In Eckleburg's Eyes - 7/17/2008

On Wednesday night, I went to church to hear a presentation by the Ride: Well bicycle team. The group is cycling across the country to raise awareness for the need for wells in Africa. They are staying at the church tonight before heading out tomorrow. Wednesday was a short day for the team as they had stayed in Wartburg, Tennessee, the previous night.

The group was introduced by MLM who in turn introduced the group’s leader, Drew Nelson (DN). DN explained that the group embarked on June 6 from California and have been biking ever since. The team is comprised of 18 members who represent 14 states. The tour will end when their front tires rest in the Atlantic Ocean in Delaware.

They are attempting to raise funds for the Blood:Water Mission. This group was started by the Christian band Jars of Clay after a visit to Africa in 2002 in which they were told of the great improvement additional water could make on the continent. DN reported that $1 could supply an African with water for a year and $3500 could supply a village with a well. The group’s goal of $150,000 has already been exceeded and donations presently sit at over $170,000.

DN introduced two team members who spoke. Greg Bargo (GCB) of Texas spoke first. He admitted that he originally joined the team for the challenge but has become aware of the needs of the people of Africa. He has been amazed at the genuine support of people throughout the country.

Next, Gregg Mwenda of Nairobi, Kenya, shared his experience from the perspective of a native African. He thanked everyone and claimed that Africa could rise from the ashes.

Donald Miller, author of Blue Like Jazz and other books, is part of the group and was in attendance. He did not speak. This was probably wise as the event did not become about him. Despite his presence, attendance was average and perhaps even down from previous weeks’ Wednesday night services.

The group distributed brochures. If interested, online donations can be made on their web site.

The presentation was very informative. I also got to see many of friends. I sat by the DAT family (including AMTT), MLM and also got to see JTH (for the fourth consecutive day), TAM, OMM, and the MBR family. MBR’s 13-month old daughter Chase began walking this week. She and sister were happy and adorable as uusal.