gifts from the Creator

Pedaling along the Shore of Lake Superior

Greetings in the grace that is in Christ Jesus ALONE,

Since my last report penned in Green Bay, Wisconsin, much has occurred.  Presently, I am sitting in a high school library in Munising, Michigan on the shore of Lake Superior.  The weather is absolutely gorgeous, albeit quite windy. Monday evening, we left Green Bay and drove 50 miles north to a motel room.  We spent the evening cooking and doing laundry at this 24-hour laundromat in downtown Marinette, WI. I also took some time to clean up the truck—it was in dire need.  While sitting in the laundromat, I believe God showed us our whole reason for being on this unexpected side trip.  A young man strolled in to do his laundry. Immediately, my heart was pricked to speak with him.  From all appearances, he looked like he would not be interested, but the Holy Spirit continued to prick.  I took him a Gospel tract and briefly shared Bible truth with him.  Amazingly, he accepted the tract, and as we pulled out of the parking lot, he was reading it with intent.  Then, there was this overwhelming sense of peace in my heart that passed all understanding (Philippians 4:6-7): I knew it was for this one that we had come on this seemingly inconvenient side trip.

Yesterday, we awoke early and drove the 115 miles back to where the bike route had come to a sudden halt in the rain on Saturday.  The weather was perfect—clear blue skies with a smattering of low-lying clouds. I pedaled about 28 miles; then we called it quits. At a roadside picnic area, Jamie met this local man (Chris) who insisted that we ride 25 miles north up to Grand Marais on the shore of Lake Superior.  So, we decided to follow his advice, after sharing the Gospel with him.  It was late in the afternoon anyway. About 10 miles down the road, I loaded up the bike in Seney.  While doing this, another man (Bill) strolled over to inquire. Once again, the Gospel went out to an inquisitive heart. Added to these were other encounters: a young woman with her daughter checking the mail, a young man walking down the road in Seney, and a hotel manager.  Thus, the day proved worthwhile. Please pray that these hearts will not rest until they receive the sweet balm of salvation only found in Jesus Christ.

Last night, we cooked some hamburger steaks on the grill in this sweet campground right on the lakeshore. A big black dog kept us company, and our bellies were warm and filled. After dinner, we walked down the beach to watch the sunset over the crystal blue waters of Lake Superior. The late evening hues were simply amazing. God also gave us an amazing gift. A giant bull moose strolled out of the woods and down onto the beach only about 20 feet from where we were sitting.  His rack was huge. What a blessing from the Creator! The stars were also incredible last night, and the Milky Way was out in full force. The night air was chilly, so we bedded down in the truck for much-needed rest.  A little after midnight, I awoke and decided to walk down to the beach so as to answer nature's call (if you know what I mean). Once again, the Creator bestowed another blessing before my eyes. For the first time in my life, I beheld the glory of the Aurora Borealis (i.e. the Northern Lights). They danced over the dark waters of Superior under a myriad of stars. While some might say, "All praise to the heavens" , I will say, "ALL PRAISE TO THE MAKER OF THE HEAVENS."

We spent a nice evening on the lakeshore and enjoyed some precious gifts from the Creator.

This morning, Jamie and I went for an invigorating hike to a waterfall and some sand dunes in Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.  Then,we drove back to Highway 28 in Seney.  Since, I have pedaled 37 miles and would like to get in another 40 before dark. Tonight, we hope to be in Marquette, the largest city (if you can call it a city) on Michigan's Upper Peninsula.  It is there where those two families live that I hope to confront with the Gospel.  As previously mentioned, a young man at Life Action Ministries asked that I go by their homes and tell these people that he had sent me. Please pray that the folks on Ridge Street and the people on Front Street will be open to the truths of the Gospel. It would be great if these encounters would result in a place to crash for the night. The Lord's will be done. I simply want to be bold and speak the truth in love. At this moment, I know not how to articulate things and tell them why I will be standing at their doorsteps. Please pray about this for the rest of the afternoon. I expect to be knocking on one of these doors sometime this evening.

Lighthouses are great spots to take a break.

Today has already presented a couple of opportunities for sharing the Gospel—a young man riding his bicycle in Shingleton, a park ranger, a road commission worker, and a gas station clerk.  May the Word of God not return void.  Well, I better go.  The wind is whipping, and I still have quite a way to pedal.  At least the sun is shining.  Moreover, the road will wind along the lakeshore.

Until next time . . . we are most affectionately Servants of the Most High God,

Jesse & Jamie Boyd
Full Proof Gospel Ministries
II Timothy 1:7-8