When Luke, an enthusiastic IFI volunteer from Columbus, proposed a bike trip to three international students in the summer of 2023—Shane, Brandon, and Aaron*—it seemed like the perfect opportunity for adventure.
“The plan was simple,” Luke said. “We’d ride from London to Loveland, Ohio, and back, covering about 150 miles over two days.”
Each of the students had different levels of biking experience, and none fully anticipated the challenges they would face. Yet, in hindsight, the journey became more than just a physical test; it was a lesson in endurance and friendship.
“I thought it might be a good challenge for me,” Aaron stated. “It was difficult but I was excited and thankful I had wonderful friends around me for the ride.”
As they approached Loveland, the group was physically exhausted but mentally encouraged. They had covered nearly 75 miles and were halfway to their destination. Loveland was charming, bustling with people and events, giving the students a much-needed morale boost. Then Paul and Ann, local IFI staff and volunteers, welcomed them with open arms.
“After picking them up and allowing them a chance to settle in, I did my standard dietary restriction questions to make sure I understood what they could and could not eat the next morning,” Paul said. “I like cooking food they won’t have the opportunity to eat most anywhere else, so I made a Cincinnati favorite: Goetta!” 
Paul was excited to introduce them to Goetta, a traditional German dish made from pork, beef, and steel-cut oats. The two students without dietary restrictions loved it, finishing every last bite.
“I really like being used by the Lord in this way,” Paul explained. “Ann and I are blessed to have a home where we can extend an invitation, through biblical hospitality to the nations of the world through international students.”
The journey wasn’t without its setbacks. About 30 miles into the trip the second day, Shane’s bike malfunctioned. Several cyclists passing by tried to help, but none could fix the issue. 
“I was worried for the next day because I didn’t know how we’d get back,” Shane said. “I was also sad that we might need to abort our original plan for the trip because of my bike issues.”
Luke reassured them that they would find a way, even if it meant calling on someone to pick them up. The trip had already pushed everyone to their limits, and now the thought of having to cut it short weighed heavily on their minds.
Thankfully, Diane, another IFI volunteer, came to the rescue with a truck around Waynesville to pick up the students, whose spirits were lifted by her arrival.
“I was grateful for Diane,” Luke explained. “We were 30 miles into the return trip and realized there was no way we could ride Shane’s bike back to London in its state!” 
Despite the fatigue and bike troubles, the experience was overwhelmingly positive. They had not only survived 105 miles of biking, but thrived in the face of adversity. For Luke, seeing the students push through their struggles was a testament to the strength of community.
“It wasn’t just about the physical challenge; it was about being present in the moment,” Brandon said. “We also learned that the body can endure far more than the mind often allows. It was a great way to check our caliber!”
As they reflected on the trip, Shane, Brandon, and Aaron realized that it wasn’t just a bike ride– it was an opportunity to test their limits, and a chance to build deep, meaningful connections with others, something IFI is all about! They had started as acquaintances and ended as friends, bound by the shared challenges and triumphs of the road. The trip had been a transformative experience—one they would not soon forget. They discovered that no matter how daunting a challenge might seem, anything is easier with the support of friends. It was neat to see a community of IFI volunteers come around this small group challenge to help and encourage along the way.
And when Luke asked the group if they would do it again, the answer was a unanimous, resounding “Yes!”.
*Names & photos changed to protect student privacy