhile, Leslie Stobel took Brenda to the Akron/Canton Airport to pick up our van for the week. Brenda and Noah arrived at our final destination today about the same time we did!
Almost immediately, as we rode into PA, the hills began to get a little longer and a little steeper. Altogether we did more than 3,500 ft of climbing today! Our average speed stayed fairly high, though, at 13.7 MPH. We took a couple breaks, especially in Amish country at a cheese factory. I really wanted to buy some fudge. Didn't though! In addition to dodging potholes, we now also need to watch out for horse manure on the road! :-) We rode a little farther than we had planned -- to Barkeyville, PA; arriving by 2 PM.
We hope to do a little farther tomorrow, maybe evening going beyond DuBois; maybe even to Clearfield, PA -- a distance of 92 miles. Prayers would be greatly appreciated!
Thank you for praying!
Dave, Luey, Andy and Kevin (Brenda, Cindy and Noah too)
After breakfast with the Hoover's, we went to the church where Kevin and Cindy were waiting to join us for the next couple days. Mark Black joined us for prayer, and we set out on a very chilly morning -- in the low 50's. Cindy drove ahead and helped us navigate the country highways. Great to have Kevin riding with us too! The weather was cool today, with a slight tail-breeze! Thank you, Lord!
Before 10 AM, we had said good-bye to Ohio and hello to Pennsylvania! We had a wonderful time sharing with churches in my home state! Except for one evening, we were booked solid each day, and the message of Gloritrek was well received! PTL! UNfortunately, through PA, we have not one opportunity to share! We had several folks trying hard -- but the door seems closed to us and the Gloritrek message. Hmmm.....
Meanwhile, Leslie Stobel took Brenda to the Akron/Canton Airport to pick up our van for the week. Brenda and Noah arrived at our final destination today about the same time we did!
Almost immediately, as we rode into PA, the hills began to get a little longer and a little steeper. Altogether we did more than 3,500 ft of climbing today! Our average speed stayed fairly high, though, at 13.7 MPH. We took a couple breaks, especially in Amish country at a cheese factory. I really wanted to buy some fudge. Didn't though! In addition to dodging potholes, we now also need to watch out for horse manure on the road! :-) We rode a little farther than we had planned -- to Barkeyville, PA; arriving by 2 PM.
We hope to do a little farther tomorrow, maybe evening going beyond DuBois; maybe even to Clearfield, PA -- a distance of 92 miles. Prayers would be greatly appreciated!
Thank you for praying!
Dave, Luey, Andy and Kevin (Brenda, Cindy and Noah too)
Day 70 - July 27 - East Canton to Canton, OH
Day 70 - July 27 - East Canton to Canton, OH (15 mi)
We set out on our 70th day late this morning to ride from Indian Run Christian Church (south of East Canton), to the north-side First Christian Church, in Canton. I put it that way because we rode a whopping 15 fairly hilly miles, all in a light rain. Oh, that all days were as ching-song as the last couple days! "Ching-song" means "easy, relaxing," in Chinese. Did I mention that we actually had a refreshment station mid-way between Malvern and Indian Run yesterday evening? What a blessing!
Now, we are so use to refreshment stations, we had to make our own on the way to FCC -- we stopped at Taco Bell! Leslie Strobel, on the missions team met us there. Dan Stoffer, FCC's interim minister and a Timothy, met us at the church building. Greg and Vicki Rush, members of FCC were also there, and are hosting Luey and Andy, as well as entertaining us all for dinner.
We are looking forward to tomorrow -- to worship with FCC! Like Malvern and Indian Run, FCC, here in Canton, has been with us since the beginning, since we went to Taiwan 15 years ago! Why is FCC one of our partners in ministry? That's truly one of the ironies of the family of God! Why? Paper airplanes!
