Don’t be discouraged by today and know god is watching over you…By the way I was adopted as well……

Jimmy

Mark-
I look forward to your blog updates every morning. This one really hit me emotionally. WOW. You are facing the giants and the obstacles and pressing on!

I loved seeing The James Fund bear being handed out! The smile on the child’s face reminds me of our mission to push on to assist orphans and widows!

Proverbs 3:5

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;

Although roadblocks, flat tires and obstacles will be in front of you , cast you cares aside and lean on the Lord. I bet no one told you kingdom work was easy- it angers the enemy!

You are the BEST I want to personally thank you for showing me to keep pushing on when things get tough- with God’s help we do get through these things!

Your stuggles are my struggles and your victories are mine- YOU ARE NOT ALONE!!! Goodness will prevail!

Love ya brother- Your sister in Christ-

Marilyn Sullivan

When you leaned over and put your head on the bus, I lost it. Its hard for me to see such an encourager, be discouraged. Ditto to what Marilyn said. You are doing great work for the Lord and satan is going to do everything he can to discourage that work. But if I know Mark Schultz, like I know Mark Scultz, he wont let satan win this one. You have God on your side and HE will come through. Keep up the fight brother!! And know, that for every time an obsticle comes up, that means you are doing great works for the Lord!! You and God ARE succeeding in this mission.

We are all pulling for you, praying for you, there with you the best we can be with these blogs you all are posting! God gave you a happy heart, a good sense of humor and I know He will give you the strenght and encouragment to keep on going! Thank God for every flat tire because you just dont know what that flat tired kept you from that might not have been nice. Everything that happens, God allows for a reason, praise HIM in those times!

I love ya brother! (((HUGS)))

Mel

Forgot the scripture I was going to leave with you.

Matthew 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

And this, you are doing!

I wondered why I felt so compelled to pray for you so often yesterday!

Now I know why.

I hope today is much better. God won’t bring you to it if he can not bring you through it! you are doing an amazing job! and your attitude (as hard as it may be) has remained positive.

My daughters’ last life lesson at school was perseverance and this is an amazing example for her to see!!!

With love,
Tamee, Caden and Arianna Shea

Where does our help come from?

Yesterday your sacrifice and effort went to new level. Yesterday was a good day.

May God lift you up in your valleys and my he level the mountians before.

Love, Steve

James 1:12
Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.

Keep persevering…We’ll keep praying…God WILL be glorified in all this!
You are an inspiration! Thanks!

Way to go Mark. I can only imagine the frustration the flat tires must have caused yesterday. It was great to see you persevere through it. I pray you don’t have a single flat tire today.

Shake and Bake,

Adrian McManus

God has a plan… it’s not our plan. Every stop you must make is for a reason… There’s a reason you met those nice guys at the bike shop. There’s a reason people in the cars saw you on the side of the road – either going, or stopped due to mechanical problems, or you were delayed to keep you safe. Be anxious for nothing, and be ready for God’s plan to intercede according to His will. Do not be discouraged, try not to be frustrated. Remember, you’re really riding a bike built for two – and God is the front man, the driver. – you peddle. “When Jesus returned from the Jordan River, the power of the Holy Spirit was with him, and the Spirit led him into the desert.” (Luke 4:1)

Prayer: Lord, thank you that we never walk alone as we travel through life’s rugged terrain.

“Thank God for every flat tire because you just dont know what that flat tired kept you from that might not have been nice. Everything that happens, God allows for a reason, praise HIM in those times! ”
I couldn’t agree more. I have learned in my life that all the obstacles that threatened my faith and strength were all lessons God was teaching me, to make me stronger and more focused on him and his promise to never leave me. We are to praise Him in all things and feel confident that HE is pedaling right along with you.
Thank you for these daily blogs….giving us a connnection to you and the wonderful team with you, allows us to pray sepcifically for the needs that arise. You are doing something that only the rest of us can only imagine doing. We are lifting all of you up in prayer. Can’t wait for you to get to Marysville, Ohio…would love to give you all some homemade dinner while you are here!
Keep up the great job and enjoy all that God has planned for you during this time. The scenary is Beautiful, a true reflection of Gods’ wonderful creation! God bless all of you…..Jen

Happy Birthday to You!
Happy Birthday to You!
Happy Birthday dear Clay
Happy Birthday to You!

