By Bill Hoffman; St. John’s Episcopal Church, Somerville, NJ

“When our mission is love, and compassion, and grace.
It’s not a test of endurance or a marathon race.”

—Sting,
So to Speak (from The Last Ship)

Our first day on the road was a fantastic experience. Our team has quickly become a family. We both ride together and at spread out to give one another their space. As Peter, who leads the MercyCare mission, encouraged us all to do, we’re staying connected.

One attribute of our group is the leadership from women. Our strongest riders are all female and as we pass people in the towns and villages it’s widely noted. Not surprisingly, our women leaders are just as strong in their compassion and grace. Role (and rolling) leaders without a doubt.

But it’s not about the team. The real highlight from day one were all of the smiles from the children who would run to the side of the road to wave and say hello. Some of the children just steal your heart with goofy smiles cheers. Some wave from their homes far away. Their voices carry. You hope your simple wave makes some type of connection. You wonder how to connect with all the kids you’ve passed in ways more substantive and sustainable.

If you would like to support Bill and the work of UrbanPromise International, please follow this link to help continue God’s work of raising up young, local leaders to plant ministries that help in the building up of His Kingdom in that corner of the world; work that is transforming the face of the villages and communities wherever it takes place!

https://www.urbanpromiseinternational.org/hoffmans-trek-malawi-ride