‘I’ve been a Christian for 35 years and a cyclist for over 40, so this seemed like the perfect opportunity to combine the two and do something really worthwhile.’
Last summer, Graham Joyner was inspired to join the second ever Bike Pilgrimage for CSW and Release International – a sponsored cycle pioneered by long-time CSW supporter Robert de Berry. This epic ride across the UK’s south coast was a journey of prayer and fundraising for both charities. It’s a shining example of how one person’s actions can cause a ripple effect, motivating many more people to make a difference.
The first time Robert led the Bike Pilgrimage was in 2017, to mark his 75th birthday. Twenty-five cyclists joined for different sections of the route, while Robert and two others cycled all 920 miles. This time, however, Robert’s initiative had an even bigger impact: over 83 cyclists got involved, and together they raised £85,000 for CSW and Release International!
This is a staggering total and will help us to keep standing with everyone facing injustice because
of their beliefs. Thank you if you were someone who sponsored the pilgrimage or shared their fundraising page – or were one of those amazing cyclists!
Just as valuable were the countless prayers prayed along the way. The team led prayer times and shone a light on freedom of religion or belief at 42 churches along the route – with many people connecting with our work for the first time.
The ripple effect of inspiring others
Graham told us why he decided to get involved in the 2022 Bike Pilgrimage:
‘I’ve long supported persecuted Christians, and since my daughter joined the CSW staff team I’ve learned much more about how important it is for Christians to speak up for people of all faiths and none, who are suffering because of what they believe. I’m an avid cyclist and I love nothing more than touring the Sussex countryside on two wheels. I was looking for a new challenge when I heard about the Bike Pilgrimage. I only joined for a day but it was great to cycle with these wonderful people.’
Four cyclists travelled the whole route between Kent and Cornwall, and three of them even went on to campaign with CSW later in the summer. Robert de Berry and Paul and Karien Downes all joined our ‘Free Pastor Lorenzo’ protest on 11 July, marking one year since the Cuban pastor was unjustly arrested while peacefully protesting. If Robert hadn’t extended the invitation to join the Bike Pilgrimage, perhaps our protest would have been smaller that day!
Who will you inspire?
The Bike Pilgrimage was clearly a huge endeavour, but Robert didn’t do it alone. He mobilised people like Graham and many others to join him in making a difference – through praying, campaigning and speaking out, alongside the all-important fundraising.
Who knows how many people were touched by a story they heard at one of the prayer meetings, and felt inspired to pass it on? Maybe it lit a spark for justice in someone and stirred them to take action.
Together all these people have made an impact that will carry on, long after the pilgrimage crossed the finish line.
Are you thinking of taking on a new challenge this year? You don’t have to cycle for miles to do something meaningful!
Challenge 1: Tell one person about the work of CSW. It could be something you’ve learnt in Response magazine, or simply why you stand with everyone facing injustice because of their beliefs.
Challenge 2: Gather a small group to pray or take action. You could use the prayer diary or write letters through Connect & Encourage.
Challenge 3: Be a fundraising hero. Try something more challenging to raise money for CSW. Visit csw.org.uk/fundraise for inspiration!
We are hugely grateful to Robert, Paul, Karien, Simon Beber and Roger Spinks, who rode all or most of the route, and everyone else who took part in the Bike Pilgrimage in 2022. Thank you so much!
83 cyclists
23 volunteer drivers
42 prayer meetings
£85,000 raised