A Poem by Kenn Nesbitt

Ogden Myers Spun His Tires
———————————–
Ogden Myers spun his tires,
he loved to squeal and skid them.
He liked to make black tire marks,
though traffic laws forbid them.
The screeching noise, the pouring smoke,
he thought it quite a sport,
until police arrested him
and dragged him off to court.
Before the judge he cried and cried,
all teary-eyed and blubbery,
but though he wailed, he still got jailed –
the charge was “highway rubbery.”

I guess it could be worse…

The Casazzas of Atlanta, GA

Happy Birthday to You!
Happy Birthday to You!
Happy Birthday dear Clay
Happy Birthday to You!

A Poem by Kenn Nesbitt

Ogden Myers Spun His Tires
———————————–
Ogden Myers spun his tires,
he loved to squeal and skid them.
He liked to make black tire marks,
though traffic laws forbid them.
The screeching noise, the pouring smoke,
he thought it quite a sport,
until police arrested him
and dragged him off to court.
Before the judge he cried and cried,
all teary-eyed and blubbery,
but though he wailed, he still got jailed –
the charge was “highway rubbery.”

I guess it could be worse…

The Casazzas of Atlanta, GA

Mark,

I agree with Mel, when you leaned your head against the bus, I felt so discouraged for you but God immediately reminded me of one of my favorite songs by Casting Crowns – “Praise You In This Storm” –

“I’ll Praise you in this storm
And I will lift my hands
You are who you are
No matter where I am
And every tear I’ve cried
You hold in your hand
You never left my side
And though my heart is torn
I will Praise You in this storm”

I know that you will keep on praising HIM……keep rollin’ on brother. We’re praying for ya’ . The enemy will always fight when we are about the Master’s business!

Blessings,
Sarah Netherton – Bekah’sMom
Greensburg, IN (((HUGS))))

Hey Mark,
I agree with the other comments, that everything happens for a reason, Im sure its hard to see that right now, but I know that I asked MY GOD to send his best angels to watch over you, I know that he would do anything for his child to keep them safe.
Now I know why I had such a burden yesterday, I just didn’t know what it was for. Then my mother-in-law called and left a strange message saying that she thinks Psalm 18:6 would be good for me to read today.( In My distress I called to the Lord; I cried to my God for help. From his temple he heard my voice; my cry came before him, into his ears. Psalm 18:6) So I read it and I’m like, what is she talking about Im not in distress. The burden was still on me and I couldn’t figure it out. But now I know that it was God telling me to pray for you. God is truely with you Mark. We are all praying for you and he is being faithful to speak to others to encourage you through other believers. Does that make sense??
After I saw the blog this morning ( and stopped crying) I asked God to give me more scripture for you and this is what he gave me.
A voice of one calling: ” In the desert prepare the way for the Lord; make straight in the wilderness a highway for our God. Every vallley shall be raised up, every mountain and hill made low; the rough ground shall become level, the rugged places a plain. And the glory of the Lord shall be reaveled, and all mankind together will see it. For the mouth of the Lord has spoken.” ( Isaiah 40:3-5)
He will not give you more than you can handle Mark. At times in my life it was not the easiest and Ive endured more than I think I could handle at the time, but God was there EVERY single time, even when I was so young I didn’t know it. When I thought I couldn’t take “whatever” it was, I thought about Jesus, walking with that cross, being mocked and in unbelievable pain. And I said to myself, can I do this?? Yes, If Jesus could go through that for me, than I can do this!!
We are so prould of you and Luv ya Mark- In Christ,
Christina and the Ross Family

Mark,

10,000 new children became orphans today (6,000 of those due to HIV/AIDS). Keep fighting! Keep RIDING ON!

