I Corinthians 12: 27 Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. 14 Even so the body is not made up of one part but of many.

Tuesday, July 25th — 9th Day of Riding; 2 days remaining; 850kms down the road with 200 remaining.

We five on this bicycle trip feel we have worked as a body with different parts and responsibilities on behalf of part of Christ’s body — the people of Malawi. We have gone through roadside Trading Centers (see pics below) where people have heard about the trip and have called out encouragement. We’ve also told our story during short rest-stops, and people with very little to give have given us heartfelt donations.

Last night, the Synod of Blantyre graciously welcomed us at Grace Bandawe Conference Center and Guest House in Blantyre (including a 10km uphill climb to the city just to welcome us–ug). The staff welcomed us with joy and generosity of spirit, and the Synod General Secretary, Dr. Rev. Billy Gama; Cedric Willie, Director for Blantyre Synod Health & Development Commission, who is working tirelessly to help the victims of Cyclone Freddy; pastors, Clerks of Sessions; and Miss Christine, Director of this exceptional Guest House facility, honored us with a short program of appreciation but also encouragement for the churches and members of the Blantyre Synod to use the Bike Hike to spread the word and extend the work of the body by connecting and networking with friends and business owners who might go the second mile in giving to the many, many families whose homes and belongings and fields were washed away during the Cyclone. We are so hopeful and prayerful about the work they are doing and honor them!

The pics below: first, ice cream, which is rare here in Malawi, in love for our son, Danny, who was born on July 25th at 3:31pm, the very minute we were enjoying the special treat; the edge of the road we bike can have drop-offs of a foot and more just inches away from our wheels that would lead to disaster if we weren’t paying attention nearly every minute; the Trading Centers every 5-50kms that provide us drinks and snacks and a taste of local traditions and culture; our team, one more tired than the rest, arriving at Grace Bandawe Conference Center.

Thank you for your prayers of care and support!