KITCHENER, ONTARIO - "Young, old, fit, or not - I want people to know that all of us can do it," said Brian Carney (47), Director of Development, ITCanada, speaking of participating in the RIDE for Refugees.
The RIDE began in 2004 with 25 riders in Waterloo and raised $25,000. Last year 538 riders participated and raised $267,000. On October 18th, 2008 more than 2000 riders will ride in nine locations across Canada.
"The key to the success of this event is working together with the church," Carney said. "We can't grow refugee ministries nearly as well or as fast as if we partner with the church."
One way in which the RIDE helps the church and other refugee charities is through the innovative RIDE Partner Grant. This program benefits them in two ways: it raises money for refugees but it also mobilizes congregations and refugee-supporting organizations around a cause they care about. The RIDE Partner Grant permits 50% of a team's fundraising revenue to be allocated to approved refugee organizations. According to Carney, there is no similar program available anywhere in North America.
In addition to creating awareness of refugees and to mobilizing congregations, Carney also sees the RIDE functioning as an educational tool and a networking tool.
"Most ‘refugee' websites answer the question: What is a refugee? Church curriculum about refugees is an apologetic for why the church should stand up for refugees. But there is no curriculum that I am aware of that teaches churches how to engage refugees."
The RIDE helps educate people about refugee issues and it gives them the opportunity to do something with that information.
In addition, the RIDE is an important networking tool that encourages churches of different denominations to come together to help refugees.
"It's not about bicycles. This year over 200 churches will ride on behalf of refugees. There are 41,000 churches in Canada. I'd like to speak prophetically to the church. Rise up! Answer the call! I'd really like to see the church in all its forms getting involved with refugees."
The RIDE demonstrates to the world that the church cares enough for the oppressed to do something about it and, in fact, it is the church leading the way. The church sees the need and is meeting that need.
"Where does it happen that the church and the world work together? When the church stands up for the oppressed refugee and the world joins in. Then it becomes an honest, authentic expression of Jesus' heart. That's when the glory really comes. That's what it looks like - sweaty riders - that's the glory of God." BLM
Subscribe to
Newsletter - Email:
Copyright 2010 International Teams Canada. All rights reserved.
