Apr 132018
 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                        Contact: Lisa Pierce, (334) 501-4276 or lisa@arm-al.org

 

3 Days, 3 States, 245 Miles-Cyclists Cross Alabama to Raise Funds for Poverty Housing Alleviation

 

OPELIKA – Friday, April 13, 2018 –

From Friday, April 20th-April 22, 10 cyclists will be crossing Alabama to raise awareness about the housing needs in some of the poorest areas of our country while raising money for home repairs in Lee, Macon and Sumter counties. Their ride will cover 85, 96, and 56 miles respectively for three days.

 

The Ninth Annual Cycle of Service benefits Alabama Rural Ministry (ARM), a home-repair and housing ministry based in Opelika and working through the Black Belt of Alabama. Most of the households ARM serves are led by the elderly, disabled or single parents who live on limited or fixed incomes. ARM is also providing repair for our veterans” said Lisa Pierce, ARM’s executive director. ARM also hosts two free summer day camps for underserved children in Livingston and Tuskegee.

 

This year’s goal is to raise $25,000, which will be applied to the cost of purchasing the construction materials the organization uses in repairing homes for up to 30 families, Pierce said. One such family is Ms. Mae who lives in Tuskegee. Last year her husband, a Navy veteran passed away. Ms. Mae uses a motorized scooter for mobility. She needed a new roof and her kitchen floor was in danger of collapsing. Volunteer groups including several from Auburn and Tuskegee have been helping Ms. Mae and their final project is installing a handicap accessible shower. The cyclists are looking forward to riding so they can help her.

 

Cyclists participating in the Cycle of Service will ride for five to eight hours a day. Profiles of the riders can be found at http://cycleofservice.arm-al.org   The ride begins at 8:00 a.m. at the fire station in Cuba, Alabama and will end Sunday afternoon at the 14th Street Bridge in Phenix City near the river.

 

Some riders will participate all three days, while others will join various legs of the ride, mostly along U.S. 80: Below is the basic route

Day 1: Livingston to Selma

Day 2: Selma to Tuskegee

Day 3: Tuskegee to GA state line

 

Spin Class Competition: Local gyms in Auburn/Opelika will be challenging their spin classes to each log 245 miles from April 1-May 22nd.  The Opelika Sports Plex and Moore’s Mill Gym are participating gyms. There is a $35 registration fee. Registration is still open for this event.

 

 

 

For more information about the ride event, go to http://cycleofservice.arm-al.org  or www.facebook.com/Bikebama

Mar 202018
 

One month and counting! Cycle of Service launches on April 20th. I am looking forward to riding with our team as we cycle across the heart of Alabama. On Day 1 we will start in Cuba, AL. and ride to the MS state line, about 2 miles. After taking a few fun photos, we will turn around and traversing most of HW 80 East, head to Selma. Along the way we will stop in Bellamy, Demopolis, and Union Town before our day’s destination.

Why are we riding 86 miles on April 20th and totaling 245 miles by Day 3? So we can serve families like Ms. Morris. Ms. Morris lost her husband about this time last year. Mostly using a motorized scooter for mobility she has a difficult time walking. With the death of her husband, she now lives alone. Because her husband was a veteran of the US Navy, they qualified for a grant to repair their home, a large craftsman style house built in the early 1940’s. Several mission teams and “co-laborers” have come out to serve with her. To date we have re-roofed her home, built a much needed wheelchair ramp, and had to replace the joists in her kitchen and rebuild the floor. Our next step is wrapping up with a handicap accessible shower, cabinets and counter-tops. Ms. Morris especially loves all of the groups coming to serve with her, pray with her and share a Christ centered devotional thought. It means so much to now only have her home repaired, but to restore her hope in a caring community!

That is why we ride and why it means so much!

Remember, there are several ways to ride and registration is open until April 9th.
1) Journey across Alabama from April 20-22. A shuttle is provided from Auburn to West Alabama and back to Auburn from our end point in Phenix City. Total distance is 245 miles.
2) Ride virtually on a stationary or spin bike, or on your bike in your community. See how many miles you can rack up as close to 245 by May 22nd.
3) One day Century from Selma to Tuskegee April 21st and half day from Tuskegee to Chattahoochee River on Sunday April 22nd.

