Marc Gold and Rob Croft are buddies - and they’re riding bicycles together for much more than fun. Their hearts are aligned for a 3,000-mile mission to raise awareness of Christian pregnancy centers nationwide, and focusing on one in particular, Hands of Hope/Tucson.
When a woman experiences an unexpected pregnancy, life can become very confusing, very quickly. In many cities, compassionate help is readily available, and at no cost. But that fact is not always known, especially among young women. So, Marc and Rob are dedicating a lot of energy and sweat to get the word out. “My main goal,” explains Marc, “is to spread awareness that…there is hope during an unexpected pregnancy. That can be a pretty stressful time.”
Rather listen?
Coast-to-coast on 2 wheels and padded bike pants
“We’re going for it. And it’s going to be a long journey, but I think it’s going to be something if we can get it. With his [God’s] help, we’ll make a difference.”
Long-distance biking partner Rob offers his thoughts. “I buy into, and believe, that God is in control, and he wants us to make choices that promote life,” adding Marc’s idea of an awareness and fundraising mission, “resonated with me on a spiritual level,” but also as sharing in a worthy project with a friend.
Their multi-state route is all planned out. Marc and Rob average five or six hours on the road each day. And they’re careful to eat enough protein and good food to keep their bodies going. Rob is 66-year-old, Marc is 67. Both are avid cyclists. One of them has a passion for ice cream.
What hope is available?
Marc visited Hands of Hope/Tucson before the bicycle mission wanting to learn more about what they offer for the community. Besides free pregnancy testing and ultrasound to see the developing baby, the outreach offers support for women - and men - involved in the pregnancy, with counseling and guidance.
There’s also help for a woman who has miscarried, experienced a stillbirth, or is suffering from emotional discomfort about past decisions. Marc emphasizes, “everything is free” and he says a woman can expect “to be welcomed” to the Christ-centered organization. Hands of Hope’s motto is “No Questions. No judgment.”
10,000 Differences Made
Marc learned that over the past 40 years Hands of Hope/Tucson has been responsible for guiding some 10,000 new births. But, “honestly, in October, I didn’t even know there was a Hands of Hope. And they’re right here in Tucson,” where he lives. That’s one reason he and Rob want to create all the awareness they can as their tires hit the pavement.
Marc emphasizes, “If you think about it, Richard, this is all about help. It’s not a left or a right situation as far as politics and all that kind of stuff. This is all about help.” Besides pregnancy awareness, non-profit Hands of Hope even offers emergency diaper assistance.
Florida or bust (no flats, please)
Marc & Rob’s nationwide ride began in San Diego March 13th, with the end point being Jacksonville, Florida. Besides creating awareness, their goal is to raise funding for Hands of Hope. “Man, this isn’t about the money, really, this is about saving lives and of course it takes money to save the lives.” Marc believes, and Rob agrees, “If we can help save one life, it’ll be worth every pedal stroke that we make to Florida!”
You can track their bike progress here.
These two bicycle enthusiasts have great hearts for the cause, their friendship, and especially for God. Learn more in our complete podcast interview just below.
