Way to be REAL with how you feel. You’re living what I need to learn….when the battle is bigger than you/me – ready to give God room to move & give the battle to Him!
Jill and I really enjoyed the pizza and hanging out with you in the fine dining of the parking lot!
You seem to be very tired and stressed, your tour not unlike our lives bring us good days and difficult days. But the things that we as Christians know,God will never give us more than we can handle.So as you take a well deserved weekend of rest with your family,you will remain in my thoughts and prayers.
You guys are really journeying on not just a bike ride, but on a better understanding of who God really is and who we really are without Him in the lead.
Keep pressing in and on.
Bill in Kansas
PS – Can’t imagine being away from my wife as long as you have been. She will love you even more when you return.
childofmine97
wrote a comment on June 15, 2007
Mark,
Thanks for sharing all the feelings of your heart. You have been so upbeat and strong, both physically and emotionally, that it is good for us to see you “break down” if you will and surrender yourself to God. That is a hard thing to do and something I think we all struggle with. Kate will be sooo happy to see you and I ask God to bless your time together…..Enjoy, Jen
bond2663
wrote a comment on June 15, 2007
My brother,
You faced giants today… and overcame by the work of God’s grace in you! I and the entire Family Christian Team deeply respect how you are managing this grueling run across America.
From man’s perspective this may have been the toughest day of the trip thus far. From God’s perspective, it may have been the best day of the trip thus far.
I continue to thank God for you, for your work of great faith, your labor prompted by love for the orphan, and your endurance inspired by the hope we have in Jesus Christ. I respect the mental toughness it takes each day to decide to get back on that bike. It is truely love that gets you up in the saddle.
Your deisre to make a diiference, your love for the Father, and the orphan is far greater than the natural desire to quit. I love that about you!
Attack!!!
Steve
Chrissy
wrote a comment on June 15, 2007
I agree with everyone’s postings today. You did perservere in the face of your difficulties.
Let God continue to shine on in your life.
Remember you will being seeing your sweet Kate this weekend! Soak up your time together – you both deserve it!
God bless you, Kate, your crew and everyone close to you.
Blessings and Hugs,
Chrissy A.
anniehickey
wrote a comment on June 15, 2007
Our Dearest Mark:
The kids and I were so moved by today’s video. It’s amazing how we feel we are right there with you. We have been facing physical, medical and circumstantial frustrations here; so much so that we felt we did not even have any encouragement left to offer you. But you are abolutely right. The mountains are going to be there and the winds will be what they are. Our job is to witness inside the circumstance. We must walk through the valley in order to stand on the Mountain of God. In your case, keep biking through it. In our case, I’m heading back to the University of Florida, Shands Hospital next week to face the unthinkable possibility of a 4th brain surgery. I have seen God move so mightily in my life and my children’s lives this last year and I’ve watched him bless your work so much. I have absolutely no reason to believe that he will drop either of us on our keisters. Keep pedaling and my prayers will be with you as I face my winds and mountains and faithfully, God will move us both forward.
God Bless you and keep you
Annie, Cassidy and Justin Elijah!!!!
MJ Holdsworth
wrote a comment on June 15, 2007
This is my first chance to write since we traveled with you earlier in the week. Thank you for such a WONDERFUL opportunity. Mark and I were blessed to serve you guys for a couple of days. We loved meeting some of your fans along the way, like Chrissy, Joni and Bradley.
Like the others, I too love your honesty. I don’t seek out tough times but know that in life they will come. It’s during these times our faith grows stronger, so let them come!
A wise man once said every society is judged by how it treats it’s
least fortunate amongst them.
Thanks for a great example!
Luskey5
wrote a comment on June 15, 2007
I wear a crucifix on a chain around my neck. I chose a crucifix over a cross perhaps because I grew up Catholic, but more so because it reminds me of the sacrifice Christ made on the cross for us. It’s good that we look to the cross and recognize it as the very symbol of our salvation, but for me, we should never forget the pain, suffering and agony that was endured UPON that cross FOR our salvation. When life gets hard, I’m having a hard time cutting through the frustration of the day, or things aren’t turning out like I want them to, I simply try to remember my crucifix and the sacrifice that one man made for the antonement of my sins, and for those of our brothers and sisters. Then I ask this question, “Does anything I’m going through even compare to the sacrifice Christ made for me?” My troubles become nothing more than tasks ahead or moments of remembering that God is in control, not me, and I carry on.
