Challenge

Written by cycleguy on August 27th, 2014

Unless you were born under a rock recently, you know about “The Challenge.”  Yeah…that challenge.

The one appropriately called The Ice Bucket Challenge for ALS.

Well…Jo & I took part in that challenge on Monday evening. It was in response to someone whom we simply could not refuse…OUR GRANDSON. I mean…come one! How in the world can grandparents turn down the challenge from their one and only grandson? It came about because his aunt Tami challenged him.

I haven’t said much about the ALS challenge at all. Publicly or privately. I do not personally (to my knowledge) know anyone who has ALS. I know of some who have had relatives. I know of Chuck Wedemeyer. Chuck and his wife were committed followers of Jesus.

I know ALS is an ugly disease. I also know there is so much more to learn about it. I have some concerns about the origin of stem cells used in research. But honestly, I know so little about it I can’t really make a fair judgment. I read this article that brought some things into focus a little better. I guess. I do hope they find a cure for this devastating disease.

So in our challenge we did something different. It is not much different from what others have done. We took the challenge. We challenged our youth pastor’s kids and his wife. (He had already been challenged by several others). Maybe Nancy (who filmed it) will comment and leave her link for the video.

Our donation will be made to two places. One is an organization I believe strongly in (and am on the board): New Beginnings Pregnancy Resource Center in Spencer, IN. The other is American Indian Christian Mission in Show Low, AZ. A friend of mine is involved in it. They both believe in life…as do I.

Have you taken the challenge? What are your thoughts?

 

17 Comments so far ↓

  1. Daniel says:

    I have not participated, but it seems that the longer this goes on, the more “band-wagony” is it getting. However, I will put up with it respectfully if it helps to raise the money to help find treatment options that help folks.

    • cycleguy says:

      Yeah, unfortunately, that seems true Daniel. But, like you, I will put up with it for a good cause. Unlike the “gangham” thing that went on.

  2. I did it Sunday night.

  3. Tami Grandi says:

    As you know I went with the John Paul research organization that doesn’t use embryonic stem cells.

  4. Betty Draper says:

    Ace brother died of ALS and a young man from our youth group died from this also. Have not taken the challenge…don’t need a challenge to help in some way.

  5. Jeff says:

    A brilliant fundraising idea.

    • cycleguy says:

      Yep. And it wasn’t even started by the ALS organization to start with. The article shows the history. I hate we have become so cynical about good causes (I’m including myself).

  6. My kids have done it, but I haven’t yet. I am interested to read about the origins of it though. Thanks Bill!

  7. Desert Jim says:

    I love Show Low, Pinetop, etc… – the White Mountains are one of the most beautiful places on earth. The mountains, snow, elk, trees.

    I am envious of your friend who must live there.

    I know that’s a little off topic, but I couldn’t resist.

    • cycleguy says:

      Well…my friend doesn’t live there. He will be heading out there soon. He has a friend who does and supports him $$ and with computers. I’m going to help with some media with my gift. never been there though

  8. Debbie says:

    I love how you responded to the challenge , Pastor Bill!

  9. Dave Arnold says:

    I have not taken the challenge, Bill, but think it’s a great thing. You are so right: it’s an awful disease.

  10. Zee says:

    My mom’s husband’s first wife died of ALS.

    Don’t know if you’ve seen this video yet – the beginning may be silly and slightly sexy, but watch the second half of it, starting at second minute. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h07OT8p8Oik