Fuel on Wheels, a local charity organisation, in association with Huis van Heerlikheid church will hold their 57-hour Bible bicycle ride fund-raising this weekend.
This three-day fund-raising event is set to take place from Friday, June 28 at 06:00 until Sunday, June 30 at 15:00 at 6 Lamb Road, Levyvale, Kariega.
Johan Oosthuizen, a founder member of Fuel on Wheels, said, “I am inspired to ride for bibles with Huis van Heerlikheid, because I believe in spreading the word of God and helping others in need.”
Staying focused on the cause and the reason for their cycling journey can often become a challenge to Oosthuizen, however, he added that, “The love for people and the desire to make a difference usually outweigh the challenges we face.”
Oosthuizen also shared his secret with UD Express of how he prepares for long-distance cycling. He said that it is important to focus on both the physical and mental aspects of cycling. “Physically, it is important to have a consistent training regimen that builds endurance, strength and agility. Not only that but fuelling your body with proper nutrients and staying hydrated is important.
“Mentally, it’s crucial to stay motivated and mentally tough during long rides. Develop a positive mindset, set realistic goals, and visualise yourself successfully completing the event. Building mental resilience can help you push through challenges and overcome obstacles during the ride,” he explained.
Through their Bible ride initiative at Huis van Heerlikheid, Oosthuizen said that they have witnessed this having a big impact on the community. He added that distributing said bibles has “strengthened faith and hope in individuals, fostered a sense of community and unity among believers and provided comfort and guidance to those facing challenges, which has inspired personal transformations and newfound purpose and equipped individuals to share God’s love with others.”
He added, “Our initiative also helped to break down cultural and linguistic barriers while creating a ripple effect of kindness and compassion.”
Marius Swanepoel, who is the pastor of Huis van Heerlikheid said that during the COVID-19 pandemic, they distributed English, IsiXhosa and Afrikaans Bibles to Kariega and Gqeberha hospital patients.
“There is a growing need for bibles nowadays, but there is a shortage of bibles at local bookstores. We want to go to the community to give them bibles,” said Swanepoel.
He also added that you don’t need to go to the church to get a Bible, but they want to go out to deliver them themselves. “By doing this, we want to give people hope for a brighter future through the word of God.”
Swanepoel added, “We are dedicated to making a difference in the community and we also want show the people around us that we are not just a church for the sake of it, but we are a church that is doing something for our community.”
Participants of the Bible bicycle ride can look forward to a unique cycling experience on a 1km block. They are also encouraged to seek sponsorship for each kilometre cycled or donate a Bible for those in need.
Additionally, on Saturday, June 29 there will be a 3km fun run for families wanting to enjoy a stroll or jog with their pets. On Sunday, the 57-hour ride continues and ends at 15:00. The first 100 participants will receive a commemorative medal for their efforts.
For more information about the fund-raiser or how to become a sponsor, go to the VEK Huis van Heerlikheid Facebook page.