So put the bikes in the shop, knock out your concert tonight, remember the words to “He Will Carry Me” as you spend the weekend with your family, and crank up “Let’s Go” as you get back on the pedals Monday.
After all, how many people get to part of their ministry riding across a great country, meeting awesome supporters along the way, and raising money for a group of people so near and dear to their hearts? Right now, the one with this blessing is you! And there are many more blessings ahead of you!
Watching your video today reminds me of how you are human, just as we all are. Sometimes we tend to think that it is all smiles and fun, but its not. And todays video gave a glimps of the things you are going through and sacrificing on this ride. Reminds me that I need to pray just a little harder for you on this journey. Your blogs are usually upbeat and fun, happy times and I appreciate you showing us all some of the struggles and heartache you are enduring along the way. I hear a song being created through that last video as you talked of how tired you are, frustrated, even angry at times, but in the end, you were able to get your focus back on the Lord. Thats good stuff!
Not much more I can say that everyone else here hasnt said already, some good encouragment in these previous posts and I say ditto to them all, they spoke the words for me that I cant always get out how or what I want to say.
We are here for you brother, enjoy your time at home!!
In Christ,
Mel
Melody
wrote a comment on June 15, 2007
My son Zac and I were so excited to hear that you were going to be in Pittsburg, Ks last friday. My husband and I adopted Zac from KCSL about 8 years ago when he was 2, and when we recieved word that we were invited to come and meet you……..it made Zac feel really special to be an adopted child and to be catorgorized with you. Unfortunalty………I had already made a commitment to teach in Vacation Bible School, and I wasn’t about to leave our church ladies and 25 kindergarteners hanging on the last day of VBS. So…… our social worker Dana went to see you and she said she would brief us on everything you said. We are currently in the process of adopting our second child. Her name is Carli and she has been such a joy ot our lives. She just turned two at the first of June. I just wanted to take the oppurtunity to thank you for sharing your story of adoption…….it helps families like mine to know that GOD uses ALL situations to glorify Him!! We will continue to pray for your ministry, and always know that you have touched our lives here in Caney, Ks.
Thanks,
Melody
RGPaul2898
wrote a comment on June 15, 2007
Ahhhhhh………
Confucius say, “Man who ride behind bus get exhausted!”
IHD,
~Roger
luvaburton
wrote a comment on June 15, 2007
Mark,
As I have been following your vlog, I have been struck by the fact that your bad days seem to be when you ride alone. When one or two brothers are there to share the pacing and enjoy the slip stream, things are better.
Isn’t that a great spiritual picture for us, too. We need the Holy Spirit to be our leader. We need the church to be our riding partner. We are not made to cycle alone, nor are we made to live this life in Christ alone.
Can’t wait for you to get to Ohio. I am planning to ride with you and hopefully allow you to film a “manthatwasagreatdayofriding” entry and not a “imsotiredicouldsleepfordays” kinda’ entry.
Keep it up.
Luke
sweettlc
wrote a comment on June 16, 2007
Mark, it is so hard to see you so down and out. Remember back to one of your first video blogs, you stated that God is giving you these challenges for a reason. I like the positive self talk though. You worked through your challenge with strength and knowledge that you have gain so far. Just think if you were not doing this ride, what would we have to blog about? But most importantly, the children and the woman you are helping. I bet they are just pleased to hear that someone is doing something to help, they may not know who you are, but they know you are an important person who was called to help them. Today’s quote: “There are rivers for you to cross, but when you walk through the waters, God will be with you. There are mountains for you to climb. But when you cannot take another step…He will carry you.” This reminds me of the Footprints saying. “…when there was one set of footprints, that is when I carried you.” Well, he carried you today on the back of his bike. Mark, I have the faith in you that you will finish this ride and you will look back, pat yourself on your back and say I did that, how many people can really say that. Sometimes we set high goals for ourselves and they are not acheiveable. Your goal was to bike across this rich land of ours, raise money for those who are less fortunionate, and prove to yourself you can do this. With the backing of your sponsors, family, friends, “the crew,” your wife, your fans, and people talking about the great thing you are doing and getting done. You are half way across America- how many people can say that? Not many. You can reach that goal you set in front of yourself. You have 2 days to “rest” and then restart new again. You are going to finish this, you are the one who was “choosen” to raise awareness to the James fund, it was you who was called and with your calling you recruited others to help you, and with that support you will make it, and the James Fund will have been helped and you helped make others aware of the issues surrounding what the James Fund does. Thank you for your sacrifice. You are doing so much. Again, you are being held in a lot of individuals prayers. Remember you are HUMAN, and of course, I haven’t met one human that isnt perfect, or one that never had a bad day. Humans, what more can I say. Thanks Mark for showing us this other side of your journey, it is important for everyone to see what God is tossing your way. You are teaching us so much about the human spirit, and the calling one recieves.
