Hello Mark & crew! Yes, you got to be careful about being on the right road as you know the bible does talk about this in Matt 7:13-14 ‘Enter through the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the road is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who go through it. How narrow is the gate and difficult the road that leads to life, and few find it.’ Who would of thought God would use a construction crew to get you back on track!!! The Casazza Family in Atlanta, GA is praying for you all! God Speed!

Mark,
I am so proud of what you are doing for The James Fund in assisting orphans and widows. Thank you for updating your journey daily. What an inspiration you are. I see God clearly having his protective hand over you. On day 1 He provided you endurance. Day 2 He placed construction people in your path to assist in putting you on the right path and God gave you endurance to take in a few extra miles. Praise the Lord!

I want you to know that you are in my prayers daily as I get on my knees and humbly ask the Lord for His divine care and protection on your journey.

May God continue to care and comfort you as you carry out His word in your actions. What a trusted servant you are!

Bless you my friend-

Marilyn at Family Christian Stores Home Office

Mark,

As I check out the daily video, I am impressed by how hard day 1 was for you. Day 2 looked a bit less grueling – praise God. So glad the wind is at your back. That is our prayer for you this trip – may the wind be at your back, may God shield and protect you as you ride, may your energy level stay high and your stamina strong, may you remain focused on the goal, may your heart be encouraged by the prayers of the many, and may you find great strength each day in the knowldege you are serving our Father and the faterless.

We have 4000 Family Christian Stores Employees praying for you.

You are loved deeply, appreciated beyond words, and respected as a warrior for the fatherless. Remember why you ride and who you are riding for. We are calling down God’s glory strength on you. Be safe!

We are so proud of you.

Love and respect,

Steve Biondo
Family Christian Stores, James Fund

“The stronger the mission, the greater the enemy” a pastor friend told said to me this morning when I was telling him about your first (challenging) two days. As your heart is exactly where God wants it to be and with your passionate mission to serve widows and homeless children, the enemy will work hard to hold you back. Fear not…He will carry you with every turn of your wheels.

As I watched your video blog this morning, I realized how many people you’ll touch on this journey. Outside of the concerts and the media interviews, the connections you make on the road will probably be some of your greatest stories. From construction workers to waitresses to tow truck operators, I pray that God will work through you in every situation to bring His children closer to Him.

Thank you for sharing your story with me last week in our interview. Your story has so deeply touched my heart, and I’m so excited to share it with others in my path!! (…even with the TREK bike sales guy! We purchased two bikes on Sunday, and I am happy to support a company who has supported your valiant efforts!)

Mark, the winds will be strong, the roads will wind upward, but He will never leave your side and he will honor your mission. Don’t forget that! Be strong and be safe.

Thanks for all you’re doing!
Heidi Krumenauer

Mark;

You’re the man! (unofficial pat on the back there)

Bill from New Release Tuesday(www.newreleasetuesday.com) and KJIL Radio here. Looking forward to hooking up with you along the route the end of the month in Southwest Kansas. Our listeners are all praying for you, and supporting their Kansas bud.

Blessings

Bill

Psalm 39:5

Hi Mark – glad to see your journey has begun! I biked cross-country about 10 yrs. ago, on a southern route like your’s. The hills, heat and wind do make it a challenge! (although I did my trip in the month of March, so it was cooler). I did have wind to deal with, and there were some times when I thought, “If it keeps up like this, I don’t know if I can do it….” but then soon, the wind would change directions, and I would have a tailwind. So take heart, God is in control of the winds, and can change the direction, and/or give you the strength to make it through. Just gear down and plow on through! Your mind plays an integral part to the biking – think positive. Take breaks often (hopefully in some shade!) to recoup, drink fluids, eat a snack to replenish. You have many miles to cover each day and you need to pace yourself. The sun and heat can be punishing, I know. But don’t push yourself to such extremes where you will get sick from the heat, etc. Just take it easy, at a decent pace.

I’ll be praying for you!

Charmaine Ruppolt

Hi Mark:
Your youtube blogs are both inspiring and daunting at the same time. I’m training hard and looking forward to joining you for a few days during the week of June 11th. More than the bike ride itself, I keep wondering about how to prepare for all the other stuff (supplies, nutrition, etc.)– the basic daily things we so often take for granted. I’ve never done this before, so I keep wondering what detail I’m going to miss. But that’s the beauty in doing this ride– it reminds us to open our eyes to the things we often take for granted– how fitting as we seek to benefit The James Fund– and I’m also excited about getting out on the road and challenging my body for the sake of those precious orphans & widows. Looking forward to seeing you in concert June 15th in Jacksonville, IL. Until then, keep pedalling my friend, and we’ll see you soon (likely in Kirksville, MO if not before).

Blessings!
Rob Regal –
Family Friendly 91.1 WIBI

Mark,
I can’t tell you how proud Bekah and I am of you! We are praying for you and anxiously awaiting your passing through INDIANA! We will be there cheering you on.

Know that we are praying for you daily and checking your progress on the website. I felt such compassion for you on day one…..what a trooper you are! Praying that the days get a easier for you!

Keep peddling and know how much we love you!
BekahsMom – HoosierCloud and Bekah – BooCloud
Greensburg, IN

Hey Mark,

Well – I guess won’t be seeing you biking around Chapel Hill for a while. (Yea, I saw you!)

Everybody at UNC is pulling for you!

GO MARK!!

Jules
(Kate’s Jules)

Dude..you’re a stud. Just tacked on an extra 20? WOW!

GO MARK GO!! GO MARK GO!!!

Your friend from Word Music-
John

Hey Mark,
It must be great to know that you can and are making a difference. Trust me brother and alot of others out here that are with you- you are! What a great opportunity you have in front of you to not only bring much much needed attention to the plight of children and widows supported by the James Fund but a chance to meet alot of people you most likely would never meet and witness Gods truth to. He will use in ways this trip that you have never imagined so just take it all in -good times and the bad and let us all remember that the Lord is in conrol always. God is good! Thanks again for all your efforts and we will be checking back each day on your progress and will continue to spread the word about what you are doing! Put the pedal to the metal so to speak Mark and God Bless!
Your friend and brother in Christ
Tim

Well, we aren’t sure, but we think one of the men clapping was our great homeless friend, Clay Praying for you guys!
Aaron & Alicia Gregg