When I was just a lad, I enjoyed creating and flying paper airplanes. The balcony to the baptistry of the old FCC church building, here in Canton, presented a unique challenge. Could a paper airplane glide 250 feet, and land in the drink? I made it my mission to find out! Let's just say -- I GOT BUSTED -- it wasn't pretty! Years later, however, the FCC brethren, full of grace, pardoned this lad who still likes paper airplanes! They even decided to partner with us in Taiwan! They even helped pay for more than a one-way ticket! :-)
If only the 7,162 UPG's could one day experience the grace of God that we have experienced over and over again! To this end we ride! Lord willing, one week from today -- see you in NYC!
Thank you for praying!
Dave, Luey and Andy
We set out on our 70th day late this morning to ride from Indian Run Christian Church (south of East Canton), to the north-side First Christian Church, in Canton. I put it that way because we rode a whopping 15 fairly hilly miles, all in a light rain. Oh, that all days were as ching-song as the last couple days! "Ching-song" means "easy, relaxing," in Chinese. Did I mention that we actually had a refreshment station mid-way between Malvern and Indian Run yesterday evening? What a blessing!
Now, we are so use to refreshment stations, we had to make our own on the way to FCC -- we stopped at Taco Bell! Leslie Strobel, on the missions team met us there. Dan Stoffer, FCC's interim minister and a Timothy, met us at the church building. Greg and Vicki Rush, members of FCC were also there, and are hosting Luey and Andy, as well as entertaining us all for dinner.
We are looking forward to tomorrow -- to worship with FCC! Like Malvern and Indian Run, FCC, here in Canton, has been with us since the beginning, since we went to Taiwan 15 years ago! Why is FCC one of our partners in ministry? That's truly one of the ironies of the family of God! Why? Paper airplanes!
When I was just a lad, I enjoyed creating and flying paper airplanes. The balcony to the baptistry of the old FCC church building, here in Canton, presented a unique challenge. Could a paper airplane glide 250 feet, and land in the drink? I made it my mission to find out! Let's just say -- I GOT BUSTED -- it wasn't pretty! Years later, however, the FCC brethren, full of grace, pardoned this lad who still likes paper airplanes! They even decided to partner with us in Taiwan! They even helped pay for more than a one-way ticket! :-)
If only the 7,162 UPG's could one day experience the grace of God that we have experienced over and over again! To this end we ride! Lord willing, one week from today -- see you in NYC!
Thank you for praying!
Dave, Luey and Andy
Day 71 - July 28 - Worship Day
Day 71 - July 28 - Worship Day (12 mi)
First Christian, in Canton, hosted us on this Lord's Day morning. Andy and Luey had stayed with a couple in the church, Greg and Vicki Bush. Wonderful people! We were in a hotel, because there was five of us (us and Brenda's folks). FCC's building and especially their sanctuary, is state-of-the-art. Many, many folks put in many, many hours to insure that the worship services are the best for the best -- the King of Kings!
During the first service, Brenda and Noah spoke to the youth in an adjacent building. I think Noah mostly did his Chinese yo-yo and Brenda did most of the speaking. In the second service, Noah came up on stage with me and did his yo-yo during the intro to my message. Noah did great, and the message was well received. Several people came forward during the decision time. After the service, a young lady came and asked me to pray with her. She has been battling depression, and the Holy Spirit really ministered to her heart during the message. PTL!
We had a great lunch with the missions team following the two services. It was great seeing Ryan Wolfe and his family, and to hear how FCC is ministering to people with disabilities. What a blessing they are to many -- a real model to be emulated! And, the missions team is really on the ball -- a fine bunch of folks! Thanks, Leslie Stobel, for coordinating our weekend with you!
Did I mention that I drove a 'Vette today!?! Greg Bush has an '02 Corvette convertible which is amazing! He took us for a spin in it, and also let me drive it! Wow! We finally tore ourselves away from Canton, and rode the 12 miles to Beechwood Christian Church, in Alliance. Mark Black, who use to bin Malvern, is the minister here. They were hosting Marvin Whiteman, a Christian musician who happens to be blind -- but, he sees more than most! He is an amazing pianist and vocalist! What a powerful testimony he shared! We also shared for about 10 minutes about UPG's.
