The 2024 Ride for the Dominican starts next weekend!
In 2012, our family had the privilege of connecting with a local Church in Santiago, Dominican Republic. What struck us most was their faithful dedication to preaching the Word and serving their community, regardless of outside support. It wasn’t about the presence of Americans; they were simply committed to God’s work.
Since then, this ministry has been close to our hearts, and we’ve wanted to do more to support them. Every year, we participate in a fundraising bike ride to raise awareness and funds for this incredible mission. It’s our way of staying connected, encouraging their work, and playing a small part in supporting their efforts as they continue to minister to their community with the same faithfulness we admired from the beginning.
As a cyclist, I spend countless hours on my bike, and I’ve often wondered how I could glorify God while riding. When I was reintroduced to cycling as an adult in 2012, I never imagined it would become such a passion. It all started with a dare to ride across Minnesota in 2013, and I’ve been taking on challenges ever since! That first ride took me from the Red River to Duluth and up to Canada on Scenic 61.
In 2014, my wife, Sharon joined me for the ride across Minnesota, and it was a wild four-day adventure! The following year, we did it again, this time crossing on Highway 200 and heading north to Canada. We then expanded beyond Minnesota, cycling through South Dakota in 2016, North Carolina in 2017, and Iowa in 2018.
In 2019, we decided to bring our kids along for the ride. With Ollie, Piper, and Finley—who were just 8, 9, and 11 at the time—we biked through Ohio together. It was an incredible experience to share as a family! Since then, we’ve embarked on an even bigger challenge: the Mississippi River Trail (MRT). Starting in 2020, we’ve been working our way from the Canadian border down to the Gulf of Mexico, crossing through states along the way. We’re now on the verge of completing the journey this year, Lord willing, as we plan to ride through Louisiana and finish at the Gulf.
Our rides are not just about the miles we cover, but about glorifying God in everything we do. By God’s grace and through the generosity of friends and family, we’ve raised over $110,000 to support various needs for the ministry in Santiago, Dominican Republic. This has helped fund teachers for a school, the construction of a church building for deaf Christians, a church kitchen, and a theological training course that provides books and teacher support.
This year, we’re excited to once again support the theological training of adults and help repair some damaged building support on the church property in Santiago. The work that needs to be done is difficult to explain, but we hope to share a video soon.
Our goal for this ride is 422 miles, with four riders (Sharon is driving the sag wagon) and $8,000 to raise. To reach this goal, we’re asking for sponsors for our miles—$5 per mile will help us get there. Would you consider sponsoring a mile to support the incredible work being done in Santiago? Every bit helps, and together, we can reach this goal! Not interested in sponsoring a mile… well, we accept ANY size donation!
You want to help? You want to sponsor a mile for theological students and help shore up the foundation of a church building in Santiago? We start pedaling the 21st of October through the state of Louisiana.
Please consider making a donation at the link below. Here are a few things to note about giving:
Your donation is tax deductible.
Veritas Church, where we attend, has graciously offered to help us with donations.
Veritas Church does not keep any of the money from your donation, and neither does our family.
The only non-ministry expense is the wiring of the funds to Santiago, Dominican Republic.
To help prevent credit card fraud, you will need to create an account with Veritas Church. While it’s an extra step, it’s important to protect against fraud.
Once you’ve created an account:
Select “Give” and then “Give Now.”
Scroll down to “Ride for the Dominican” and enter your donation amount.
Rest assured, Veritas will not add you to any mailing lists.
Thank you for considering partnering with us as we ride for this incredible cause!
The Morkens
