From the
Pastor
May 2008
May 11, 2008 is the Day of Pentecost when the Christian church
celebrates the out pouring of the Holy Spirit upon the praying disciples,
their bold preaching of the gospel message in foreign languages, and the
expansion of Christ’s message into the entire world. As faithful
disciples, we are called to go; make disciples; baptize in the name of
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; and teach all that Jesus Christ commanded.
This evangelistic message was demonstrated by a young man who knocked
on my door.
About 6:00 pm on Easter evening, March 23, 2008; I heard a knock at the
front door of the manse that roused me out of an afternoon nap. Groggily,
I opened the door to find a young bicyclist wearing a wool South American
hat, who asked if I was the pastor of the big white church on the hill.
I acknowledged that I was that pastor, so the young man asked permission
to sleep in the church for the evening. When I appeared reserved, he asked
if he could sleep on the front porch of the manse. Since I planned on
a trout fishing trip early the next morning, I took the young man to the
local motel and paid for a nights lodging. He remarked that he was from
Ithaca, New York and if I ever got up that way I should stop in for a
visit. Then next morning he left a thank you letter with the motel manager.
The letter informed me of his name, address, and reason for bicycling
across the country. His instructions led me to a website [http://bici.ppckernel.org]
that described in words and photos his amazing 19 month journey. Daniel
Kidney and his brother left Ithaca, NY in September 2006 riding their
bicycles to the southern United States. They packed their bikes, gear,
and supplies onto an airplane and flew to South America. They stopped
for two weeks to learn Spanish, and then began their cycling journey back
from South America, through Central America and then home to Ithaca, New
York.
I was impressed that Daniel spent Sunday evening in Kinsman, Ohio and
arrived in Ithaca, New York on Thursday. I e-mailed Daniel asking why
he made the journey and what he learned from his experiences. His reply
will be printed in this newsletter.
I encourage you to go to the above website, view Daniel’s travel
log, marvel at his beautiful photographs, and read the details of this
amazing journey. This young man’s faith, courage, and dedication
are an inspiration to us all. The next time the Holy Spirit inspires you
to use your gifts, talents, and resources for the Kingdom of God, remember
how God watched over Daniel, his brother, and his friends on their cycling
adventure to South America and back.
Blessings,
Pastor Larry
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