The morning carried an especially peaceful vibe as riders and support crew started their day at 8AM—two hours later than what we had grown accustomed to over the past two days. This peace was crucial as the riders would be beginning the day’s ride accomplishing a 5 kilometer climb up a mountain followed by another 3 kilometer climb.
Courage and determination firmly secured, the riders set out for the foreboding climb. Half of the support crew traveled up and down the hill, earnestly cheering the riders on. The riders never gave in to the day’s giant, and one-by-one, steadily reached the top of the mountain, triumph shining on their faces. There was much to rejoice over: the riders had overcome the mountain, God had favorably cast cloudy weather throughout the climb, and awe-inspiring scenery at the top created an amazing backdrop for photos. Lunch time exuded with victory.
Today’s riding ended rather quickly as the riders were only expected to achieve about 90 kilometers. By 5PM, all the riders arrived at the pension, stomachs ready for a dinner of chili and ramen (tastier than you’d imagine!).
In the evening, riders and support crew split into teams and shared reflections from the past three days. Afterwards, we all gathered together to share with the group. Team Justice spoke on the significance of the song “It is Well” by Bethel for their team. One member realized that the physical up hill and down hill battles they had faced during the ride paralleled the ups and downs of everyday life. However, just as God was good in those situations during the ride, she realized that all was well even when faced with life’s ups and downs. Team Freedom Fighters recognized the beauty surrounding them throughout the ride, but then realized that God’s heart for victims of sex trafficking is exponentially more beautiful. And He is still worthy despite what might occur.
One support crew group mentioned what a blessing it was to have thrived in such a family-like atmosphere for the past three days. Many siblings, married couples, and parents and children had participated on this ride, but regardless of biological connections, we had acted in unison, tending to one another like family. And at that moment, we were not defined by our roles and experiences these past three days, but we stood as one heart, striving after His justice for this nation.
