“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God”–Philippians 4:6.

But I am anxious. Have mercy, O Lord. I’m not without hope and conviction and trust, but I do feel some anxiety about the next few weeks in relation to the Bike Malawi endeavor that begins in earnest this Friday! (For those who may not know, I’m trying to assist multiple mission organizations raise new donors and new donations for their respective causes; and I’m doing so by biking 600 miles from Northern to Southern Malawi, beginning next Sunday and finishing, with God’s help and protection, on the 27th.)

One thing I am less anxious about, just this past week or so, is having two reliable bikes for the trip. One bike has been loaned to me by the daughter of an expat and I bought a another decent used bike in Lilongwe on Friday, which I’ll donate to someone after the trip.

I also am a bit less anxious about the physicality of the trip, having finally gotten bikes with which to train, I biked 72 miles on Wednesday and 90 miles yesterday. On the other hand, it is going to be quite a challenge for these old bones, and legs, and neck, and bottom, averaging 70 miles a day for 11 out of 12 days beginning next Sunday.

One thing out of my control which is a cause for concern is our overnight accommodations. Each of the three regional African Presbyterian Synods (Northern, Central, and Southern) have yet to confirm any accommodations. So, it sounds like we should be ready to spend some extra kwacha on motels, if there are any in the small villages we’ll be passing through.

Another slight worry is safety. The road surfaces have innumerable potholes that are not only trouble for bikers but which cause cars to swerve to miss hitting, and the roads are narrow and lined with both those who are walking and biking on the fringes. Humm. Like former bike trips, one cannot spend the whole time looking back but proceeding forward and trusting the drivers will steer clear.

Perhaps my biggest anxiety is whether or not supporters of the respective organizations will tune in and contribute to the worthy causes — an organization that puts to work disabled women and men; an organization that reaches out with the Gospel and serves the needs of 1700+ of the most vulnerable–the elderly and disabled; relief aid for Cyclone Freddy victims in the South; impoverished hospitals in the North; and the Seminary here at the Nkhoma Mission Campus where I was a Guest Lecturer this Spring.

So, with a dose of fear and trembling, I will try to put aside my anxieties and live into the promise of the next verse in Philippians 4:7: “And the peace of God, which passes understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds (and bodies) in Christ Jesus.”

Thank you for your thoughts, and kindnesses, and encouragement, and prayers; and watch for the pictures and videos we hope to post in the next three weeks.