Ride for Refuge

M. grew up with dreams of riding a bike, and recently this dream came true! Since coming to Canada as a refugee she has faced significant challenges, but has consistently met them with hope and resilience. M has overcome her fears and gained new experiences, including riding a bike alongside the community of friends she has made in Canada. Keep reading to hear her story...

A ride for hope and peace!

I dreamed of having my own bike since I was 8 years old. “A girl can’t ride, a girl can’t have a bike” were some of the restrictions in our society. 

I still remember the first day when I was gifted a new bike from one of the Tenth Church members. Was it a dream right away? Nope. It wasn’t. 

As a newcomer to Canada, dealing with problems such as being far from family, and starting a new life in a new environment were my major concerns, while despite it all I was learning to ride to conquer this frustration.

Eventually, I was invited by team of volunteers from Journey Home to participate in fundraising for refugees. As an asylum seeker my heart was willing to be a part of this journey, but meanwhile, I wasn’t sure if I would be able to ride for 3 hours. The motivational messages from the participants changed my way of thinking to believe in myself and so I participated. The bike riding wasn’t just an event to obtain the goal of fundraising, but more about supporting humanity. 

I learned that there are people who are still working for others who are in need, no matter who they are. 

During the journey I dropped off the bike two times, while the team kept me motivated to move on and fight my fears. We ended up raising funds and also found a group of new friends from different backgrounds. 

Thank you Journey Home, you are a real supporter!

If you would like to read more about M’s journey to Canada as a refugee, click here.

Tenth provides housing and basic necessities of life for asylum seekers during their first few months in Canada, modeled after our ministry partner Journey Home Community.

Want to get involved in what Tenth is doing?  Be part of our next Community of Welcome Refugee Prayer, check out other ways to get involved or email us.