The team spent Sunday in church experiencing God. Jeff said the Spirit was really moving at Hope Community Church Sunday morning. Afterward, the team took off to Branson to meet the First Baptist Church youth group. It was the first real day of biking one of the shortest, but had challenges. Going down those long, steep hills took focus and careful coordination. But Jeff said it was amazingly beautiful. The hills were green and quiet.

Sunday night the team participated in the youth group meeting. Aaron Smith talked to them about how his dad was killed in a bike accident and how that inspired him to begin Venture. Aaron Brown then spoke telling stories of what it was like in Joplin they day of the tornado. Jeff says that the kids listened intently. Aaron is a gifted speaker, genuine, warm, and real—they couldn’t help but be pulled into the stories. Jeff said it was awesome for the youth group and the Venture team. He felt so blessed to be part of it.

Monday was an early morning take off and 75 miles of grueling biking. Jeff sent this note:

“I’m In Marshall Arkansas. We had a lot of hill climbing today we are wiped out.
I love this group of people. It was assembled by God.

It was a beautiful day. Beautiful scenery. It was several people’s longest ride ever. Pastor Aaron Is awesome. He has news people chasing him by phone.

We are at the Marshall Assemblies of God Church. The Pastor cooked for us and it was awesome. People are bending over backwards for us. God Bless them richly.”

Thank You, God, for protecting the team today. Bless their sleep and wake them tomorrow ready to face a new day of biking. Bless them to be a blessing to everyone they meet along the way. Thank You for bringing Jeff into this team. We are blessed. Amen.