two thousand miles
2,000 Total Miles just west of Platte, South Dakota
Glory to God. The bicycle journey for the Word of God and the Testimony of Jesus Christ has eclipsed 2,000 miles. It’s been arduous and eventful since the 1,000th milemarker on that stormy August night outside of Bourbon, Indiana. Here in South Dakota, we press on.
“The LORD reigneth, he is clothed with majesty; the LORD is clothed with strength, wherewith he hath girded himself: the world also is stablished, that it cannot be moved. Thy throne is established of old: thou art from everlasting. The floods have lifted up, O LORD, the floods have lifted up their voice; the floods lift up their waves. The LORD on high is mightier than the noise of many waters, yea, than the mighty waves of the sea. Thy testimonies are very sure: holiness becometh thine house, O LORD, for ever” (Psalm 93).
This morning (Wednesday, October 22), we left the respite of Platte, South Dakota. ‘Twas bittersweet. On the one hand, we were ready to get back to work, but on the other, we knew it would be a long time before we could see familiar faces again. It was such a blessing to have a nice bedroom for several days. Now, it’s back to the truck. We bought a couple extra warm blankets to add to the coziness of the truck bed, and a night under the wide open skies of the South Dakota prairie could prove enjoyable. Anyway, we awoke early, packed everything up, and headed to this local bakery to grab one last meal with my father-in-law and his hunting partner. Afterwards, as we stood around in the parking lot saying our goodbyes, a young man about my age strolled up and commented upon the artwork on our trailer. As it turned out, he, too, was burdened for the public proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.. He was preparing to go out with a partner so as to take the Gospel from house to house (i.e. door knocking as we used to call it in the South). Our conversation was a true blessing unto edification. As I handed him one of my prayer cards, Jon Lane ran back over to the funeral home that his father runs to grab one of his cards for us. When he came back, he handed me a card and a check. All praise to God! This was much needed and a specific answer to prayer. The LORD truly works in mysterious ways and his blessings, oftentimes, are unexpected. His provisions are a cornucopia of goodness and grace. Please pray for Jon Lane and his Kingdom work here in South Dakota. It always touches my heart to run into people with the same fire for the public proclamation for the blessed Gospel of Truth. He tries to hit the streets at least once a week in the small town of Platte. It is our prayer that the few seeds the Lord allowed us to plant in Platte will be watered by this young preacher and his evangelism partners. Then, maybe God will give an abundant increase.
‘Twas a nice respite in Platte, but it’s time to move on down the road.
The headwind sweeping across the Dakota prairie was absolutely NASTY today. No bike, no matter how aerodynamic, could minimize it enough. I was only able to bust out 35 miles, and this came with great physical cost. My legs, at this moment, feel like jello. Nevertheless, we prayed for a place to camp and the Lord provided. We are in Burke, South Dakota at a small city park that actually has very clean showers. I even got to give a Gospel tract to the city police officer who came around to collect the minimal camping fee. Right now, the sun is setting and the wind is settling down. All is quiet and peaceful, except that is, for the ridiculous lowing of these psychotic cows. I have never heard such a racket.
Jamie just got back from an evening walk; she bought me a can of Mello-Yello (an unexpected treat). She is now telling me about LaVonna (a local woman she met walking down the street who is about to have a hysterectomy). Jamie was able to share the Gospel with her as well as with a lady in the local supermarket. May God’s Word not return void. We had an awesome Thai meal tonight at the campground. Jamie pulled out her cooking wizardry and threw together some tasty pad-thai noodles with chicken and some vegetables. Now, my stomach is full and I am ready for bed. Alas, I am babbling. Please forgive me.
It’s a long ride across South Dakota in prairie headwinds.
Tomorrow, we hope to knock off around 75 miles. The route will be taking us into some large Sioux Indian reservations. Please pray that God gives us an opportunity to proclaim the Gospel to many of the downtrodden who live on these reservations. May we adequately communicate the fact that Jesus Christ is not the “white man’s religion.” His Gospel is the truth, and everlasting life is upon all and unto all that believe. After the wisdom of God, may the foolishness of our preaching to the Native Americans be used to save them that will believe (I Corinthians 1:21). Also, pray that this headwind dies down and that the weather holds. It would actually be nice to get a wind out of the southeast instead of the northwest. Temperatures climbed into the high 80’s today. Oh, that this would continue. Well, I better go. Hopefully, we can find a library tomorrow. God’s blessings upon you all in the name of Jesus Christ.
Jesse & Jamie Boyd
Full Proof Gospel Ministries