Jeff Atkins-my ride extreme story
If you are reading this you are probably already somewhat familiar with our Ride Extreme/Youth Extreme motorcycle mission trip to Nicaragua scheduled to depart in April 2017. My family and friends' reactions to the trip have been, shall I say, mixed. You are doing what? Don't you know how dangerous Mexico is? What an adventure! I wish I could go! Are you scared? Or my kids' constant refrain – Dad you have spent a lifetime telling us be safe, be prudent, don't expose yourself to unnecessary risk, why this trip? This is my response. Although it is a little long, please take a few minutes to read in its entirety, as the most important stuff is at the end.
First, for those who I have yet to meet, a little about me and my life. Although it pains me a bit to admit, I'm a pretty ordinary guy. I am a 57 year old attorney living in Cross Roads, Texas (located at the northern edge of Dallas / Fort Worth metroplex). I've been married 34 years to a Godly woman and my soul mate, Sharrell. I am a father of 2 – daughter Ashley (33) and son Hunter (32) who is married to daughter-in-law Natalie. I am also the proud grandfather of the sweetest, most beautiful grand daughter in the world!
I came to Christ at the age of 23. I have been a regular church attendee (that term sounds so generic/mundane, yet it perfectly describes my level of church involvement for most of my adult life). I have been a member of Midway Church in Aubrey, Texas for past 4 years.
I came to Christ at the age of 23. I have been a regular church attendee (that term sounds so generic/mundane, yet it perfectly describes my level of church involvement for most of my adult life). I have been a member of Midway Church in Aubrey, Texas for past 4 years.
I rode dirt bikes as a teen and in college, but stopped riding while raising family. I started scratching the bike itch again about 12 years ago with a Honda Magna, then a Honda Valkyrie Interstate. I currently ride a Honda ST1300 and recently bought 2008 Honda XR650 for this trip.
I have logged about 50,000 miles on my bikes mostly in Texas but have also ridden in New Mexico, Colorado, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana and Mississippi. Like I said, I'm just an ordinary guy trying to make a living, love my family/friends and have a little fun along the way.
Now, a word about the what. 100 days or so from now a group of 10 men from Wisconsin, Missouri and Texas will embark on an adventure that is, frankly, somewhat difficult to really get your mind around – riding 2,300 miles on dual sport motorcycles (think dirt bikes with a headlight) from Texas to Managua, Nicaragua!
The route will take us through south Texas, Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras before crossing into Nicaragua. Upon arrival we will donate our motorcycles to Familia Avance Nicaragua which is operated by Brian Weed, a missionary who has spent over 18 years serving in Nicaragua, along side his wife and children. You can learn more about our trip and Brian's wonderful ministry at https://www.facebook.com/rideextreme4youthextreme.
I learned of this trip about 6 months ago from Bruce Walker, a friend, elder at Midway Church and avid off road motorcycle enthusiast. Bruce has to be about the most high energetic, optimistic, and "never say quit" kind of guy I have ever met. The ride and cause greatly appealed to me from day 1. The thought of riding motorcycles for 12 days through Central America for a worthy cause was exciting and nearly intoxicating at times. A long motorcycle journey through foreign countries with a group of Christian men sounded like an epic adventure that I was meant to be a part of.
Then, as the initial wave of euphoria eased, the nuts and bolts of the trip began to come into better focus. Can I miss this much work? How much will this cost? Am I physically able to make such a journey? How do border crossings work? Where will we sleep? Do I have the proper gear? What about tools? Spare bike parts? What if one of us gets sick and is unable to continue? How does my health insurance work when out of the country? These issues soon had me feeling overwhelmed and doubting if the trip was meant for me. I began to pray. Lord, if it is your plan for me to participate in this trip make your will clear to me and Sharrell. My prayers were answered quickly and in a very unexpected, unusual fashion!!
Sharrell and I were vacationing in Colorado the first week of August of 2016 when I noticed my ankles were swollen after a full day of motorcycle riding. Next morning they would be normal. I didn't give it much thought. This happened for several days in a row. I attributed it to sitting too long. About a month after returning home I started waking up with just a hint of chest pressure/tightness (no pain) - like my chest was strangely growing bigger. The tightness would pass after a few minutes only to return the next morning.
Having passed a cardiac stress test earlier in the year, I was not overly concerned, but called my cardiologist and explained what was happening. During my office visit he did not seem overly concerned either, but given my age, family history and physical condition (somewhere north of poor, but south of average) he scheduled an angiogram for September 15, 2016.
After what seemed like 2 minutes, I was awake listening to my doctor explain that I needed immediate quadruple bypass surgery as my 4 main heart arteries were each 80 - 90% blocked. I had surgery the next morning and was released from the hospital 3 days later without any complications. I have now completed a program of cardiac physical therapy and have regained much of my strength and stamina back. Thank you for healing my body Lord! Thank you!