Registration link is: COS Registration

Mar 012018
 

This post is not about cycling…but it does have to do with leadership and a passion we have for youth…which is why people are cycling with us!

I am convinced that our greatest legacy is how we shape the legacies of those coming behind us. One generation inspires the greatness, vision, and hope in the one arising. No matter what challenges and problems we face, coming together to shape and mold present and future leaders builds the synergy needed for us all to thrive.

A few weekends ago, Feb. 16-18th, twelve high school students came together and by the time they left, had a vision and goals of how to make their community and our world a better place. Over time, we will share with you their various projects. Two students came all the way from Panama City and discussed their transient beach culture and the influx of college students during the year. Ten students hailed from Tuskegee and part of an organization called The Bridge Builders. All were passionate and concerned about their current context and eager for change and how they might be those change makers.

Here are a few insights I gained from their inputs and visions:

1) Young idealism can be a juggernaut-develop a plan

I remember as a youth looking into the mirror with a steely glint in my eye determined to do something. One year, after a few sermons, I wanted to invite my entire neighborhood to church but not to good at going door to door. Instead, I found a bunch of used manila folders, cut them in half and began writing messages about our church and riding around on my bike posting them on telephone poles. I was utterly shocked when someone new actually came to our church and said they saw the signs! I recall my youth leader encouraging me to keep up the good work and helping think of other ways to share the word.

That same steely glint was in the eyes of some of these youth. It said, “I can, I will”. Now, we along with their parents and other encouragers have an incredible plan to help them make their dreams a reality. Like La Chelsa who wants young girls to know that they can allow their child to be adopted instead of having an abortion. Or how about S’jhia who wants to have a boutique and provide nice and professional shoes to those going to job interviews. Even to get to Auburn to a thrift store is a 30 minute drive and she wants no stumbling blocks for women. Our youth have ideals, lets’ have a plan to help them plan and turn dreams into reality!

2) Never underestimate-look deeper

They were typical teenagers. Their attire was no different. Their passion for music at its height. Expression and belonging still shapes this group, just like it did when we were their age. Youth are still easily dismissed as being egocentric and hedonistic. Just like we were… But we did not have school shootings when I was growing up. And we did not have cyber bullying when I was growing up-the internet did not exist yet. Each generation faces its own complexities with its own set of challenges and opportunities.

Youth idealism will always be available and ready for shaping if we are courageous to look deeper. In particular, this generation called Generation Z, are the most poised as being change agents. By far, the most entrepreneurial generation we have seen that are driven by social change and not motivated only by money. And yet, in a post-modern culture, possibly the least exposed to Jesus and Christianity but living some of these principles out more so than those steeped in traditional religion.

Before you dismiss, ask questions about what gets them upset, what excites them, and what makes them angry. What are they talking about around the lunch room and when they are hanging out. We might be surprised at what they are paying attention to.

3) Stay fluid-keep youth around you

Another birthday is quickly approaching. Besides a body that aches a little more and some new occasional creaks, I feel just as young as I did 30 years ago. I believe in part, staying with youth and young adults has kept my spirit and idealism fresh. Like the prayer group I participate in with college age students that gives me a window into the perspectives of those over twice as young as me.

Staying fluid is not necessarily physical anymore. It is like the wineskins Jesus talked about. Tradition has its own beauty marks. It reaches back and etches memories on us that transcend time and space. With one hand it reaches back into history and with another stretches forward into a preferred future. Like the hymns that never grow old because of the deep truths they sing and the historical context of how they were written, traditions become part of our shared collective. Yet, we know it has a danger of becoming an end in itself, diminishing that which it sets to preserve. We endeavor for fresh wine skins! Staying fluid in our perspectives and the changes of our upcoming generations allows us to see beyond and deeper. It helps us stay youthful and fresh. I believe it also keeps us relevant and aids us in maintaining our relevance.