It was a great night, which ended at Larry and Bonnie Hoover's home. A late supper and a tour of Larry's workshop were the perfect end to our day! One week left to NYC -- through the mountains of PA!
Thank you for praying!
Dave, Luey and Andy
First Christian, in Canton, hosted us on this Lord's Day morning. Andy and Luey had stayed with a couple in the church, Greg and Vicki Bush. Wonderful people! We were in a hotel, because there was five of us (us and Brenda's folks). FCC's building and especially their sanctuary, is state-of-the-art. Many, many folks put in many, many hours to insure that the worship services are the best for the best -- the King of Kings!
During the first service, Brenda and Noah spoke to the youth in an adjacent building. I think Noah mostly did his Chinese yo-yo and Brenda did most of the speaking. In the second service, Noah came up on stage with me and did his yo-yo during the intro to my message. Noah did great, and the message was well received. Several people came forward during the decision time. After the service, a young lady came and asked me to pray with her. She has been battling depression, and the Holy Spirit really ministered to her heart during the message. PTL!
We had a great lunch with the missions team following the two services. It was great seeing Ryan Wolfe and his family, and to hear how FCC is ministering to people with disabilities. What a blessing they are to many -- a real model to be emulated! And, the missions team is really on the ball -- a fine bunch of folks! Thanks, Leslie Stobel, for coordinating our weekend with you!
Did I mention that I drove a 'Vette today!?! Greg Bush has an '02 Corvette convertible which is amazing! He took us for a spin in it, and also let me drive it! Wow! We finally tore ourselves away from Canton, and rode the 12 miles to Beechwood Christian Church, in Alliance. Mark Black, who use to bin Malvern, is the minister here. They were hosting Marvin Whiteman, a Christian musician who happens to be blind -- but, he sees more than most! He is an amazing pianist and vocalist! What a powerful testimony he shared! We also shared for about 10 minutes about UPG's.
It was a great night, which ended at Larry and Bonnie Hoover's home. A late supper and a tour of Larry's workshop were the perfect end to our day! One week left to NYC -- through the mountains of PA!
Thank you for praying!
Dave, Luey and Andy
Saturday, July 27, 2013
Day 69 - July 26 - Malvern to East Canton, OH
Day 69 - July 26 - Malvern to East Canton, OH (12 mi)
No, that's not a mis-type -- only 12 miles today from Kevin and Cindy's home, to the church building in Malvern and then on to Indian Run Christian Church. We had a great day today!
We spent the late morning into the afternoon at a lake nearby Malvern. The church had arranged for a boat and picnic at the lake. Lots of folks came out for the picnic -- a great time of fellowship. Several of us attempted to stay on a tube, pulled by Vaughn's boat. It was like riding a wild bull! We were also surprised to see Tyler and Tanner Vincent, from Livonia, MI; whose grandparents, John and Mona, live on a farm outside of Malvern. John is celebrating his 75th birthday on Monday! Anyway, we've known the Vincent's for 30 years -- since I was an intern at Indian Run. Tyler Vincent just graduated from the Air Force Academy and is on his way to Pensacola to learn to fly jets! Tanner may follow in big brother's footsteps! I mention all these because many years ago the Lord used the Indian Run Church, and the Vincent family in particular kind of adopted me into their family. What a blessing to fellowship with all these fine folks!
Later, there were about a dozen of us that biked the 6 miles from Malvern to Indian Run, ranging in age from about 15 to 65. Brenda, Noah, Mack and Elaine arrived in Malvern in time for Noah to ride with us! We had a great time following the Gloritrek signs. There were also a photographer and journalist tracking us. When we arrived at Indian Run, they had supper waiting on us -- a potluck dinner and BBQ. Luey had three desserts! I had coconut creme pie! Wonderful!