You’re advocating for those 10,000 each time you overcome a flat tire!

So thankful for you bro,

Andy Lehman
(Life International – http://www.lifeintl.org)

Mark,
I know what you are going through with the flat tires! I also cycle and the little bits of wire that are causing your flats are from 18 wheelers whose tires blow up and shred, as you have seen them along the way. Don’t get discouraged for God will give you the strength to carry out your mission

In His Grip,
Nacho

My family’s hearts go out to you as you venture across the states in pursuit of giving to those in need. My oldest son, Jacob, who is 11 has requested that we sponsor you. He’s excited for what you are doing and sees that no matter what your gifts are, God can do marvellous things by using you for His glory. Thanks for stepping out in faith, knowing the journey will be rough, and seeking God’s will for you on this powerful embarkment. We are praying for you to be strong, blessed, and protected as you peddle up those rough terrains. We are peddling beside you in our hearts.

Love,

Mendoza family from KC

Hi Mark – bummer you had so many flats in a day. Flats should be like vitamins – only ONE a day! ha. I think on my cross-country trip I had a total of 5 for the whole trip. Not too bad. But I know, when you’re on your bike, and trying to make miles, and you have the stress from the elements and the terrain, a flat tire is NOT what you want. But, like others have said, everything happens for a reason – don’t fret. Try to look on the positive side, and enjoy the scenery around you, the people you meet, the music and words on your iPod, and the reason you are out there in the first place. Patience, my boy, patience.

Mark and Team,

This blog and the comments is the church at work. It is powerful to see a community form around you guys. The body is at work around you and is rallying every day, just a bit more, for the cause of the orphan.

For what you face to today team, may God give give you His Glory Strength to rise above it.

Peace be the journey.

Steve

Today as so many out there, I jumped in the mud puddle with you and prayed for you.
Greg and Cathy Huffer
Monterrey, Mexico

Congrats on making it to Gallup.

I am sorry you had a tough day yesterday. Your struggles remind me of Paul as he wrote in Colossians 1:29 To this end I also labor, striving according to His working which works in me mightily. Thank you for striving for the sake of these children!!

As you pass the mountains of New Mexico, isn’t it wonderful to be reminded of Psalm 121:1-3 I will lift up my eyes to the mountains; From where shall my help come? My help comes from the LORD, Who made heaven and earth. He will not allow your foot to slip; He who keeps you will not slumber.

As one adopted, this is a special tour! Thank you!!

Craig Barrack
Gallup NM

Mark,

When I watched your latest blog and saw you put your head on the front of the bus, my heart ached. How frustrating it must have been to deal with all those flat tires! Be assured that your frustrations and struggles were lifted up in prayer! And you did not give up – you persevered.

“Consider it all joy, my brothers, when you encounter various trials, for you kow that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. and let perseverance be perfect so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” James 1:2-4

You are amazing! Take care, stay safe and keep pedaling! (Those big trucks look so BIG when they go past you!)

God Bless,
Chris A.

Bond2663 posted about this blog and the comments and support being like a church gathering around our brother in Christ while he goes through so much druing this tour. It made me think of Marks song Cloud of Witnesses, and what inspired that song and how the teens all gathered around their brother in Christ in a time of need.

Cloud Of Witnesses

We watched them runnin’ down the aisles,
Children’s time, Sunday morning.
The preacher asked them who they loved,
They all smiled and started pointing to their mom,
Their dad,
The teacher from their kindergarten class;
And each and every one
Had just come from

A cloud of witnesses
That would see them through the years
Cheer them with a smile
And pray them through the tears
A cloud of witnesses that would see them to the end,
And shower them with love that never ends
A cloud of witnesses.

