[PHOTOS] On the move for the word of God
A group of cyclists passed through Krugersdorp in aid of distributing 2 500 Bibles.
Twenty-one cyclists, surrounded by a fleet of public safety and policing vehicles, tackled 483 kilometres in aid of Bible distribution awareness.
On the morning of 18 February, motorists travelling up the R28 towards Krugersdorp passed an array of ambulance, police and fire engine lights that surrounded the 21 cyclists.
The entourage were on their way to Bloemfontein and had to get there within three days.
“This is the challenge 21 cyclists face when they take part in the annual Arola Cycle Tour between Johannesburg and Bloemfontein,” said Lizette Driescher, Arola Tour spokesperson.
This tour started 14 years ago to raise funds for Bible distribution and was originally held between Parys and Boemfontein. Two years ago cyclists from the Mosaïek Church Community in Johannesburg decided to add an extra stage from Johannesburg to Parys, giving them the opportunity to join 100 riders from the other regions, culminating in a ceremony at the Bible Society in Bloemfontein.
“The tour spans across 11 municipalities with support from from Gauteng Traffic Police, Joburg Metro Police, Fairlands Police, ARS Medical Services, Florida Fire Brigade and countless support vehicles, water points and technical back-up,” Lizette said.
For the first time Cape Town based road and track specialist and Springbok cyclist, Wimpie van der Merwe, joined the riders.
“He has a wealth of knowledge, tips and techniques that he shared with his fellow riders on the way,” she added.
Wimpie said he realised soon after his first world record that God is more concerned about his character than his reputation.
“A record is a reputation and temporary and soon forgotten, whilst a character determines the fibre of who I am and will be remembered by. The only way I found that my character can change according to what God desires, is by conforming to what His Word says. His Word is life giving and my manual for all of life’s situations and issues. Participating with other like-minded persons in the Arola Cycle Tour creates an opportunity to share this good news with people who have never encountered what I experience daily,” he said.
The aim for the Arola Tour is to sponsor 25 00 Bibles and to reach out to the community as well as helping with a needed upgrade of the recreation area of the Florida Fire Brigade.
“In order to plan a tour of this scope, we have a team of dedicated volunteers managing every aspect of this event,” Christo Prins, the tour organiser said.
The last two Arola Tours saw the Mosaiëk cycling community contributing to the distribution of 1 670 Bibles.
To view more photos of the tour, click here.
