“So, you guys are a fundraising ministry?” This question is very common in our line of work. It used to bother me but now I recognize what we do at Ends of the Earth Cycling is quite complex. Until someone comes on a tour with us, it really seems like our primary goal is fundraising – but, in fact, that’s quite the opposite.
The first ride from Ft. Myers to Key West happened 9 years ago. Our goals back then were simple – bring together youth pastors from across our city for 5 days of community, prayer, and a chance to share with them about global youth ministry. Fundraising was icing on the cake.
Fast forward 9 years, and we are delighted to have led 33 Christ-centered cycling tours. The cyclists on those tours have raised almost $700K for youth ministries globally; but even still – fundraising has remained of 3rd-importance to us.
First and foremost, our ministry is focused on PRAYER. This is evidenced by our daily prayer themes that we share with our riders and community-at-large. It is also evident when we gather as a CREW and pray every Monday for about an hour – lifting up requests from all over the world. Prayer is further evidenced by our hashtag: #PrayPedalRepeat
Second to prayer, we are really big on advocacy. Story-telling is very important to us – and we want to share the story of our beneficiaries with accuracy and excitement. This is evidenced by our BLOG – Stories of Impact.
After prayer, and advocacy, yes – we do raise funds. Financial resources are great; but human resources are also important. That’s why we raised up people to go and we go ourselves!
Just 2 months ago, I was accompanied by Matt Miller (EC Associate Director) and Jimmy Akers (EC Alumni) on a short-term project to India & Sri Lanka. On this trip, we had the privilege of visiting a ministry that we had previously ridden for, in 3 distinct tours. We came alongside them, hosting 6 training events for pastors (with 158 pastors/leaders attending), and 5 outreaches to youth and children (totaling 175 children). We encouraged them and they encouraged us. We prayed together, worshiped Jesus, enjoyed good food, and long – OK really long – drives in the mountains. And it was all worth it – why? Because relationships matter!
We don’t just raise funds, we raise prayers. We don’t just send funds, we send people. For us – this is a Kingdom thing, not a cycling thing. We rejoice in all God has done and will continue to do. Pray that we remain laser-focused and humble all at the same time. May He always get the glory!
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We are an active bicycling community impacting youth globally. We give people who want to change the world opportunities to use cycling to bring the hope of the Gospel to global youth through multi-day, Christ-centered bicycling tours.
New International
Attn: Ends of the Earth Cycling
2701 Cleveland Ave. #200
Fort Myers, FL 33901
