There was several of the M25 riders who chose to stay with the riders and serve them on the ride. It was at tough knowing we could have made the trip so much quicker, less stress and arrived and found time in the room cooling off or drying off (hit rain getting gas at the end). Yet, what a blessing, hearing a 80 year old Jewish man who rode from Canada hug and thank us. Yes, we rode at a pace that gave him and others time to cool off, rest a bit and then get back on. It meant more stops and longer stops, however, when you are attempting to show you really care and want to serve, it is no big deal.
One of the Jewish riders told Carolyn of the many rides they have been on, this had a different atmosphere. Those needing help, felt the love from the M25 riders that chose to get these wonderful people along a 1200 plus mile trip. The expertise of our communications and safety that it brought was truly appreciated. Riders who wold leave earlier, ride faster and try to intimidate me when we would arrive. Gene Adee's comment came to my mind, 'Only you can allow someone to intimidate you'. Our heart as a team was a true blessing, even to those who jeered us.
This was the patch Howard & I received in Atlanta. The president told me after we arrived in Boca what it meant. It is slang for 'citizen of Israel' - like a cactus - rough, rugged and thorny. Wow, I know it meant a lot to Howard, but for me, not being a Jew, it is AWESOME. Our M25 team has been made to feel so welcome and accepted. This afternoon, in addition to my greeting the people in the pledge, Pastor Wes Alvarez will give the prayers and tonight at the banquet, Pastor Mark Richardson will be saying a prayer. Wow - this thing is awesome.
Some may say, why would you do this for just a hundred or so Jewish folks. Well, there are is a myriad of reasons that have traveled through my mind. The key ones:
1. The Jewish people have always been outnumbered but God always brings them back. It would appear to me that this is a good place to be.
2. They are looking for people who will do more than, say a prayer. A missionary to Israel last night stated they are looking for more than lip service.
3. They are leery of Christians, remember our past????? Isn't it a good thing to do something.
4. One of our denominations core values is "standing against injustice".
5. One of my personal core values, 'it is better to light a candle than to curse the darkness'. I cannot change the world, I don't have that gift or burden (however you look at it) but I am required to do something. Gene Adee, Hoka Hey Riding partner stated, "If not I then who? If not know, When?"
Blessings
Gary Burd, National M25 Director
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