By Matt Miller - Ends Cycling Crew
During the 2017 Mexico Bike Ride, Ends of the Earth Cycling hosted a 2 day, 130 mile (203 km) cycling event from Puebla to Miacatlan, Mexico. This is where we first met Arturo. Arturo was the first Mexican cyclist to sign up for the event, and the first one to show up every morning at Pre-field orientation and the kick-off celebration. Needless to say, he was excited to #RuegaRuedaRepite (#PrayPedalRepeat) for youth in his country!
We were all excited to begin cycling! Arturo was in front of me in the group and all of a sudden, within a split second, Arturo's front tire turned sideways and both he and his bike came to an abrupt stop. Arturo went over the handlebars. His face, literally broke his fall. I fell from my bike as well, but with only minor injuries. (Later, we found out that he had a mechanical issue with his bike.)
We were blessed to have a Medical Doctor as one of our support staff who, despite all the blood and the mess, patched Arturo up very well. Arturo still needed 8 stitches on his forehead, cheek and chin that he would get later that night at the hospital.
Arturo's injuries never let him down. All day, Arturo continued to cheer, fill water bottles and #RuegaRuedaRepite for youth in his country. What an inspiration. Although a bit sad that he could not cycle, he knew God was up to something.
Later that evening, Arturo went to the hospital to receive his 8 stitches. Shortly after arriving, God opened doors for Arturo to share the Gospel with many people in the waiting room through the injuries he received on the bike earlier that day. Later, a Doctor asked "What happened to you?", and again, Arturo got to share the Gospel with him as well. God had been moving in the Doctor's heart for some time now and although busy, the Doctor made sure he was able to take the time to finish this important conversation about Jesus with Arturo. God had other plans.
Sometimes we don't know why things happen, but like Arturo, we should be looking for what other plans God may have for us.
Isaiah 55:8-9 (NLT) 8 “My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the Lord. “And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. 9 For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts.
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