Indian Run hosted a Gloritrek event, and it was wonderful to see so many who were such a blessing 30 years ago, as well as those who have partnered with us over the last 15 years in Taiwan! Terry Bailey, the preacher, has another book coming out soon -- looking forward to it. His first book, a Christian science fiction book, "The Pilate Plot," should be made into a movie! Luey and Andy learned to play the Corn Holes game with Terry -- they had a great time!
We stayed with another couple who has had a huge impact in our lives -- Larry and Sharon Smith. SO many memories! What a blessing to be a part of the family of God! What a difference the love of Christ makes! How utterly lost are those who do not know the Author of grace! How utterly hopeless must be those who place their hope in the stuff of earth, rather than the Source of love! What are we, who have received blessing upon blessing, willing to do so than those who have not heard will have opportunity to experience the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ!
Thank you for praying!
Dave, Luey and Andy
No, that's not a mis-type -- only 12 miles today from Kevin and Cindy's home, to the church building in Malvern and then on to Indian Run Christian Church. We had a great day today!
We spent the late morning into the afternoon at a lake nearby Malvern. The church had arranged for a boat and picnic at the lake. Lots of folks came out for the picnic -- a great time of fellowship. Several of us attempted to stay on a tube, pulled by Vaughn's boat. It was like riding a wild bull! We were also surprised to see Tyler and Tanner Vincent, from Livonia, MI; whose grandparents, John and Mona, live on a farm outside of Malvern. John is celebrating his 75th birthday on Monday! Anyway, we've known the Vincent's for 30 years -- since I was an intern at Indian Run. Tyler Vincent just graduated from the Air Force Academy and is on his way to Pensacola to learn to fly jets! Tanner may follow in big brother's footsteps! I mention all these because many years ago the Lord used the Indian Run Church, and the Vincent family in particular kind of adopted me into their family. What a blessing to fellowship with all these fine folks!
Later, there were about a dozen of us that biked the 6 miles from Malvern to Indian Run, ranging in age from about 15 to 65. Brenda, Noah, Mack and Elaine arrived in Malvern in time for Noah to ride with us! We had a great time following the Gloritrek signs. There were also a photographer and journalist tracking us. When we arrived at Indian Run, they had supper waiting on us -- a potluck dinner and BBQ. Luey had three desserts! I had coconut creme pie! Wonderful!
Indian Run hosted a Gloritrek event, and it was wonderful to see so many who were such a blessing 30 years ago, as well as those who have partnered with us over the last 15 years in Taiwan! Terry Bailey, the preacher, has another book coming out soon -- looking forward to it. His first book, a Christian science fiction book, "The Pilate Plot," should be made into a movie! Luey and Andy learned to play the Corn Holes game with Terry -- they had a great time!
We stayed with another couple who has had a huge impact in our lives -- Larry and Sharon Smith. SO many memories! What a blessing to be a part of the family of God! What a difference the love of Christ makes! How utterly lost are those who do not know the Author of grace! How utterly hopeless must be those who place their hope in the stuff of earth, rather than the Source of love! What are we, who have received blessing upon blessing, willing to do so than those who have not heard will have opportunity to experience the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ!
Thank you for praying!
Dave, Luey and Andy
Thursday, July 25, 2013
Day 68 - July 25 - Coshocton to Malvern, IL
Day 68 - July 25 - Coshocton to Malvern, IL (68 mi)
I made a startling discovery today! My speedometer/odometer is off slightly. For every 60 miles we ride, we are shorted 1.5 miles. So, in reality, we've biked farther than the total 2825 miles I've recorded, a whopping 70 miles farther -- more than an average day of riding. And, that puts us at nearly 2900 miles. I know it doesn't sound like a big deal, but what if those 70 miles were all up hill, or into a head wind. Okay, enough about that -- for the moment! :-)
We were so blessed today to have Kevin and Cindy Grindstaff drive down to Coshocton very early this morning. Cindy hauled our bags back to Malvern and Kevin rode with us. It was Kevin who alerted me to the discrepancy with my speedometer. Anyway, Kevin had charted our course and broke wind for us nearly all morning. (It was a very hilly day, but only a prelude of what is ahead -- the mtns of PA!) When we arrived at their home, Cindy had a great lunch already laid out for us! Wonderful!
