Momentum (Christ – centred, Spirit – empowered, Mission – focused)
A few weeks ago, I stood before a group of 40 motorcyclists who had just finished their journey from Winnipeg to British Columbia on RIDE 2012. One individual had ridden all the way from Ontario. It was incredible to hear stories of new friendships and shared memories that had been created along this opportunity to raise resources for inner-city church plants. The crowning moment of this gathering was when Trista Parry (Pastor of The River Church in the Downtown Eastside of Vancouver) stood before the bikers and, with tears in her eyes, said, “You do not know how much this means to my friends in the Downtown Eastside. The fact that you were willing to ride countless miles for people you have never met to show them the love of Jesus is awesome.”
Alliance people are amazing!
I recently heard the story of Shirley Poison, an adventurous 82-year-old who was passionate about joining RIDE 2012. Her commitment was to ride her bike on the Calgary-to-Kelowna leg of the journey. When offered the opportunity for better accommodations on the trip, she refused, letting everyone know that she is “a tenting kind of gal.” She had signed up for the short route; however, the idea of being driven to the top of the Rogers Pass so that she could ride down the other side of the mountain did not feel quite right to her. She wanted to feel the accomplishment of riding up the mountain. Shirley turned 83 the day after her team’s ride was completed.
Alliance people are amazing!
When the RIDE 2012 promotional material came out, Shauna Archer was mildly interested. She loved the idea of riding for a cause, but without a road bike and unsure of her fitness level, she dismissed the idea. However, God began to stir in her heart that this cause of justice was his cause, and Shauna decided that the obstacles to joining were only excuses. Shauna registered to ride, bought a bike and signed up for spin classes. When spring hit Saskatchewan, Shauna got out on the streets and highways and quickly discovered that she loves biking. A passion for the RIDE began to grow in Shauna. At Assembly, Shauna met Trista Parry, pastor of The River Church in downtown Vancouver. Trista’s story inspired Shauna, and she named her bike Trista. “On the morning of July 9,” Shauna says, “it felt surreal to don my bike jersey and shorts for the RIDE from Winnipeg to Regina.” Shauna was encouraged to see how quickly a group of people can bond when working—or riding—for a common cause. The RIDE team shared their encouragement, laughter, faith and riding skills. Shauna says that “RIDE 2012 was an exceptional experience, personally”; she prays that “it has blessed our family of churches in ways we could never have imagined.
Alliance people are amazing!
Doug Cameron, RIDE 2012 committee member, speaks of how inspiring it was to see the “family of churches gather together.” He says that “riders who didn’t know each other, coming from different churches” united for the cause. As riders rode into town, “people were on sidewalks, cheering” them along. He says that such support communicated the message that “we’re here for you, and we know that you’re here for us.”
The Alliance movement began in New York City, when A.B. Simpson put an ad in a New York newspaper inviting all those who wanted to see the world won for Christ to join him. Seven people from seven different church backgrounds met to pray. From those humble beginnings, an incredible movement of God began. The heart and soul of this movement is woven into our DNA. We are diverse in our backgrounds and perspectives but passionately united around the cause of making Christ known to the world.
I love this family. Alliance people are amazing! We have momentum!
Please find the original version in C&MA website