LeadUp helped me as much as I believe we were given an opportunity for a short time to shape and grow others. It is an investment that will have fruit I may never see but can be confident it is there. As you continue your journey, I pray you will reflect upon the seeds you are sowing with our young generation. Maybe you are a parent of teens, a teacher, a youth director, or someone that just cares. You have an incredible opportunity and I guarantee, it will grow something deep, special and fruitful in you as well.

 Posted by at 3:45 pm
Feb 212018
 

In two months, we will be cycling across Alabama! I am so excited and looking forward to our 9th Annual ride. Also coming up quick is the “spin class” competition between Moore’s Mill Gym and the Opelika Sports Plex! Moore’s Mill has current bragging rights so who will it be. Stay tuned as we may have a few more gyms signed up by next Thursday, March 1st when we kick off.

The registration page and form have all of the options for riding. Meaning, there are not separate registrations forms. If you are registering for the spin/stationary bike/riding in your community option, you will check that on the registration page. It is the $35 option.

As a refresher, you can join us for the 2.5 day/245 mile ride April 20-22.

On Saturday, April 21st, there is a one day century option from Selma to Tuskegee. Yes, this is a little tricky as you must arrange for your drop-off in Selma and pickup in Tuskegee. However, we can help give some thoughts about that.

Registration is now open. Once registered, you will be sent a link to set up your peer-to-peer fundraising page if you are helping us with the fundraising.

And why are we riding across Alabama? It is our way of helping transform communities for God’s glory by creating sustainable homes and strengthening families. Proceeds from the ride help us repair and restore homes making them warm, safe, dry and beautiful! This allows us to extend God’s love with some awesome people surviving on very small incomes making vital repairs nearly impossible. With God’s and your help, we make it possible!

The weather is getting warmer so get out there and start training! And if you are a spinner, you get to launch next Thursday, March 1st!

May 102017
 

It has been a little over two weeks since we completed the 300 miles and rode across the state. I have so many wonderful thoughts of the ride and how we worked and came together as a team. Hearing the stories of each of our cyclists, their journeys, their family, their areas of work, and why they were riding were meaningful and inspirational.

I was especially inspired by Katherine who cycled the last day. She travelled all the way from Southern California to ride us. Her goal has been to complete a century ride in every state. After deciding to ride in Georgia, she found our ride and our Sunday Century option in Alabama. We became her 7th state. Katherine is a physical therapist working with mostly elderly populations. Cycling has become her outlet for exercise and decompressing in the day. Part of the Catholic Church, she has a deep care and concern for the types of families we serve.

The final day of our ride brought some new memories. It rained…quite a bit but mostly in the morning. And it became chilly and windy. Not the ideal day for riding but again it made for more memories. We also pulled “the shack”, the little house I live in for a week in October. Our hope was to create a visual expression of why we were cycling.

As we closed out, our fundraising total was just under $25,000. We still have some who are cycling through the Virtual Rider option and getting sponsors through May 31st.

We will start planning for next year’s ride and how we can again, help our state by cycling.

Thank you again for your love, support and prayers! Thanks so much to all the churches and businesses that sponsored us and helped us along the way!

See you all soon!

lisa

Apr 232017
 

Today we are dedicating our ride to Ms. Gore. It has been our pleasure to do repairs with Ms. Gore for nearly a year now. Teams began serving at her home during Auburn UMC’s Sweat Week in the summer, followed by 11 service days with seven different groups of volunteers from the Auburn area. Every group that has served with Ms. Gore talks about what a blessing it is to spend the day with her and her grandchildren.

From my time serving with Ms. Gore, I have seen her passion for the Lord and her belief in the power of prayer. Ms. Gore always takes time to pray with the teams and her grandchildren. Ms. Gore shared that her dream if to continually grows closer to the Lord. As we ride today, Ms. Gore asked that we pray that the Lord will give her strength and love and that her light would continue to shine by doing His will.

One of her goals is to full pay off her home. It has been our pleasure to partner with Ms. Gore as she seeks to reach her goals and make that goal closer to attaining. Cycle of Service we will be raising funds for families like Ms. Gore who live in homes that need critical repairs so their home can be warm, safe, dry, and beautiful as well.

