On Saturday, July 26, cheers erupted from supporters gathered at Denver Christian High School as they welcomed group after group of Sea to Sea cyclists.
One rider was Dave De Ridder, 58, family life pastor at Denver’s Third Christian Reformed Church, who ended his tour in Denver.
“The experience far exceeded my expectations,” he said. “A particular blessing was knowing we raised awareness—not only funds. People did notice, and they responded.”
More than 200 cyclists are participating in the Sea to Sea tour of 3,881 miles (6,246 km) from Seattle, Wash., to Jersey City, N.J., raising funds and awareness of poverty both local and global.
Upon arrival in Denver, 18 cyclists served dinner at the Denver Rescue Mission. Each weekend, cyclists from the tour help out at local missions.
On Sunday almost a thousand people braved 90-degree (32 C) temperatures to attend the outdoor celebration service in a local high school stadium. Half of the offering received at the worship service will stay in Colorado and be used by the local organization Volunteers in Action. The other half will be used by agencies working globally.
Donn Hansum, director for Volunteers in Action, felt that the Denver Sea to Sea celebration wonderfully brought together ministries and Christians with a heart for assisting those in need.
“The event,” he said, “encourages us all to continue toward the goals we’ve set.” A Ministry Fair, with booths set up on the football field, presented opportunities for everyone to get involved in the fight against poverty.
