March 2023 Newsletter

Ride for RO Kids

Missio International board member Chris Duncan, son Matthew, and Romanian Pastor and President of Missio Link International Emil Toader are taking a fundraising bicycle trip the entire length of the Blue Ridge Parkway (469 miles) in early May to raise money (and awareness) for Children at Risk Ministries in Romania!

This three-person team will undertake a 10–11-day ride on one of the most rural and beautiful highways in America. It is also one of the most difficult long-distance rides for cyclists due to constant elevation gains (45,700 feet/8+ miles of climbing). The Parkway starts in western North Carolina and winds through the iconic Blue Ridge mountains to its northern end in northern Virginia. Chris, Matt, and Emil will be supported by friends and family of Deborah House along the way. The ride is dedicated to all the children served by MLI’s Children at Risk ministries, especially dedicated to the girls now living at Deborah House, as well as its founder, MLI Executive Director, Lorena Rusovan.

Chris, Matt, and Emil are avid cyclists, and they believe that this is a great opportunity to serve children at risk in Romania while creating life-long memories. Chris shared with us a great viewpoint—that each hill climbed along the way is honoring the mountain of effort the girls at Deborah House display as they climb toward recovery and a future full of hope and opportunities.

The goal is to raise over $30,000 for Children at Risk ministries. Anonymous donors have committed to contribute a total of $15,000 to match the donations from churches, organizations, and individuals.

How can you join the effort?

• Pray for the safety of Chris, Matt, and Emil as they bike along this difficult ride!

• Give financially to Missio International!

Make checks payable to: Missio International, P.O. Box 10967, Knoxville, TN 37939
(Include “Ride for RO Kids” on the memo line) or donate online at: missiointernational.org

• Create a local biking fundraiser with proceeds going to Ride for RO Kids through Missio International!