Tonight, First Christian Church, Malvern, will host a Gloritrek event! We have had three churches in the Canton area who have supported us in Taiwan for many years -- First Christian, in Malvern; Indian Run, in East Canton; and First Christian, in Canton. We'll get to visit all three on Gloritrek! Tomorrow, more than a dozen cyclist from FCC (Malvern) will join Luey, Andy, Noah and me for a bike ride of about 6 miles to the Indian Run Christian Church. That's right, Lord willing, Noah and Brenda (along with Mack and Elaine), will make it out here from IL tomorrow afternoon, so Noah can take part in the short bike ride. Noah can ride a little ways, with not much pain, if he doesn't strain as he cranks.
Back to the slightly off speedometer, it reminds me of several churches we have encountered on Gloritrek. They are startled to find out that they support many worthwhile missions, but not a single one is working among an UPG. That's not unusual, since 9 out of every 10 FT missionaries around the world is working among a people group that is more than 5% Christian. Yet, there are still more than 7,000 people groups who are still in desperate need! Fortunately, Team Expansion can help them adopt an unreached people group (UPG), and begin their own Gloritrek! (You can see these and more statistics on www.joshuaproject.net.)
Regardless of the distance traveled, the Lord has been with us all the way! So, thank you for praying!
Dave, Luey and Andy
Wednesday, July 24, 2013
Day 67 - July 24 - Delaware to Coshocton, OH
Day 67 - July 24 - Delaware to Coshocton, OH (79 mi / 2808 total mi)
Rob F fixed us breakfast this morning, on his 50th birthday! Thanks, Rob! I hope you get a new road bike for your b'day!
We rode east with a cool NE wind into us for the better part of the morning. We were aided by riding two bike paths for a total of about 25 miles. It was nice to be off the highway -- and a fairly flat ride. When we got to the Newark area, we were going to get on Rt 16, but there was a sign that said "No Bicycles." So, we stayed on "Old Rt 16" and it was a better road than the new Rt 16 Expressway!
The last 20 miles was more north than east, and directly into a head-wind. I kept reminding myself that "this is the last day we'll be carrying our saddle bags. Tomorrow Kevin and CIndy Grindstaff, from Malvern will join us. Then, we'll be in the Canton area for the weekend, with Brenda, Noah, Mack and Elaine coming on Friday. And, all next week we'll have a support vehicle. PTL!
Tonight we're in a motel room here in Coshocton; and, yes, we know we aren't in Millersburg, as our calendar and map had indicated. Coshocton, despite the wind, was a better call, and puts us on a better path toward Malvern tomorrow.
It's time for supper! So, thanks for praying!
Dave, Luey and Andy
Rob F fixed us breakfast this morning, on his 50th birthday! Thanks, Rob! I hope you get a new road bike for your b'day!
We rode east with a cool NE wind into us for the better part of the morning. We were aided by riding two bike paths for a total of about 25 miles. It was nice to be off the highway -- and a fairly flat ride. When we got to the Newark area, we were going to get on Rt 16, but there was a sign that said "No Bicycles." So, we stayed on "Old Rt 16" and it was a better road than the new Rt 16 Expressway!
The last 20 miles was more north than east, and directly into a head-wind. I kept reminding myself that "this is the last day we'll be carrying our saddle bags. Tomorrow Kevin and CIndy Grindstaff, from Malvern will join us. Then, we'll be in the Canton area for the weekend, with Brenda, Noah, Mack and Elaine coming on Friday. And, all next week we'll have a support vehicle. PTL!
Tonight we're in a motel room here in Coshocton; and, yes, we know we aren't in Millersburg, as our calendar and map had indicated. Coshocton, despite the wind, was a better call, and puts us on a better path toward Malvern tomorrow.
It's time for supper! So, thanks for praying!
Dave, Luey and Andy
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