Teamwork
- mmiller708
- Jan 10, 2022
- 4 min read
Updated: Sep 28, 2022
Written By: Pastor Jim Bush
Pastor Jim Bush is retiring and seeking the Lord for what is next in his life. He was reflecting on his time in ministry (several decades, we think) and testified to us how meeting Ends of the Earth Cycling and riding together was one of his highlights! To God be the Glory!
“In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ” -Acts 20:35
Maybe you saw them late Sunday afternoon at the church building. Fourteen cyclists and half a dozen or so support staff from Ends of the Earth Cycling rolled into town and spent the night in our building. They were on a quest to raise funds for two housing units for an orphanage for the disabled in Kherson, Ukraine. This is the same city I was privileged to serve and visit on three separate occasions in the 1990’s. It was a honor to host Ends of the Earth Cycling, and also to ride with them on Monday, the third day of their journey, from Hillsboro to Grove City [during the 2015 Mid-West Bike Ride].
When I arrived at the church building on Monday morning at 7:30 our guests were up, packed, "breakfasted" and ready to roll. Taking a vacation day to ride with them, I was ready (for the most part) but apprehensive. This would be a relatively long ride (64 miles) with a good bit of time spent riding on U.S. 62 (not my favorite thing to do). The cyclists split themselves into two groups; one that would travel at a rather brisk pace and one that would travel at what I would call a more sensible pace.
Which group would I ride with . . . hmm? Justin Hanneken, the organization and ride leader asked,
“You’re riding with us (first group) aren’t you?”
“Well, I’m not sure. I was thinking about riding with the Journey group (2nd group).”
“Naw. You need to ride with us.”
“I’m not sure I’ll be able to keep up.”
“Sure you can. We’ll do it together.”
With the encouragement and invitation I received from my new friend, Justin, and the others in the Pace group, I decided to give it a whirl. Throughout the day, like the one before (I had joined them for half of their ride) we would face many challenges and I would be reminded of several things that I find relevant for our spiritual journey toward eternity. I have written about some of these things in the past so I will not rehash them here. But here are just a few more lessons I’ve learned from the seat of a bike.
We began in fog. Fog makes it hard to see and to be seen. Extra care and caution must be taken to remain safe. Life often descends on us like a fog, clouding our view. It is easy to miss a sign or turn and head off in the wrong direction.
Hills are hard going up but offer their own reward of spectacular views at the summit, plus the exhilarating, though sometime dangerous descent on the other side. Life is made up of highs and lows with some tremendous views thrown in by God’s grace. Embrace it all and learn what God would have you learn.
Invisible enemies are the most challenging and hostile. Facing a wind is sometimes harder than climbing a steep hill. Every hill comes to an end and you can see the top, but wind just keeps coming even though you don’t see it. It is relentless. Don’t underestimate the power of our mortal enemy the devil, but remember, “Greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world” (1 John 4:4).
But the lesson I really want to focus on is the strength of brotherhood (comradery). When we jumped onto U.S 62 in Washington C.H. we wanted to get off just as quickly as possible, but that would be about 18 miles up the road. We rode single file with a lead change every mile or two. The leader would indicate the end of his pull and the time for change by a sign, then move to the right allowing the entire pace line of riders to pass. He would then tuck in at the back of the line and take advantage of the draft created by the group. In this way each person shared the load, some for shorter distances than others, and the group was able to keep a far quicker pace than any one rider could have done alone and for a far greater distance. Teamwork benefits everyone. By riding in this way we travelled at a pace about 5 mph faster than I could have done alone. If anyone in the group lagged behind we would let the leader know and he would slow the pace till everyone was tightly back together.
Toward the end of the ride I was all tuckered out, but the TEAM did not abandon me. They slowed just enough to keep me in the pack yet still needing to exert effort to push forward. We rode into our destination at Buckeye Christian Church TOGETHER.
I am grateful for these brothers who helped me when I was weak through their encouragement and their teamwork. I am even more grateful for the larger Body of Christ, the church, who together are being made perfect in Christ. Let’s share the load and enjoy the ride till Christ returns. We need one another!
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