BISHOP ON WHEELS

Meet our Team Members

Bishop Joe James
British Columbia, Canada

When he learned of the planned project to ride 2,000 miles thru India to raise awareness and funds to rebuild Umri Christian Hospital, Free Methodist Bishop Joe James became very interested.

ON A SABBATICAL? The ride coincided with the time of his upcoming Sabbatical. It was in an area in which he was invested and familiar, having served in an oversight capacity as a Bishop of the Free Methodist Church and making semi-annual visits to India. And he had some experience with cross-country bicycling, though he was not currently active in cycling.

TAKING WINGS. It didn't take long for Joe James to decide to spend his Sabbatical on wheels. He threw himself into the effort. He bought a bike and gear and began to train. Outside, he rode his bike around Indianapolis International Airport. Inside, he rode it on a trainer in his living room. He dieted and took off excess weight. He talked about the project with lay and pastoral leaders across North America. When he committed to the project, it seemed to take wings.

750 BICYCLES. On a visit to India a year ago, Joe James realized that bicycles were a basic mobility need for village outreach workers. Without bikes, their efforts to help villagers were limited; with bikes, they might multiply their effectiveness. So, Joe spearheaded an effort to raise funds to purchase 750 Indian-made bicycles--each costing $50. Children, youth, congregations, organizations, and individuals contributed the full amount by October 2006. The bikes are being purchased in local Indian villages, towns, and cities. Even before the Bicycle India 2007 team hits the roads of India, Joe has already made a big difference.

RIDE OF HIS LIFE. Joe is from British Columbia, Canada. He now resides in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA, his base of service as a Bishop in the Free Methodist Church of North America. He's a husband, father and grandfather. And now he is a prepared cyclist looking forward to the ride of his life--a mission unlike any other he's taken on. Thanks for your interest & involvement. Check back often for updates. Learn more @ www.bikeindia.org.