Long days to bring Bibles and healing to the women of Rwanda

Unity couple, Jim and Noella Chase, joined a team of support staff for cyclists, including Unity doctor, Linda Bloem, in a mountain cycle trek called Bike for Bibles.

This year's theme was "Through our spokes, God speaks". This project is a ministry of the Canadian Bible Society and Dr. Bloem was proud to ride in it for her third time.

This year's project was entitled "She is my sister" and the group was aiming to raise money for counselling to facilitate emotional healing, and to bring God's word of hope and restoration, to the women of Rwanda who are still struggling after the genocide of 1994.

The 13 riders completed an 818-kilometre trek through the Rockies starting at Revelstoke, B.C., and ending in Cochrane, Alta. Distances travelled varied from 83 to 173 kilometres a day.

Four "roadies, " including the Chases, joined the bikers, travelling in vehicles to provide food, snacks, water, technical assistance and their cheerleading enthusiasm, which was considered invaluable by the cyclists.

Every night, Dr. Bloem said, "We had a host church that provided us with supper and opened their buildings as sleeping quarters and bike storage for us. Those evenings, we had a very special and blessed time of fellowship with fellow riders and our roadies. We had the opportunity to meet people from all walks of life and different countries as this year we had two young guys from Holland riding with us. These friendships amongst participants will last a lifetime."

Dr. Bloem marvelled at the scenery of the mountains amongst which they rode. She felt, "God was always there to protect us and provide extra strength and motivation to get us through each day."

Dr. Bloem added, "This was not a tour for personal accomplishment as we covered all those kilometres for one purpose and that was to touch the hearts and lives of people with (the) Word of God. We are truly thankful for everyone who donated towards our cause and who prayed for us in our journey."

Last year, more than 150 cyclists in 17 locations across Canada raised over $110,000 to help end the waiting for those who still do not have God's Word in their own language.

Unity couple, Jim and Noella Chase decided to accompany Dr. Bloem on this adventure this year, taking part as "roadie" support for the cycling team.

Noella said, "From July 27 to Aug. 3 we took part in this phenomenal experience. Every day was an awareness of the awe and beauty of our own Canadian Rocky Mountains, which included intense heat, cool mornings and majestic mountain views along the way. One of the more interesting days took place in Day 6 when the cyclists made the Invermere to Canmore 173K trek that included a vertical climb of over 6,000 feet, nine flat tires and thankfully no injuries or other catastrophes!

"Jim and I participated because we appreciate the work of the Canadian Bible Society and their influence in many countries. We knew Dr. Bloem had ridden in past years and we figured if she can pedal that far, we certainly can be a support vehicle that far. Little did we realize that being a 'roadie' involved being up at 5:30 a.m. and in bed by 11 p.m. I was in charge of food and snack preparation as bikers need to eat and drink to keep up their energy for the continued trek."

Jim packed the vans and fixed bikes, drove sweep position which was at the back with a trailer harnessed with warning signs about bikers ahead. Summer traffic in the mountains is busy and safety is a concern with narrow shoulders on some secondary highways."

The Chases agreed, "We enjoyed very much spending those eight days with people of like minds and faith. The experience was intense and in turn rewarding. Intense because of duties and long hours. Rewarding that the goal was to help those who are so much less fortunate than we are. We felt our time spent would have positive repercussions to people half a world away. The bikers giving it their all in tough terrain and not giving up gave our jobs real meaning. To be 40 years younger would have been nice. However, attitude makes all the difference. The group was supporting to each other and totally cohesive. We felt privileged to be able to be a part of this amazing group of bikers and Bike for Bibles. Will we go again? Wait and see!"

In addition to being a third-time participant in this trek, Dr. Bloem volunteered with the Middletons last year in Honduras as part of a construction group.