The numbers are in. 77 riders. 16,446* miles ridden. $185,160 pledged for CEM. God’s protection was evident this year as ominous clouds broke forth with heavy rain just hours after the ride, a lightning strike igniting a nearby hillside. Temperatures were moderate throughout the ride and no major injuries were sustained. We watched our Agony community grow as seasoned riders recruited family and friends for the cause, our first-time riders equalling one-fourth of the rider total.
We’re grateful for all the time, energy, and countless resources poured into the ride by hundreds of people, and we can’t thank you enough for investing in our mission of tending lives and training leaders.
Paxton Fitzpatrick, former intern and William Jessup University ‘16 graduate, came on staff as the Assistant Director of Internship and Discipleship last month. After Paxton completed his 3-month internship in the summer of ‘15, he continued to frequent his “second home” and became an informal spokesman for the ministry. When Paxton had first arrived at CEM, Tim Metzger was the senior intern showing him the ropes, so it was only natural that Tim was the one to train him in his new role. We’re grateful for Tim and the time and resources he’s invested in CEM, often going above and beyond the call of duty. Tim will be assuming duties at his home church, Sacramento Friends Church, serving as the ministry coordinator and completing a pastoral internship.
Ropes Course Day is the precursor to our 15-day backpacking trip, testing the strength, agility, and stamina of students and interns. We saw brazen courage, camaraderie, and a whole lot of tenacity out there.
Savannah (pictured above) shares, “Last year I cried my whole way up the ladder. My faith has become a lot stronger that it has ever been. This year I wasn’t scared at all...” Please keep our students and interns in prayer as they continue their trek through Tahoe National Forest. They return Sept. 8. |