Hello! This is my first year as a rider missionary for Biking for Babies. I am currently a 3rd-year seminarian at St. Francis de Sales Seminary in Milwaukee, WI. At lunch one day, I was having a conversation with a friend about summer plans. After mentioning that my initial summer assignment ended in early July, he quickly replied, “You should do Biking for Babies!” After explaining what the organization was and his experience as a rider a few years previously, I was convinced. The inherent challenge of biking 600-miles to benefit pregnancy resource centers excited me and learning more about the pro-life movement (which, I’ll admit, I was rather unacquainted with) was awesome. But after the initial excitement wore off, I began asking myself, why exactly am I doing this?
We are all made in the image and likeness of God and we all have inherent dignity, from conception to natural death. Sadly, we live in a world full of brokenness and sin. Many are confused and do not realize that they are loved unconditionally and that their life, and every human life is a gift from God which possess inherent dignity. One way that Biking for Babies helps to proclaim this truth is through their emphasis and advocacy for pregnancy resource centers. These centers are located across the country and help mothers get counseling, care and support they need when they are facing unexpected pregnancies. They offer services like ultrasounds, material aid, post-abortion support, STI/STD testing and parenting classes. These organizations empower women and epitomize what it means to love them both, being pro-baby and pro-mother. As a missionary, I am privileged to be paired with a pregnancy resource center so I can learn more and advocate about the mission of these critical resources. This year, I am partnered with The Hagar House in Wausau, WI, which helps free single mothers from cycles of crisis through a Christ-centered community.
Another critical component of Biking for Babies is the physical sacrifices we get to take on as missionaries. Christ sanctifies our suffering by taking on a human nature and giving himself up for us. Because of this, any suffering I experience is not meaningless, but can be united with his on the cross for others. I am given the opportunity to sacrifice for moms going through unexpected and crisis pregnancies through training to bike 600 miles. But sacrifices are not just confined to physical suffering. Any sacrifice that we make, be it spiritually, financially, or physically, has a direct impact on renewing the culture to respect the dignity of life at every stage.
I invite you to prayerfully consider donating to support the mission of Biking for Babies. Your gift supports our mission to renew the culture of life by forming young adult missionaries and raising awareness and funds for pregnancy resource centers that support pregnant women across the country.
Most importantly, even if you cannot make a financial contribution at this time, I encourage you to pray and offer up your own daily sacrifices to support moms and their children. God is never outdone in generosity, and he will bless everything we give him.
May God bless you!
“You formed my inmost being; you knit me in my mother’s womb. I praise you, because I am wonderfully made; wonderful are your works! My very self you know.” Psalm 139: 13-14