As we ride today, join us as we dedicate today to Ms. Gore and her family through our prayers and sweat.

-Joseph Farris, COS rider, ARM Project Management Intern & former summer staff

DonateNow

 Posted by at 7:30 am
Apr 222017
 

Ms. McIntosh moved from Pittsburgh, PA to a small 1940s home in rural Notasulga, AL with her adult son a few years ago to care for her ailing father. When he passed away, Ms. McIntosh inherited the house and began making it her home. We had the pleasure of meeting Ms. McIntosh in the spring of 2016. A few months later, one of our youth mission camp teams began serving with her to begin addressing the array of challenges: dangerous electrical wiring, drafty windows, no attic insulation, old carpets full of dust, and broken cabinets in the kitchen to name a few. After several teams of volunteers and special grant funding through the USDA that allowed us to re-wire her entire home, we were very excited to finish up repairs with Ms. McIntosh just a few weeks ago!

What does this mean to Ms. McIntosh? One of her dreams is to become a foster parent. She feels especially called to caring for infants and young children who come from families of drug abuse. Now that her home is safer, warmer, and dryer, she is one step closer to welcoming children into her home and extending God’s love with them. It’s been an honor for us to be a part of this journey with her.

We have loved getting to know Ms. McIntosh over the past few months. We’ve heard about her love for the Pittsburgh Steelers and Panthers, and how she used to bake dozens and dozens of cookies to motivate and encourage high school students that others had given up on. And, yes, we’ve tried her cookies first-hand and they are delicious! She is a joyful, strong woman who has taught us a lot about trusting God. We can’t wait to see how God will continue to work in her life and use her to nurture and care for children who desperately need a loving home.

So, today, we ride for Ms. McIntosh – not just for new windows, insulation, and kitchen cabinets – but for a sweet home that is filled with God’s love and compassion, where dreams are built and hope is restored. Donate now to help us reach our goal of $25,000 for our friends like Ms. McIntosh.

DonateNow

 Posted by at 7:30 am
Apr 212017
 

As we extend Christ’s love through home repair and children’s ministry, we have a God sized vision. Our vision is to end substandard housing in rural Alabama. We want everyone to have a Sweet Home and live with dignity and pride. Making homes warm, safe, dry, and beautiful is our daily commitment. Helping all of us draw closer to Jesus as disciples is our passion as well.

Ms. Anderson is a single parent mom homeschooling her special needs son. Without a car, and critical repairs, she faces tough challenges. Her mobile home had severe leaks and only the carpet was holding up her floor. She had placed small boards throughout to create a walkway. Unsafe and with outrageous water and power bills draining what little income she had, her situation had become desperate.

We have slowly repaired the plumbing and flooring and still have more work to do. Your gift today will help Ms. Anderson.

You can give online: https://donatenow.networkforgood.org/cycleofservice

You can mail a check at P.O. Box 2890 Auburn, AL. 36831:

Apr 202017
 

As the sun begins to set, nine riders will be travelling to Livingston, Alabama preparing to start a long journey 300 miles across the heart of Alabama. Soul-it is the essence and spirit of our ride. It is serving Christ with heart, soul and soles. The soles of our feet taking the brunt of this journey. Why would we do this? We are deeply passionate and committed to ending substandard housing in Alabama. We long to see a day when communities can come together and serve our neighbors by helping them with home repair assistance; especially our elderly and individuals with disabilities. We long to see a tangible expression of Jesus’ love and example where building relationships and friendships results in mutual care.

We are ready to traverse 100 miles a day over three days through the Black Belt where many families live with significantly low incomes reflected by substandard housing conditions. The funds we raise will continue to help us make homes warm, safe, dry, and beautiful. Many people from churches, youth groups, college groups and more will bring their hearts, hands, and hammers and make these vital repairs.

We solicit your prayers and thoughts. We have raised over $16,000 towards our goal of $25,000 and are confident we will make it. Help us spread the word as we extend the love of Christ and end substandard housing in Alabama. There is a day when everyone can have a Sweet Home!

Cycle on,

lisa