Kids Bike to Help Kids

Fifty-seven children from Rehoboth (N.M.) Christian School, ages 3 to 17, rode a total of 640 miles (1,030 km) to help orphans in Ethiopia.

The school, along with Rehoboth Christian Reformed Church and Bethany CRC in Gallup, partner to benefit children at the Yezelalem Minch orphanage in Addis Ababa. 

The annual Bike for Hope began with the compassion of Isaac Zwiers, 10. “There are other kids who need more than us,” he said. “They are suffering. They need sufficient food, water, medicine, and shelter for themselves and for their families.”

The young participants obtained sponsors who pledged 50 cents to $10 per mile or lap. Students chose a course of one-quarter mile, one mile, or two-and-a-half miles. Sponsor Bob Ippel said, “Through Bike for Hope, it is exciting to see the next generation catch the vision. We are not only supporting Yezelalem Minch but we are supporting God's work in creating a new generation that wants to be Christ to hurting world.”

This year’s ride is expected to raise a minimum of $6,500, with a four-year total of more than $25,000. Rider James Byker, 16, said, “I do the Bike for Hope because I know there are kids in Ethiopia who don’t get the privilege to ride a bike. Many of them can’t even get enough food to eat. When I ride, it is the motivation that I need to keep me thankful for the things I have while also doing something to help others.”