Sweettlc
Simply… We love you and are praying for you. These are the times that we know that when we are praying for you, you really need it and appreciate it.
Love you brother!!!
In Christ,
Christina Ross
PS We are going to try really, really hard to find you somewhere in NY.
Thanks so much for sharing! You are learning many life lessons along this trip and I feel that we are just so blessed to be able to pray for you and watch you grow in this journey. God is still molding you and shaping you! What a marvelous work in progress!
Marilyn Sullivan
wrote a comment on June 18, 2007
Mark-
Thank you for sharing your heart! I am so happy that you worked through your hardships on this day and surrendered. Never in my life was I taught that if I surrendered I could win. When I surrend to God and let Him be in contol- I always win. Also the orphans win! Unfortunately for me also, sometimes it takes alot of banging my head on the wall for me to realize it hurts and I don’t like it. It is ONLY through the strength of God that I can get through my funks.
Thanks for reminding me that through God ALL things are possible.
Lean on God and not your own understanding and things have a way of working out.
Enjoy your well deserved rest with Kate.
We love you and again- Thanks for riding for the Orphans and Widows!!
I, like Mel, willl pary harder for you and I know you will prevail with the strength of the Lord!!
Love,
Marilyn
Bekahs Mom
wrote a comment on June 18, 2007
Mark,
WOW….thanks for being so open and honest with us! What you said in your blog on the 14th was exactly what I NEEDED TO HEAR TODAY on the 18th! Praise God for your continued success and for the mountains that you continue to climb with him. You are my hero and as I’ve said before, when I grow up, I wanna be like you.
Bekah and I are still praying for you daily and getting so exicted as you are only one state away from Indiana. If there is any way that someone could let us know what your route will be (I am assuming you will be taking US 40) that would be great because we definately want to be there cheering you on! Bekah keeps asking when she can see Mark!
Press on Brother!
Blessings,
Bekah’sMom
Sarah Netherton
Greensburg, IN snetherton@yahoo.com
(59)
20 Responses to “June 14th, 2007 Springfield, IL to Champaign, IL”
Mark,
Way to be REAL with how you feel. You’re living what I need to learn….when the battle is bigger than you/me – ready to give God room to move & give the battle to Him!
Jill and I really enjoyed the pizza and hanging out with you in the fine dining of the parking lot!
love you bro,
Andy Lehman
http://www.lifeintl.org
Mark,
You seem to be very tired and stressed, your tour not unlike our lives bring us good days and difficult days. But the things that we as Christians know,God will never give us more than we can handle.So as you take a well deserved weekend of rest with your family,you will remain in my thoughts and prayers.
May the Grace of God rain down on you and yours:)
God Bless
Mark
Team;
You guys are really journeying on not just a bike ride, but on a better understanding of who God really is and who we really are without Him in the lead.
Keep pressing in and on.
Bill in Kansas
PS – Can’t imagine being away from my wife as long as you have been. She will love you even more when you return.
Mark,
Thanks for sharing all the feelings of your heart. You have been so upbeat and strong, both physically and emotionally, that it is good for us to see you “break down” if you will and surrender yourself to God. That is a hard thing to do and something I think we all struggle with. Kate will be sooo happy to see you and I ask God to bless your time together…..Enjoy, Jen
My brother,
You faced giants today… and overcame by the work of God’s grace in you! I and the entire Family Christian Team deeply respect how you are managing this grueling run across America.
From man’s perspective this may have been the toughest day of the trip thus far. From God’s perspective, it may have been the best day of the trip thus far.
I continue to thank God for you, for your work of great faith, your labor prompted by love for the orphan, and your endurance inspired by the hope we have in Jesus Christ. I respect the mental toughness it takes each day to decide to get back on that bike. It is truely love that gets you up in the saddle.
Your deisre to make a diiference, your love for the Father, and the orphan is far greater than the natural desire to quit. I love that about you!
Attack!!!
Steve
I agree with everyone’s postings today. You did perservere in the face of your difficulties.
Let God continue to shine on in your life.
Remember you will being seeing your sweet Kate this weekend! Soak up your time together – you both deserve it!
