Bob, Benedictines, Bethel and Baptists

We first saw him ride over a bridge while we were picnicking in Glendive, but we didn't meet.  The next day he rode up while we were having lunch in Sentinel Butte and we ate together. Next day on the street in Medora, there he was, looking for more fuel for his stove. Two days later I was out of water as we rode into a little town.  As I scanned for a place to fill up, there he was riding toward us.  Meet Bob. 

Bob is on his way to New York from Seattle to see his family. Would you pedal that far to visit loved ones? We rode together for the five miles or so remaining before we got to Richardton.  We had changed our schedule a few days before when Bob told us about Assumption Abbey, the home of a Benedictine Monk community.  He was headed for a host in the same town, and when he heard we were on a prayer journey, thought we might be interested.  Bob's host "just so happened" to have a change in plans so we ended up camping together at the Abbey, attended mass, enjoyed a delightful fish dinner, evening prayer, and watched the sunset.  It was Friday, Father Odo informed us, and on Fridays, these Catholics eat fish. 

 It is really fun to watch a journey like this unfold.  God seems to delight in surprising us with the variety of people we meet and the ways we come in contact with them.  I could almost see Father Odo's eyes sparkle through his voice on the phone the day before. When we met him he was just as playful as his voice.  Call me Brother Odo he said, Father is much too formal.  He meant it.  He met us wearing shorts!  Gracious and caring as well as fun loving, he diligently attended to us despite his busy schedule.  Breakfast is eaten in silence.  When almost everyone had gone, he playfully leaned across the table and broke the quiet: Silence is no longer the rule when only five are left in the room! he said.

 The next day it was really hot (I'm beginning to sound like a broken record!) Bob took off early (no surprise there) on his quest to ride to Bismarck in one day. Later, we were in the air conditioned grocery store escaping the heat.  A strong headwind made the short 28 mile ride to Glen Ullin seem really long.  Greg asked the clerk at the check out if she went to church...  Long story short, we found ourselves in the air conditioned comfort of the Pastor's fifth wheel trailer...Later we found out the grocery store clerk is also a minister, working with the children of the church.  We were able to share about our prayer journey with the congregation at Bethel Assembly of God and offer prayer after the service. Pastor Albert & wife April are in their first year here.

In the afternoon it was time to press on.  36 miles to Beulah and we didn't get started till 2:00.  More headwinds.  Wait a minute!  We're riding north now instead of east like yesterday, and the wind is still in our teeth after the 90 degree turn.... what's up with that?

It was after 5:00 and still ten miles to go.  Didn't know where we were going to stay.  We were riding less than eight miles an hour because of the wind. I felt demoralized by the slow progress, and pretty bonked energy wise.  While we were stopped having a snack, Jana "just so happened" to send a text asking how we were.  She started praying.  The wind got worse.  Then the wind lightened up, but some rumbling and lightning started west of us.  Nowhere to go but the ditch if the storm worsened.  I was counting between flashes and rumbles as we pedaled harder.  The wind died down, I felt as if we were finally making progress.  It seemed as though the storm was running alongside, not getting closer. The odometer crept up to 10 mph.  Then out  of nowhere a flash and a boom, so close I was still seeing the light when I heard it.  I was scared and ready to dive in the ditch but Greg kept pedaling.  Rain started falling.  Then a church came into view.  

Cornerstone Baptist, up on a hill before reaching town.  We rolled in with great relief to get out of the storm.  A friendly face peered out the door, inviting us in.  Just in time for 7 pm service.  His first week leading his first church, Pastor Brown is a man of prayer and was much encouraged by our drop-in visit.  We would have passed on by, but the storm chased us in his doors.  Coincidence?  I don't think so!