Ole Kassow of Copenhagen loved bicycling. One morning, when he saw an elderly man sitting alone with his walking frame in a park, Ole felt inspired by a simple idea: why not offer elderly people the joy and freedom of a bike ride? So, one sunny day he stopped at a nursing home with a rented trishaw (a three-wheeled bike) and offered a ride to anyone there. He was delighted when a staff member and an elderly resident became the first riders of Cycling Without Age.
Now, more than twenty years later, Ole’s dream to help those who miss cycling has blessed around 575,000 elderly people with 2.5 million rides. Where? To see a friend, enjoy an ice cream cone and “feel the wind in their hair”. Participants say they sleep better, eat better and feel less lonely.
Such a gift brings to life God’s beautiful words to His people in Isaiah 58:10–11. “Help those in trouble,” He told them. “Then your light will shine out from the darkness, and the darkness around you will be as bright as noon.” God promised, “The Lord will guide you continually, giving you water when you are dry and restoring your strength. You will be like a well-watered garden, like an ever-flowing spring” (NLT).
God told His people, “Some of you will rebuild the deserted ruins of your cities” (v. 12 NLT). What might He do through us? As He helps us, may we always be ready to help others.
By Patricia Raybon
REFLECT & PRAY
In your town or city, who needs help? What simple assistance can you offer them today?
Dear God, please show me a simple way to help others so they can find life in You.
SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
One of the more common accusations from the prophets to the people of Israel and Judah was that their religion was merely about performance. They were going through the motions of devotion to God without demonstrating it by their actions. Isaiah confronts the people for their display of piety without showing concern for their fellow Israelites. They were fasting, covering themselves in sackcloth and ashes, and bowing their heads in a show of humility (Isaiah 58:1-5). Yet God calls for a fast that frees the oppressed and cares for the needy, not a false show of piety. Jesus also warns about a false show of piety when He speaks of fasting (Matthew 6:16-18).
JR Hudberg
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