God bless you, Kate, your crew and everyone close to you.
Blessings and Hugs,
Chrissy A.
Our Dearest Mark:
The kids and I were so moved by today’s video. It’s amazing how we feel we are right there with you. We have been facing physical, medical and circumstantial frustrations here; so much so that we felt we did not even have any encouragement left to offer you. But you are abolutely right. The mountains are going to be there and the winds will be what they are. Our job is to witness inside the circumstance. We must walk through the valley in order to stand on the Mountain of God. In your case, keep biking through it. In our case, I’m heading back to the University of Florida, Shands Hospital next week to face the unthinkable possibility of a 4th brain surgery. I have seen God move so mightily in my life and my children’s lives this last year and I’ve watched him bless your work so much. I have absolutely no reason to believe that he will drop either of us on our keisters. Keep pedaling and my prayers will be with you as I face my winds and mountains and faithfully, God will move us both forward.
God Bless you and keep you
Annie, Cassidy and Justin Elijah!!!!
This is my first chance to write since we traveled with you earlier in the week. Thank you for such a WONDERFUL opportunity. Mark and I were blessed to serve you guys for a couple of days. We loved meeting some of your fans along the way, like Chrissy, Joni and Bradley.
Like the others, I too love your honesty. I don’t seek out tough times but know that in life they will come. It’s during these times our faith grows stronger, so let them come!
Blessings to you all!
mj
Just another hurdle brother. We all get tired. Will be praying for your whole team.
Todd
http://www.christiancycling.com
A wise man once said every society is judged by how it treats it’s
least fortunate amongst them.
Thanks for a great example!
I wear a crucifix on a chain around my neck. I chose a crucifix over a cross perhaps because I grew up Catholic, but more so because it reminds me of the sacrifice Christ made on the cross for us. It’s good that we look to the cross and recognize it as the very symbol of our salvation, but for me, we should never forget the pain, suffering and agony that was endured UPON that cross FOR our salvation. When life gets hard, I’m having a hard time cutting through the frustration of the day, or things aren’t turning out like I want them to, I simply try to remember my crucifix and the sacrifice that one man made for the antonement of my sins, and for those of our brothers and sisters. Then I ask this question, “Does anything I’m going through even compare to the sacrifice Christ made for me?” My troubles become nothing more than tasks ahead or moments of remembering that God is in control, not me, and I carry on.
So put the bikes in the shop, knock out your concert tonight, remember the words to “He Will Carry Me” as you spend the weekend with your family, and crank up “Let’s Go” as you get back on the pedals Monday.
After all, how many people get to part of their ministry riding across a great country, meeting awesome supporters along the way, and raising money for a group of people so near and dear to their hearts? Right now, the one with this blessing is you! And there are many more blessings ahead of you!
Pedal on Mark!
The Luskeys
Watching your video today reminds me of how you are human, just as we all are. Sometimes we tend to think that it is all smiles and fun, but its not. And todays video gave a glimps of the things you are going through and sacrificing on this ride. Reminds me that I need to pray just a little harder for you on this journey. Your blogs are usually upbeat and fun, happy times and I appreciate you showing us all some of the struggles and heartache you are enduring along the way. I hear a song being created through that last video as you talked of how tired you are, frustrated, even angry at times, but in the end, you were able to get your focus back on the Lord. Thats good stuff!
Not much more I can say that everyone else here hasnt said already, some good encouragment in these previous posts and I say ditto to them all, they spoke the words for me that I cant always get out how or what I want to say.
We are here for you brother, enjoy your time at home!!
In Christ,
Mel
My son Zac and I were so excited to hear that you were going to be in Pittsburg, Ks last friday. My husband and I adopted Zac from KCSL about 8 years ago when he was 2, and when we recieved word that we were invited to come and meet you……..it made Zac feel really special to be an adopted child and to be catorgorized with you. Unfortunalty………I had already made a commitment to teach in Vacation Bible School, and I wasn’t about to leave our church ladies and 25 kindergarteners hanging on the last day of VBS. So…… our social worker Dana went to see you and she said she would brief us on everything you said. We are currently in the process of adopting our second child. Her name is Carli and she has been such a joy ot our lives. She just turned two at the first of June. I just wanted to take the oppurtunity to thank you for sharing your story of adoption…….it helps families like mine to know that GOD uses ALL situations to glorify Him!! We will continue to pray for your ministry, and always know that you have touched our lives here in Caney, Ks.
