We've been workin'!

Hi all,

You should be receiving an update on what we've been doing the last three months in your mailbox soon. We hope you enjoy the reading!

The majority of our work now is on fund-raising. Our total need is $210,000, which, as a friend recently said, "it isn't a lot of money to start up, unless of course, you're looking for it." Very true words!

Many of you have been wondering what we're doing to fund-raise, and how we're spending our time. We have contacted everyone we can think of that we personally know, to share with them what God's called us to, and what our needs are. That was the first step.

Our favor to ask of you is that you tell someone else about what we're doing, give them our information, and ask them if they know of anyone we should meet who might be interested in helping us along.

The second step was for us to try and contact corporations that have Christian leaders for help. We've written both email and snail-mail requests to the CEO of Covenant Transport (David Parker), Hobby Lobby (David Green), Chic-Fil-A (Buck McCabe CFO), W.L. Gore & Associates (Terri Kelly), contacted board members and directors of Precept Ministries, the Christian Medical & Dental Association, the Restaurant Depot, a local private Golf Club, Haulmark/Wells Cargo Trailer Company, Caterpillar, local christian-owned businesses to Northern Arizona, the Internatioanl Christian Cycling Club, and the Founder of World Race and Adventures in Missions.

We've sought sponsorship from Trek, Gore Bikewear, Gatorade, Pearl Izumi, Sugoi, Carmichael Training systems, and will be seeking sponsorship from Garmin, Yakima Racks, Thule Racks, Cateye and other cycling related companies.

We have also contacted a few, and will be attempting to contact multiple christian singer/songwriters to request that any one of them be an advocate for our ministry on stage and on the road, as so many are with Blood Water Mission, WOrld Vision, Mercy House, Opportunity International, and others. The list is a mile long for those that we plan to try to contact.

We've also been put in touch with a christian grant writer, a coordinator for cycling events that are purposed around fundraising, and a few families that God has financially blessed that may want to give.

So far, we've only had Gatorade, Pearl Izumi, Haulmark/Wells Cargo trailers, the local Golf club, Bebo Norman, David Crowder Band, and Michael W Smith, and Steven Curtis Chapman's management teams tell us they can't support or advocate for us at this time. All the others haven't responded yet. Please pray for a yes!

At this point, we need your help for more ideas of more doors to knock on. Who do you know that has high schoolers or college age students? Someone who can relate to the great need and challenges facing that generation? Who do you know that has a heart for the young people of America? Who do you know that is passionate about raising up the next generation to be established in their faith on God's word? Who do you know? Anyone that understands how physical challenges and adventures can change a person's life? Anyone that gets the importance of deep Biblical word study? We need your help! All suggestions are welcome, so please, take a minute to think through who you might know, and give us the chance to share with them what we're doing. Maybe they'll be the next one to help.

Before you close this email or blog, please take 30 seconds or more and offer up a prayer for us, this ministry, and our fund-raising needs. Please continue to pray as often as you can remember!

Thank you, and have a very Merry Christmas!!

Jes & Kel