In recent years the Gulf Coast has been hit hard by hurricanes, recession, and now the largest oil spill our country has ever experienced. The cumulative effect of these disasters has caused extensive pain and suffering.
Our communities are experiencing growing numbers of homeless (including children), housing foreclosures, personal and business bankruptcies, divorce and suicide. The natural beauty of our coastline has been damaged and in some areas lost forever. Animal, plant and sea life have been threatened, some to the point of extinction. The loss of these natural resources has caused a loss of jobs and for some a loss of a way of life.
The need for help is real and is great.
All Christians have an obligation to help their brothers and sisters in need. 1 John 3:17 "But if anyone has the world's goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God's love abide in him?" We are called to use our gifts and talents to help others, and to that end, Vicki and I are embarking on a Cross Country ride.
I will ride my bicycle from Ocean Beach (San Diego), CA to Jacksonville, FL (approximately 3200 miles) with Vicki providing me with physical and psychological support. We are pledging to this worthy cause, would you please join us with your support and prayers. You can do a sponsorship on a per-mile basis. For example, if you were to donate a penny per-mile the cause would receive $32.00. Any level of support is greatly appreciated and 100% will be used by families in need.
Donations can be made to assist victims of the Oil Spill through a special account set up through the Gulf Breeze United Methodist Church (GBUMC).
Make checks payable to Gulf Breeze U.M.C., 75 Fairpoint Drive, Gulf Breeze, FL 32561 with "Oil Spill Response" in the memo or go to http://www.gbumc.org/ and click on the red "Give Now" button. Then fill out the form with "Oil Spill Response" in the "other" category.
Thank you for supporting this ride and the victims of this terrible tragedy.
Thanks, Roger Grooters