They stuck together through the years,
The best of friends faith could foster
So when they found out one of them
Had heard the news
He’d lost his father,
They ran to him
And prayed and put their hands upon his head,
And slowly one by one
They’d all become

A cloud of witnesses
As they sent above a prayer
They took a hold of hands and
circled ’round a friend
A cloud of witnesses with a faith just like a rock,
They helped him give his father back to God
As a cloud of witnesses

So when it comes the time
That heaven calls
They’ll come running to see the
ones who’ve gone before,
And made the journey home to find
waiting for them at the finish line,
Cheerin happily they will run
and they will see

A could of witnesses
Lined up on a street of gold
As they run the final mile.
That leads them to a throne.
And through the cloud of witnesses
They see God upon the throne.
And as they fall into His arms,
They know they’re home in
A cloud of witnesses,
Surrounded by a could of witnesses.

We watched them runnin down the aisles
Children’s time
Sunday morning.

Hey Mark… from the Fish radio station here in SoCal.

Hang in there.

Re: multiple flats. As a daily commuter on crummy roads I have a tire recomendation for you. Go for the Specialized Armadillo’s…probably 700 X 25 would be a good choice. They are practically bulletproof.
You’ll get approx 1,500 hard miles outa a rear Armadillo based on my experience. Front might take you coast to coast!!

Keep us posted!

Chuck Tyler

Mark,
On one of your blogs recently you mentioned that you had a hot pack on your knee. I’m not a nurse, but my mother is a retired nurse and my husband is a nurse. I know that they always tell me to put ice on sore muscles or inflammation of any kind. Heat brings the blood to the surface and will increase swelling, which in turn increases pain. Ice will slow the blood flow to that area and help decrease inflammation. Hope it helps. We’re praying for you, brother!
Jennifer

Mark – how excited we are to be following your daily trek across this nation in support of widows and orphans. God is blessing you as you go and your life will never be the same after all the things you see, hear and experience on the road. I am sure you are having to press on in ways you never would have dreamed of in the past, but as others have said before the testimony and songs that will come as you give to this wonderful cause for others is endless. We are praying for you daily and throughout the day as we think of you out on the road. You have a great team supporting you and we ask God to use and protect them as well. We are also asking God for each of your downward strides to be repossessing the land of America for His purposes. You are blessed to be a blessing! [b]Ephesians 3:16 NKJV – That He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man. [/b]
Isaiah 6:8 Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me. God Bless – The Lucid’s of Ohio color=cyan][/color]

Mark-
I watched the blog tonight with my 5 year old. I explained to her what you were doing and why you were doing it. She was so impressed, then she said “daddy isn’t that the man who was always cheering for you when you ran track (referring to all the newspaper pictures in my scrap book) I said yes it is. Well I am cheering you on this time. Keep it up Bro.
Skins
PS- You may be breaking the speed limit on some of those down hills, I know you learned from GS that the police will let you know if your speeding.

Mark,
I owe you a BIG apology…I call you my friend, and yet I haven’t been here for you, as a true friend and Cloud should be. For the last week, I have gotten so caught up in the struggles that I’ve been facing lately, that I have neglected prayer for you and for this I am deeply sorry. God really spoke to me when Mel mentioned on the message boards, that we as Clouds really need to get together and come here and encourage you and let you know we are praying for you…I took time tonite to get caught up on your blogs this week. The more I watched, the more shame I felt for not being here for you as I should be. And seeing you deal with knee pain and the flat tires and the temptation to give up…Seeing you lay your head against the bus…everything combined made me think of something a pastor of mine said a lot “for every mile of road there’s two miles of ditch…” The point being don’t let the devil drag you down with all the darts he throws. Keep the faith Mark, and know that from here on in, I will be here for you in thoughts and prayers, as I should have been all along. (sorry if some of this sounds confusing…I am not always very good with words, but I just wanted to share my heart). God bless you, Kate and your team richly, Mark.
(((hugs))) from your friend in Canada~Helen