They’re home…
The 2024 Resiliency Ride was an experience of a lifetime and a life-transforming experience too.
Julie, a parent of one of the Resiliency Riders said she has noticed a difference in her son already. He just got back from the 325-mile bike ride from Pittsburgh to Washington D.C., a few days ago.
“His whole attitude is so much better. He seems more confident in himself, as well, and I am so grateful,” Julie said. “He has been through a lot and we don’t have too many good role models in my family. Unfortunately, we don’t really see any of my family because most of them drink too much or are addicted to some form of drugs. So, I love that he has gotten to be around you guys to see some successful role models. I just want to say thank you to you all for being a positive influence and giving my son an experience of a lifetime.”
Cortez, 14, a second-year Resiliency Rider said it was an “amazing” journey. His bottom was quite sore riding all the way to D.C., but it was worth every bit of pain.
“I loved having another chance to do this,” he said. “I loved getting to spend more time in D.C. I really enjoy seeing The White House and the Spiderman tower, ur, um, Washington Monument.”
Cortez said he learned a lot on this trip too. “It has shown me that I can do anything I put my mind to. There were a few times I thought about quitting, but I didn’t. God showed up for me and helped me push through.”
Axel, 13, also said it was “amazing.” This is his first time as a Resiliency Rider. He enjoyed the biking challenges and the camping. He said some of the most important things he learned were to be respectful. Although biking is an individual sport, it took a lot of teamwork to get to where they were going safely.
“The best thing I learned is that if I push my limits, I can do great things,” Axel said.
Xizallian, 15, said although the trip was nice, it was a challenge, especially riding in the hot temperatures the first few days. However, he said he pushed through and is so glad he did. He got to finally see Washington D.C.
Jacial, 13, also a first-time Resiliency Rider, said he had a lot of fun and gained a lot of knowledge during the ride.
“The most important thing I learned is to never give up,” he said. “My capacity goes beyond my expectations.”
He was a little disappointed, however, that The White House isn’t as big as he had originally thought. Still, he loved visiting the historic structure. It was his first time in D.C. too.
Caleb, 12, had a bit of a different ride into D.C. than his fellow mates. On the second day, he fell off his bike and broke his wrist. That didn’t deter him from finishing the ride and making it to D.C., he rode with a support team member. The two support team members drove a van and a truck and trailer. They carried equipment, supplies and food, and met the riders at breaking points for water and nourishment.
“Things aren’t always easy,” Caleb said. “I knew this was going to be a challenge. I still feel good about being a part of the Resiliency Ride. It felt good sticking in and finishing the journey, although it wasn’t the way I expected to. God got me through it, He helped me push through.”
Caleb said he loved visiting D.C. too. “I really like the Washington Monument; it’s cool to see something so historical.”
This was the second Resiliency Ride for Lord’s Gym Ministries Board Chair Johnny Alexander. He said it was an “excellent trip,” that ended with a profession of faith by one of the young riders.
“The profession of faith was beautiful,” Johnny said. “There were many special moments like this throughout the ride. I remember one day I was sick and everyone gathered around me and prayed over me, that was so special. Relationships grew and God showed up.”
According to Johnny, the trip signifies what Lord’s Gym Ministries is all about – building relationships and extending grace and love to one another all the while growing strong in the Lord.
Lord’s Gym Board member Todd Kuramoto, also participated in the ride as a support team member and prepared the riders’ meals each night.
“This has been an interesting thing to take part in,” Todd said. “I’d see the riders every day. I’d see the kids on the verge of breaking and then see them overcome and mature. They persevered. There were some wonderful moments and you could tell that the Holy Spirit was working through them to help each other. This gives you a lot of hope in today’s society.”
The Bible verses for the trip were Ephesians 4:1-2. In this scripture Paul writes: “As a prisoner of the Lord, I plead with you to walk holy, in a way that is suitable to your high rank, given to you in your divine calling. With tender humility and quiet patience, always demonstrate gentleness and generous love toward one another, especially toward those who may try your patience.
“It was really cool and amazing to see that the kids were getting it,” Todd said. “They showed acts of kindness and were doing those things unconditionally. It is heartwarming to see kids with a goal and mission and hopefully they have learned amazing things and find relevance to this throughout their lives.”
Although everyone agrees it was an “amazing” ride, it was also a ride full of challenges. It’s called the Resiliency Ride for a reason, according to Lord’s Gym Executive Director Scott Bowers.
“This year’s ride challenged us from many different directions but that is what the ride is supposed to do,” Scott said. “I was so encouraged and humbled by the 10 adults (eight riders and two crew members) who selflessly gave of their time to invest in the Lord’s Gym youth riders.”