By: Sara Dobbs

“Bittersweet” is the word that came to mind for myself and a few other riders today, our last ride for Tour de Florida 2019.  As eager as we are to get back to family and friends, and return to a good night’s sleep in our own beds, it’s always tough to say good-bye to our trip leaders, volunteers and fellow cyclists.

Our group was comprised of Fuller veterans from various Cross Country, Natchez Trace, and Silver Comet rides as well as riders new to the Fuller family.  A trip that’s just over a week leaves us all wishing we had more time to reminisce and reconnect with old friends and more time to get to know new friends better.  We’re just getting our biking legs in shape and our chore teams figured out and….time’s up!  We leave behind life on the road and living simply in community and return to the daily routines of “normal life.” 

Good-bye to Florida’s fabulous weather, beaches, and ocean views and back to the familiar landscapes of home. What a trip it’s been and what a contribution we’ve made to help eliminate poverty housing!  All of us will go forward feeling re-energized about the ways we can help those in less fortunate circumstances whether it’s raising funds for future FCBA Rides or looking into the eyes of those in need and providing something to help in that moment (a slice of pizza!).

The reading material I packed along for this trip was Millard Fuller’s “Theology of the Hammer” that Courtney sent out before our trip.  From page 143 are words that summarize our mission and remind us why we pedal for a purpose: 

The “Theology of the Hammer” is for the whole world: starting right where you live and going out to the ends of the earth; putting faith and love to work; always doing a good job in keeping with “a well built theology”; constantly seeking to enable people from all walks of life to participate in the mission; and forever focusing on the vision God has given all of us ending poverty housing and homelessness and building up both houses and the people who live in them.” 

God Bless and Godspeed.  Oyee!!

By: Jennifer Wells

“Not only that but we also glory in tribulations knowing that tribulation produces perseverance and perseverance character and character hope.  Now hope does not disappoint because the love of God has been poured into our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us. Romans 5:3- 5.

By: Brian Niedert

I awoke this morning to a beautiful cool morning, pleasantly surprised by the shift in winds overnight from south to north. The anticipation of riding the tailwinds out of Vero Beach was heavy on the minds of us all who fought headwinds the previous two days. 

I was blessed with the opportunity to present the morning devotional, focusing our thoughts on Jesus- The Light of the World. He was indeed, the light of the world while he was in the world. He calls us who are in the world but not of it, to be salt and light. He calls us to be light, not to draw attention to ourselves, but that others may see our good deeds and glorify our Father in Heaven. A challenge was presented to spend time daily in  the Word (which became flesh and dwelt among us) that our minds would be transformed and the light of our lives shine bright for His glory. As was fitting, we remembered on this last day of the year one our our own FCBA riders’ whose life was taken prematurely by a vehicle collision a few months prior. His life was one of shining the light of Christ wherever he went. What a sobering moment it was to reflect on how short our lives on this earth really are and how we should seize every moment to share Jesus with others.  

And off we went – headed out to West Palm Beach with the wind to our backs and temperatures never climbing out of the 70’s. The views this day were absolutely spectacular, catching frequent glimpses of sunny beaches as we rode through meticulously manicured landscapes of several golf and yacht club communities, winding our way along the back roads and scenic byways. Our destination – Holy Trinity Episcopal Church- a beautiful one-hundred year old church in the heart of the city next door to Trump Plaza.  

Being this the last night of the year, many were interested in going out to celebrate and ring in the new year. However, many of us were content in celebrating with sleep. 

All-in-all, we tried our best to bring glory to God as we let our light shine bright – finishing the year off strong.  Praise be to God! 

By: Randi Topps

What a busy day! 
Everyone was up and bustling around before 7 am. May had finished breakfast already by 7:30.  Kudos to the breakfast crew for having food and coffee ready ahead of time! 
The Methodist minister was so happy to offer his prayers and the FUMC so generous with the use of their main building for two days!   When sweet Courtney read the story of the Rag Man you could see how it touched her heart.   Hearing this for the first time had me in tears as well.  To think that the sacrifices the rag man offered for the sake of others is exactly what Jesus was is and always will be!
My first ride with this amazing group of people was so inspiring.  Head winds today brought us even closer gathering up our strength to help each other through the ride.   When I had a flat , not only did my group of riders stop, but so did the next group until the flat was resolved and everyone knew we were safe.   
I love the helping community of the Fuller Center riders.  I am so blessed to have been welcomed into this family!