On Saturday, July 14, over 60 supporters gathered to welcome the 2018 National Ride missionaries in to Tower Grove Park. Although 90 planned to attend, a pop-up thunderstorm thwarted the picturesque reception for the riding missionaries. But as the storm calmed and the rain remained, the missionaries burst forth from their vehicles as the crowd cheered.
Due to continued weather, the event was moved to local parish St. Margaret of Scotland and proceeded with dinner and fellowship. Families welcomed their missionaries, and friends were reunited under the cause of Life. Local worship leader Cecilia Dutweilier kept moods light with beautiful music. Missionaries were invited to share their answer to “why Biking for Babies” with the people around them over Ted Drewes ice cream.
Karen Nolkemper of the St. Louis respect Life Apostolate welcomed guests to St. Louis. Brian Westbrook, Executive Director of Coalition for Life St. Louis, encouraged a wholistic commitment to ending abortion. Wyandotte PRC representative Leslie shared how the staff at her clinic are vehicles of God’s saving hand. Kevin Biese connected the unpredictability of our event to that of parenthood, and especially to what families experiencing unplanned pregnancies face.
Acting Executive Director Sarah Wiese invited the crowd to join us for major growth in 2019, Biking for Babies’ 10th year of supporting pregnancy resource centers. With a closing group picture, both missionaries and supporters were sent out with a renewed sense of commitment and urgency to building the Culture of Life.
