I am cycling over 650 miles to provide jobs and durable bricks to Dungu, Democratic Republic of Congo!

When I first learned about the the bicycle tour, I immediately wanted to sign up. I must admit, though, my initial reason for wanting to ride was a selfish one. I was drawn to the idea of the personal physical challenge and an opportunity to travel and get to know more people from our church. But now, having learned so much about our mission and the needs of the people I will be helping, my motivation to ride is so much greater!

I want to thank you for partnering with me to help offer hope to the people of Dungu. This village, along with many others in the eastern DRC (Democratic Republic of the Congo), has experienced extreme violence and unrest in recent history. Militia groups in this area are internationally infamous for abduction of children, use of child soldiers, burning villages, forced displacement, massacres, and rape. Restoring Hope Ministry's three part mission is to restore, train and sustain a hurting people. We are in the process of partnering with a Bible based trauma healing program, along with offering training in job skills that will help sustain these impoverished people.

Although this ministry has been in the planning stages for years, we are nearing our first major goal which is to build a training center. And that is where I come in! I'm really excited to be a part of the bicycle tour that is raising funds to buy the brick making machine that will produce bricks for the training center. I will be fundraising online until our bicycle trip in July. Then, during our trek southward from Bangor, Maine back to Easton, Pennsylvania, our group will be stopping at churches to raise awareness and additional support. Please know that I am covering all of my equipment and personal costs associated with this trek and a generous sponsor will be paying all the additional trip expenses. That means that whatever you donate will go directly towards helping the Congolese people! Mile by mile, brick by brick, together we can make a difference. Thank you for helping us provide jobs and durable bricks for Dungu!

Just a small donation will go a long way to helping me meet my goal for Restoring Hope Ministries.