why we ride

Below, the three staff riders that comprise this year’s Team CER share their motivation behind riding. To sponsor a rider, visit agonyride.org. This year’s Agony Ride takes place on July 24-25, 2020.

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Zoya Lee, Communications Coordinator
Mileage goal: 300 miles

​In 2010, I came as a one-year intern, stayed for two, then asked if I could hang around to help update our publications. One year later, I joined the staff team. The bonus to sticking around for a decade is getting to catch a glimpse of the expansiveness of the Ranch family as people return to visit - staff, interns, and students alike. The testimonies of lives changed is undeniable. But the best part of my job is getting to sit down with our students - those here now, who are in the muck and mire of seeking change in their lives - and telling their story, testifying to God’s power and great love. There is no better story to share - stories of transformation, of healing, of hope. Please partner with us so that these stories can continue to be rewritten and that lives can continue to be changed.

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Sharon MacLean, Accountant
Mileage goal: 275 miles

Nearly ten years ago, I was drawn to Christian Encounter because I desired to be a part of helping others close the gap between where they are and where the Lord calls them to be. I wanted to partner with Jesus to see the full capacity of Isaiah 61 on the earth. Each day at the Ranch, the Good News is being proclaimed. Each day, with the help of the Holy Spirit, young people take courageous steps from bondage toward freedom, brokenness toward healing, mourning toward joy, ashes toward beauty, and devastation toward restoration.

​This year, I find myself excited to ride in the 2020 Agony, because by riding I get to partner with Jesus to bring freedom, healing, joy, beauty, and restoration to the students’ lives. Will you join me?

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Jensen Near, Director of Student Life
Mileage goal: 300 miles

Serving at the Agony Ride has been one of the most meaningful experiences I’ve ever had. These last two years it has been incredible to get to sag at Beckwourth, getting to do the behind-the-scenes work to support our riders as much as possible. For 24 hours, 200 brothers and sisters unite behind one cause to bring hope and healing to hurting young people.

​And now, it’s my turn to ride. I am so excited to undertake the physical, emotional, and spiritual challenge of riding as a part of the staff team this year. The students are always deeply impacted to see the physical display of love and sacrifice of all the riders on their behalf, and I am beyond excited to get to serve as one of those people this year!

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