Today was sweltering, 110 degree heat index. This heat is very different than the dry heat we've been experiencing. Dry heat is intense and light. Humid heat is heavy; it feels like it is pushing you into the ground.
How providential that we are camped at a YMCA that features a hockey rink. Some of the Canadian riders took advantage of the opportunity to play hockey on Saturday night. Where they found the energy is beyond me. I just enjoyed the air conditioning, and the even colder air rising off the ice.
There were two Celebration Rallies-one in Omaha at Prairie Lane CRC, the other in Lincoln at Northern Lighthouse Church. I went to Lincoln, where church life is centered on a ministry to inmates who are reentering society.
The service was vital and full of life. There were two adult baptisms, by immersion, which made it especially meaningful. The music was wonderful, led by a band with a country western flavor. The message was about stewardship and the importance of establishing a "margin" from which one can give. The pastor, Sam Kaiser, based the message on instructions about gleaning in the OT and the story of Ruth and Boaz. Giving from one's "margin" (extra) seems like an important complement to the "firstfruits" approach to giving. Afterward there was a potluck, delicious as always. I cannot think of a single meal I have not enjoyed on this Tour. Some have been better than others, but my hunger has made them all taste good.
The only drawback to the Lincoln service was that the bus ride took over an hour each way. We didn't get back till after 1 pm, which made the day seem too short. Still, the blessings of worship far outweighed the inconveniences of travel. Plus, I had a couple of good conversations with fellow riders on the bus ride.
Some of our group did not go to to either service, but wandered over the Lutheran Church next to the YMCA. This church, Good Shepherd Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod- showed us the hospitality of God. They had just dedicated their new facility in June, and yet they opened it up to 145 scruffy bikers to lounge in, play in, meet in, sleep in, and snack in. And, they supplied the snacks! All day long! I can't say enough about how gracious they were to us. I'd call it a contemporary version of footwashing (John 13).
I couldn't sleep in my tent because of the heat and the lack of wind, which combined to make for a stifling atmosphere. After a valiant effort-which included opening the door of tent and positioning my head in the opening-I grabbed my mattress, sleeping bag, and pillow and headed for the ice rink. There I slept great.
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08 Bike Tour' Stops in Siouxland
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The largest bike tour in North America, cycled it's way through Siouxland this afternoon. It's a ride for poverty, a tour that raises money and awareness for those less fortunate.
The program is called the "Sea to Sea 2008 Bike Tour," it's a 9-week trek across the U.S. and part of Canada. The money raised goes towards creating jobs, along with providing education and health services. Those who ride say its a gratifying way, to help others in need.
"It is personally gratifying to do the bike ride, and it is...then all the more meaningful to know that not only am i getting the satisfaction out of this, but the money i've raised is going to help somebody deal with an even more critical problem," says rider Jim Holwerda.
Sea to Sea features 12 rallies in cities along the route.
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