"People ask why, after 30 years, I'd still want to be riding on the first and last day of another long- distance bike ride," Bob shares. His answer is to the point. "Your donation will encourage me to keep pedalling in God's name, thank you."
Bob Forrest is passionate about sharing the Scriptures, and for many years he led the Bike For Bibles programme which fundraises for that purpose. "But I'm just a cog in the wheel. Years ago God had a plan to raise up a vast team of cyclists, roadies, donors and prayer partners who'd commit time and energy to raise money, and distribute God's word to the world."
Since 1984 thousands of BFB riders and support crew have raised over $13 million for Bible distribution. But it's not just about sending Bibles alone. When it started sending Scriptures to all parts of Australia and to the world, Bible Society realised there were many people who couldn't read to begin with. "Illiteracy is a scourge; many of those in Australian jails are there as a result of it and what it's led them to. So when we started in 1984 we included a focus on literacy," Bob recalls. Since then BFB has supported many Bible-based literacy projects, like in Rwanda where the work is greatly welcomed by the government. On the 30th anniversary ride, BFB is fundraising in part for a women's literacy project in Rwanda. "BFB took us out to the non-Christian market," Bob says, explaining that many are happy to donate knowing that Scripture-based materials are helping people to read and write, and have a better future.
Bible Society hopes many will get behind Bob as well as the other 60 riders and crew as they fundraise on the 30th Anniversary ride. It also appreciates help with spreading the word, especially in towns along the route. For further details please visit biblesociety.org.au/bikes
On the Bike For Bibles 30th Anniversary Ride
the team will travel 890km:
5 April: Sydney–Goulburn
6 April: Goulburn–Boorowa
7 April: Boorowa–Junee
8 April: Junee–Lockhart
9 April: Lockhart–Corowa
10 April: Corowa–Benalla
11 April: Benalla–Seymour
12 April: Seymour–Melbourne