Update #40 - October 25th, 2002
Niantic, IL - 6,770 miles

I'm almost across Illinois. Illinois is my twenty-sixth state (not including the District of Columbia) cycled in this year. I've made thirty crossings between states this year. I'm taking a rain day off with some minister friends who I haven't seen in three years.

As I've been mentioning in the last couple of updates, I am heading towards St. Louis, MO to check out a Catholic ministry that works with the homeless in South St. Louis. I have about a four day's ride to St. Louis. From there, I probably be riding to Little Rock, Arkansas to check out the Heifer Project. There is also the possibility that I might just head south from St. Louis to Acadiana in Louisiana to check out the recovery effort after Hurricane Lili and Tropical Storm Isadore. I have quite a few minister friends in the affected area.

The past couple of days since leaving Veedersburg, IN have been okay. I've got to meet some nice people and have had some nice contacts with ministers. For the most part, I've been spending the cold nights inside in donated motel rooms. I did have the chance to witness to several Mormon missionaries in Danville, IL. People are still stopping me along side the highways and bi-ways and in towns and cities to ask what I am doing. I've written the words "Pedal Prayers" on the back of my sleeping pad cover.

Speaking about ministry and religion, I heard a disturbing fact. In 1920, twenty-five percent of the population of the United States attended church. In 2000, around ten of the population of the United States attend church. The events of September 11th, 2001 had increased the percentage some but it has dropped during the last ten months. Where is ADONAI in your life?

As I've always stated maybe when I can take some time off the road in the future, I might be able to write or start to write that book that everybody wants me to write. We'll have to see. It's up to ADONAI now. As I have always said, each day and mile cycled will be with ADONAI's and Y'SHUA's comfort, help, and guidance.