THE ANNUAL AGONY RIDE, a 24-hour bike-a-thon to benefit Christian Encounter Ministries in Grass Valley enters its 41st annual event on July 28-29. The Agony Ride is the major fundraiser for the organization which is a residential ministry for at risk youth ages 16-24 who have experienced abuse, neglect, family breakdown, and/or other kinds of turmoil, including problematic substance use. The program focuses on helping residents to establish a relationship with God through discipleship, worship, and studying the basics of Christian faith. The program is rounded out by counseling services, schooling, and social interactions. Counseling is primarily offered in once-weekly sessions with an assigned counselor, in Christian-oriented therapy.
The fundraiser originally started in Death Valley and transferred to the Sierra Valley in 1987 where it has since remained. Zach Malech, Outreach Pastor for Christian Encounter Ministries for the last three years, gave reasons for the switch which include: 1. The Park Service was no longer open to events in Death Valley. 2. They realized that the real reason for the ride was not just to challenge the athletes personally, but to provide funds for a greater good: the needs of young people. 3. The potential for raising funds was much greater closer to home and the costs associated with the event were much lower. Also, the young people benefitting from the team efforts would be able to be part of The Agony and were able to witness the exhaustion riders would endure, etc. 4. The roads in the Sierra Valley were the safest they could find for such an undertaking. 5. Most importantly, the people of the Sierra Valley were so hospitable and supportive of their purpose, cause, and endeavor. Everyone from the business people, churches, school, medical community, and law enforcement personnel have from the very beginning been wonderful and gracious!
Malech explains in-patient services are very expensive and many cannot afford the costs, so all money donated through the Agony Ride goes directly to the scholarship fund for students who can’t pay. The first Sierra Valley Agony Ride in September 1987 had 26 riders who raised just under $36,000. Last year, the Agony Ride had 112 riders and raised over $370,000. This year’s event will start at 1 p.m. on Friday, July 28th at the Loyalton City Park and end at 1 p.m. on Saturday, July 29th. Riders are sponsored per mile or a flat rate. The route goes from the Loyalton City Park out A24 to Highway 70, over to Vinton to Highway 49 and back to Loyalton. They have 105 riders signed up so far, which includes Malech who is doing it for the first time. Malech stated they are grateful to the Sierra Valley community for allowing their organization to continue to have this event. For those who are interested, it is not too late to sign up www.agonyride.org.
Christian Encounter Ministries also receives funding through donations and sponsorships. Local churches, Community Church of Loyalton and Sierraville Community Church are two of the many sponsors who help the entity not only monetarily but also through prayer and support. The two entities have sponsored this organization since 1993.
The fundraiser originally started in Death Valley and transferred to the Sierra Valley in 1987 where it has since remained. Zach Malech, Outreach Pastor for Christian Encounter Ministries for the last three years, gave reasons for the switch which include: 1. The Park Service was no longer open to events in Death Valley. 2. They realized that the real reason for the ride was not just to challenge the athletes personally, but to provide funds for a greater good: the needs of young people. 3. The potential for raising funds was much greater closer to home and the costs associated with the event were much lower. Also, the young people benefitting from the team efforts would be able to be part of The Agony and were able to witness the exhaustion riders would endure, etc. 4. The roads in the Sierra Valley were the safest they could find for such an undertaking. 5. Most importantly, the people of the Sierra Valley were so hospitable and supportive of their purpose, cause, and endeavor. Everyone from the business people, churches, school, medical community, and law enforcement personnel have from the very beginning been wonderful and gracious!
Malech explains in-patient services are very expensive and many cannot afford the costs, so all money donated through the Agony Ride goes directly to the scholarship fund for students who can’t pay. The first Sierra Valley Agony Ride in September 1987 had 26 riders who raised just under $36,000. Last year, the Agony Ride had 112 riders and raised over $370,000. This year’s event will start at 1 p.m. on Friday, July 28th at the Loyalton City Park and end at 1 p.m. on Saturday, July 29th. Riders are sponsored per mile or a flat rate. The route goes from the Loyalton City Park out A24 to Highway 70, over to Vinton to Highway 49 and back to Loyalton. They have 105 riders signed up so far, which includes Malech who is doing it for the first time. Malech stated they are grateful to the Sierra Valley community for allowing their organization to continue to have this event. For those who are interested, it is not too late to sign up www.agonyride.org.
Christian Encounter Ministries also receives funding through donations and sponsorships. Local churches, Community Church of Loyalton and Sierraville Community Church are two of the many sponsors who help the entity not only monetarily but also through prayer and support. The two entities have sponsored this organization since 1993.