Thanks,
Melody
Ahhhhhh………
Confucius say, “Man who ride behind bus get exhausted!”
IHD,
~Roger
Mark,
As I have been following your vlog, I have been struck by the fact that your bad days seem to be when you ride alone. When one or two brothers are there to share the pacing and enjoy the slip stream, things are better.
Isn’t that a great spiritual picture for us, too. We need the Holy Spirit to be our leader. We need the church to be our riding partner. We are not made to cycle alone, nor are we made to live this life in Christ alone.
Can’t wait for you to get to Ohio. I am planning to ride with you and hopefully allow you to film a “manthatwasagreatdayofriding” entry and not a “imsotiredicouldsleepfordays” kinda’ entry.
Keep it up.
Luke
Mark, it is so hard to see you so down and out. Remember back to one of your first video blogs, you stated that God is giving you these challenges for a reason. I like the positive self talk though. You worked through your challenge with strength and knowledge that you have gain so far. Just think if you were not doing this ride, what would we have to blog about? But most importantly, the children and the woman you are helping. I bet they are just pleased to hear that someone is doing something to help, they may not know who you are, but they know you are an important person who was called to help them. Today’s quote: “There are rivers for you to cross, but when you walk through the waters, God will be with you. There are mountains for you to climb. But when you cannot take another step…He will carry you.” This reminds me of the Footprints saying. “…when there was one set of footprints, that is when I carried you.” Well, he carried you today on the back of his bike. Mark, I have the faith in you that you will finish this ride and you will look back, pat yourself on your back and say I did that, how many people can really say that. Sometimes we set high goals for ourselves and they are not acheiveable. Your goal was to bike across this rich land of ours, raise money for those who are less fortunionate, and prove to yourself you can do this. With the backing of your sponsors, family, friends, “the crew,” your wife, your fans, and people talking about the great thing you are doing and getting done. You are half way across America- how many people can say that? Not many. You can reach that goal you set in front of yourself. You have 2 days to “rest” and then restart new again. You are going to finish this, you are the one who was “choosen” to raise awareness to the James fund, it was you who was called and with your calling you recruited others to help you, and with that support you will make it, and the James Fund will have been helped and you helped make others aware of the issues surrounding what the James Fund does. Thank you for your sacrifice. You are doing so much. Again, you are being held in a lot of individuals prayers. Remember you are HUMAN, and of course, I haven’t met one human that isnt perfect, or one that never had a bad day. Humans, what more can I say. Thanks Mark for showing us this other side of your journey, it is important for everyone to see what God is tossing your way. You are teaching us so much about the human spirit, and the calling one recieves.
Sweettlc
Mark,
Simply… We love you and are praying for you. These are the times that we know that when we are praying for you, you really need it and appreciate it.
Love you brother!!!
In Christ,
Christina Ross
PS We are going to try really, really hard to find you somewhere in NY.
Mark,
Thanks so much for sharing! You are learning many life lessons along this trip and I feel that we are just so blessed to be able to pray for you and watch you grow in this journey. God is still molding you and shaping you! What a marvelous work in progress!
Mark-
Thank you for sharing your heart! I am so happy that you worked through your hardships on this day and surrendered. Never in my life was I taught that if I surrendered I could win. When I surrend to God and let Him be in contol- I always win. Also the orphans win! Unfortunately for me also, sometimes it takes alot of banging my head on the wall for me to realize it hurts and I don’t like it. It is ONLY through the strength of God that I can get through my funks.
Thanks for reminding me that through God ALL things are possible.
Lean on God and not your own understanding and things have a way of working out.
Enjoy your well deserved rest with Kate.
We love you and again- Thanks for riding for the Orphans and Widows!!
I, like Mel, willl pary harder for you and I know you will prevail with the strength of the Lord!!
Love,
Marilyn
Mark,
WOW….thanks for being so open and honest with us! What you said in your blog on the 14th was exactly what I NEEDED TO HEAR TODAY on the 18th! Praise God for your continued success and for the mountains that you continue to climb with him. You are my hero and as I’ve said before, when I grow up, I wanna be like you.
Bekah and I are still praying for you daily and getting so exicted as you are only one state away from Indiana. If there is any way that someone could let us know what your route will be (I am assuming you will be taking US 40) that would be great because we definately want to be there cheering you on! Bekah keeps asking when she can see Mark!
Press on Brother!
Blessings,
Bekah’sMom
Sarah Netherton
Greensburg, IN
snetherton@yahoo.com
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