Have a passion for cycling or tinkering with fixing bicycles? We refurbish bikes and get them in the hands of children who would not otherwise have a bike to ride. Interested in getting your hands greasy and putting a smile on the face of a child with this initiative? Send us an email and we will get you involved.

During the summer of 2008, we delivered a dozen bicycles to our friends at Redeemer Lutheran who gave the bikes away as part of their annual summer block party. We were thrilled to be a part of what God is doing through the wonderful people at Redeemer and continue to build other partnerships through this initiative.

Check out the amazingly creative and talented kids at Redeemer Center for Life as they give some refurbished bikes from the burbs a gone green hip hop spin around the block.

A huge thanks to Penn Cycle who opened their shop to ROJ and friends and hosted a bike fixin’ event in where 40 of the bikes were prepped for delivery.

Bikes in Africa

A few years ago, ROJ had some friends who were in Tanzania and they purchased a bicycle on our behalf for an evangelist who uses the bike to head to a preaching point a significant distance from their home village. Last summer, we were at it again. And this year we will be buying another bike for a new friend around the world.

Learn about the evangelist in Tanzania and his new bike

Learn about our friends (2010) travels to Tanzania

Here is a thank you email in response to our efforts:

Thanks for the money given on behalf of River of Joy for the bike for an evangelist. As I mentioned, I spent this weekend in the village of Uhomini where they have six evangelists and not one of them has the luxury of owning a bike.

On Sunday they all (except one who was out due to malaria and typhoid) came to the main church with many from their preaching point for service because their walk was an hour and a half each way. Given the frequency of their meetings with the ordained pastor at the main church, so much time is lost due to this relatively simple need. Also the area does not have a dispensary and I am sure a bike would be useful for getting the sick to Ilula about 20 km away. Not much of an ambulance but it sure would beat walking.

Thanks again for bringing this opportunity…Sounds like this group has a real love for mission and outreach. The apostle Paul frequently praises some of the 1st century faith communities because their efforts have become known to other faith communities in the ancient world. Here is to you River of Joy, you that are now known in Africa and India!