Many of you me as the Pastor of the River Church, or the Chair of Community Christmas Care. You might also know that I am an avid mountain biker; actually riding has played a pretty major part in my life since 1989. I will never forget the first time riding single-track on Vedder Mountain way back, feeling joyful exhilaration combined with lung-busting pain. I was hooked from that day forward.
Just last week I was riding my favourite loop; Bracken Trail, Jacks, 50 Shades, Mike’s Loop, Entrails, Bony Elbow, Dirks Diggler back to Bracken and home. I love that loop. Like many of you, you run or ride or hike (anything outdoors) in order to clear the cobwebs, get quiet, and maybe even pray. Some of my best, most intimate times where I sense God’s pleasure is when I am on my bike. Maybe you can relate. As I was riding this particular day, getting to the highest point in my ride, overlooking Squamish, I had this crazy thought. What if I put a prayer box somewhere on my favourite loop, and invited my friends and acquaintances and neighbours (actually let’s open it up to everyone in Squamish) to anonymously put their prayer request in the box, and in so doing, invite me to pray for them and be mindful of their particular situation. In fact, their “request” may not even be a formal request, it could even be a question they have for God, a dream they can’t seem to let go of, a fear, a joy, or maybe even a hurt. It could even be a statement some thing like this: “God, if you are who you say you are, please show yourself to me.” Whatever it might be, this would be the participant’s opportunity to share it, and invite someone to pray for them. Stand with them. Be in their corner as it were. Because after all, we all go through times in life where we can’t “do it” alone. We all need a place where we can lay down what’s weighing us down, and invite someone to help carry it.
Anyways, that’s the invitation. If this idea resonates with you…great. If not, no big deal. I’m not pushing anything on you. It’s just an invitation.
Darcy Reimer
The River
Location of the Box: The box is chained to a tree at the entrance of Rupert. At the entrance of Rupert stop and look left. You'll see it chained to a small tree next to a very large Douglas Fir. Look at the photo and you'll get an idea.
Please bring your written anonymous request, fold it up and put it in the slot on the box. II have also attached a pen and a zip lock filled with paper so feel free to use that, only please put it all back and seal up the bag before you leave. I’ll be there weekly to pick them up. And I know it goes without being said, but I will hold these requests in confidence.