After what seemed like 2 minutes, I was awake listening to my doctor explain that I needed immediate quadruple bypass surgery as my 4 main heart arteries were each 80 - 90% blocked. I had surgery the next morning and was released from the hospital 3 days later without any complications. I have now completed a program of cardiac physical therapy and have regained much of my strength and stamina back. Thank you for healing my body Lord! Thank you!
Now the why. Why take this trip? Why now, especially so soon after bypass surgery? As is the case with many folks who face serious health problems, after surgery I soon began thinking about some fairly deep issues. How much longer am I going to live? What can and should I strive to accomplish with the rest of my life? Am I spending my time and talents wisely? And the real punch to the gut – what have I done and what am I doing for God's kingdom?
These thoughts forcefully reminded me that my time on earth is short (as is everybody's regardless of age or physical condition). I believe God revealed my blocked arteries and allowed me to obtain the necessary treatment at the perfect moment – the moment I was asking him to tell me if me taking this trip was part of his plan for my life. Simply put, I believe God has unequivocally told me to invest the effort, time and money associated with the trip because there is no time like the present! I may never have another opportunity to grow his kingdom in such a direct or impactful manner.
These thoughts forcefully reminded me that my time on earth is short (as is everybody's regardless of age or physical condition). I believe God revealed my blocked arteries and allowed me to obtain the necessary treatment at the perfect moment – the moment I was asking him to tell me if me taking this trip was part of his plan for my life. Simply put, I believe God has unequivocally told me to invest the effort, time and money associated with the trip because there is no time like the present! I may never have another opportunity to grow his kingdom in such a direct or impactful manner.
Our trip will raise much needed funds to grow Brian's ministry. The monies raised will impact the lives of young people by exposing them to the gospel and to loving men like Brian Weed and his family.
The men participating in the trip may encourage others to embark on similar excursions or support worthy men like Brian in some other fashion. The trip may prove the foundation and inspiration for a new life purpose, whether I live another year, decade or reach 100. It is really impossible to quantify the impact our trip might have. There is no time like the present. None of us are guaranteed another breath, much less living to old age. Now is the time!
The men participating in the trip may encourage others to embark on similar excursions or support worthy men like Brian in some other fashion. The trip may prove the foundation and inspiration for a new life purpose, whether I live another year, decade or reach 100. It is really impossible to quantify the impact our trip might have. There is no time like the present. None of us are guaranteed another breath, much less living to old age. Now is the time!
Now the important stuff. There remains much preparation to complete before April 2017. My physical fitness must continue to improve. Modifications to my motorcycle have begun, but are yet to be completed. My work schedule must be cleared for 2 weeks. While I can accomplish much of this - I am asking that you play an essential role too!
First, and most important, please pray for me and the other men making the trip. Pray our preparation goes smoothly and for our health and safety as we travel. Pray for our wives too! Pray God gives them a peace and confidence that overrides their anxiety and concerns.
Most importantly, pray that our efforts bear fruit in Nicaragua. Pray for the children that will benefit from the money we raise. Pray the lives of these children are changed in a profound way. Pray they are introduced to the love of Christ and their lives are set on a path of Christian service that changes not only them, but their children and grandchildren.
Pray that the boys and girls reached through Familia Avance Nicaragua literally alter the future of Nicaragua!
Pray that the boys and girls reached through Familia Avance Nicaragua literally alter the future of Nicaragua!
Second, of course, is the issue of money. I am paying for 100% of the cost of my trip. I estimate my expenses will be in the range of $8,000 - $10,000 which includes cost of my bike, bike modifications, food/lodging, airfare home, etc. I do not need any financial assistance in order to be able to make the trip.
However, it is my goal (and the goal of each of the men making the trip) to raise an additional $10,000 to be used to help build a sports pavilion (outdoor basketball court with a roof) at one of the for Familia Avance campuses! On behalf of Familia Avance and the children of Nicaragua I sincerely ask for your financial support. No amount is insignificant. Whether you are able to contribute $50.00 or $5,000.00, every dollar is needed. Be assured that every dollar raised will go directly to Familia Avance Nicaragua.
You can donate in a couple of different ways. First, you can mail me a check (made payable to “Midway Church”) at 4600 Oak Shores Circle, Cross Roads, Texas 76227.
Second, you may click on the button below to donate online. This is Midway Church's secure giving site. You will need to create a profile and password. Designate your gift to the Ride Extreme Fund. Your gifts are tax-deductible!
Second, you may click on the button below to donate online. This is Midway Church's secure giving site. You will need to create a profile and password. Designate your gift to the Ride Extreme Fund. Your gifts are tax-deductible!
Thank you all so much for your support! You are a blessing to me, to the children of Nicaragua, and most importantly, to God.
God bless you all!