Riding for Bibles

Last weekend my wife Cheryl and I had the pleasure of joining two other couples on a motorcycle ride from Sydney to Bendemeer and return, to raise money for much needed Chinese study Bibles, being specifically published for pastor and teaching elders in mainland China.


Departing Kurmond at the foot of the Blue Mountains, we rode via Bulga, Jerry Plains, Muswellbrook, Nundle and Kootingal  to Bendemeer in the Northern tablelands, where we spent the night. The weather was glorious and apart from bumps along some C grade roads, the ride could not have been more enjoyable. I must admit although, that after 520 kms in the saddle, we were all hanging out for a shower, a good meal and a sound night's sleep.


On Sunday, when the temperature was only 3 degrees centigrade, we departed Bendemeer for our long ride home. Our first stop was Walcha, where we had breakfast and a hot coffee. Nothing like a chilly morning and a strong coffee to wake you up. From there we travelled to Gloucester, Raymond Terrace and the F3 back to Sydney. Again, the day was one of the best autumn days I have seen in many years. The scenery was magnificent (you see much more riding a motor cycle) and the journey uneventful (praise God).


When my arthritic hands and back ached, I simply reminded myself of those 500,000 pastors and teaching elders in China who lack basic Bible resources.


To all those who generously sponsored our group on the ride, I say thank you. Your gift will make a tremendous difference in the lives of those Chinese pastors and teaching elders who do their best to lead their congregations with very little training and inadequate resources.


For those of you who are wanting to know what bikes we rode, there was a Yamaha FJR 1300 sports tourer, a Honda Goldwing 1800 and a Suzuki 650 V-Strom - very different bikes, but all well equipped for the task at hand.


Grahame Smith