Missionary Bicycle: In the Trail of Two Wheels

Gospel for Asia (GFA) pastor Matai gingerly dismounted his bicycle and stretched his weary muscles as the sun lowered over the horizon. He had traveled many miles since its rising—without any food. Perhaps his stomach grumbled as he caught scent of dinner wafting from his home. He might have exhaled and pushed aside a cloud of discouragement as he at last found respite for the night.

It had been a typical day for Pastor Matai, who traveled more than 12 miles by bike or on foot to remote villages. Like the rural places where many of the world’s poor people live, the communities Pastor Matai served were isolated by distance and terrain. With no other means of transportation, Pastor Matai relied on the power of his legs and the two wheels of his bicycle to traverse the rugged terrain.

It was exhausting, but Pastor Matai had to remain alert so he could watch for poisonous snakes and wild animals along his journey. Staying somewhere overnight was not an option; he had to push on to reach his own door by nightfall.

Was it really worth it? Was he really making a difference? Or was his toil all for naught?

Still, day after day, Pastor Matai made the trek, determined to share Christ’s love. Perceiving the desperate need of the men, women and children he encountered every day, Pastor Matai’s compassion overpowered his fatigue.

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Your gift of a bicycle will enable a national worker to go to far-off places and, just like Jesus, respond to the distress and struggles of the people with a heart of compassion. Within a few years, these villages can change into places of hope and ongoing, positive transformation.