Daniel:
Favorite time of the day:Bedtime
Favorite Animal: Elephant
Blogmaster’s side note – Daniel is 5 foot 4 inches
- Favorite board game: Mouse trap
- College Football Team: Tennessee Volunteers
One word description by the staff of Daniel: Curious
From the cyclist’s mouth:
The most important change that has taken place in my life since coming to the PAYH is knowing Christ as my Lord and Savior. I am learning to pray more. I pray before I study, take a test, and work out. Because I am not using alcohol or drugs, I am thinking clearly and constantly learning. I am excited about completing high school and furthering my education in a vocational college.
Before I came to the PAYH, I did not show love and respect for my family; now I do. I can now look people in the eye when I am talking with them and have conversations.
I have gained weight and developed endurance while being committed to working out. I have changed by gaining muscle. I used to have hair down to my shoulder and I never want to have long hair again.
The best change other than my relationship with Jesus is that I am thinking clearly, and I enjoy it. I am changing every day. Sometimes I struggle with my attitude, but I notice it, and I am working to change it.
I have never ridden a bicycle a long distance, and I am excited about the ride. It will teach me that with Christ’s help I can do things that seem impossible.
Daniel:
- Favorite Coffee: Iced Vanilla Latte
- Favorite Board Game: Clue
- Favorite time of the day: “Whatever time I complete school or work”
- College Football Team: Florida Gators
One word description by the staff of Daniel: Animated
From the cyclist’s mouth:
While I have been at the PAYH, I have established a strong foundation and a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. I read my Bible every day.
Prior to coming here, I had completed the 11th grade, and now I have finished my senior year.
I have matured more than I ever thought that I could. With the help of God, I have been able to restore my relationship with my family. Before coming to PAYH, I never saw why I should work hard. Now I am a hard worker and understand why I should be. I regularly work out with weights and have gained 10 pounds that is primarily muscle.
I often apply Philippians 4:13 (I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me) to whatever I am doing. For example, because we run a lot here, I often meditate on Philippians 4:13. With God’s strength, He will give me the power to finish the 537 mile Bike Ride. I am very excited to be a part of the ’07 Bike Ride. Riding 537 miles will give me a unique opportunity to meditate on Philippians 4:13.
Jayson:
- Last meal: Hot wings, macaroni and cheese
- Favorite grade: 4th grade
- Most loved Christmas Carol: Rockin around, the Christmas Tree
- College Football Team: Georgia Bulldogs
One word description by the staff of Jayson: Fun-LovingFrom the cyclist’s mouth:
Since coming to the PAYH, Jesus Christ has become my Lord and Savior; I am learning to let Him control every part of my life. My goal is to read the Bible every day.
I was in the tenth grade when I arrived and didn’t have a chance of graduating from high school. Now I am a senior with plans of going to college.
I used to have a problem with anger and pride. Since coming here I have learned to swallow my pride, and I am continuously striving to learn to appropriately handle my anger.
When I came to the PAYH, I did not have a good relationship with my father or stepfather. I have been working hard to rebuild these relationships.
Here I have made several good friends, and I hope these relationships will continue after I graduate.
Before I came to the PAYH, I had no respect for adults. PAYH staff has taught me that I should always respect those in authority. When I came here, I could barely run a mile. Now I can run ten, and I have also gained 20 pounds. Prior to being here, I hated work, and now I have learned that I have to work to make a living and be successful in life.
Thinking about Philippians 4:13 and applying to my circumstance helps 100% of the time.
I am thrilled to be going on this bike ride. I love the PAYH and what it has done for me. Going on this ride is my chance to give back. Riding 537 miles will also be a major accomplishment. From this experience, I will learn that no matter how hard something is, I can do it with Christ’s help.
Nathan:
- Favorite time of the day: “When I get up in the morning”
- Blogmaster’s side note: We have seen Nathan many times in the morning; we struggle to believe this is true
- Most loved Christmas Carol: Jingle Bells
- Favorite Animal: Turkey
- College Football Team: Georgia Bulldogs…”Go Dawgs!”
One word description by the staff of Nathan: AnxiousFrom the cyclist’s mouth:
Since coming to the Paul Anderson Youth Home, I have allowed Jesus Christ to be my Lord and Savior. God has worked in my heart a lot, but I still have a long way to go. When I came here, I was in the tenth grade. I have grown mentally by engaging in class and applying what I have learned.
When I first came to the PAYH, I was in control of my life, it was all about me. Now I let Jesus run my life. I still have struggles, but I know He is control, and I have learned to trust Him. Before PAYH, I allowed my emotions to rule me. Now, I am allowing Jesus to be in control, and He is helping me appropriately express my emotions. I have gained 15 pounds since I came here.
When I trained and participated in the half marathon in
Atlanta, I meditated on Philippians 4:13, and I have continued to so. I am excited about going on the Bike Ride and having this opportunity to help raise money for my home. Participating in it gives me an opportunity to help raise money for my home. I am grateful that I will be able to trust the Lord and know that He will provide me the strength to complete the ride.
Thomas:
- Most beloved pet: His dog goose
- Favorite Flower: Wisteria
- Favorite Animal: Snow Leopard
- College Football Team: FloridaState Seminoles
One word description by the staff of Thomas: EnterprisingFrom the cyclist’s mouth:
Before I came to the PAYH I believed that there was no way that the Bible could be true. Now I believe there is no way it could not be true. I have accepted Jesus as my Lord and Savior. Before PAYH I was in the tenth grade with grades in the low 70’s; now I am in the 11th grade and my average is in the high 80’s.
I have developed my relationship with my mother and father, and they have forgiven me for everything I did in the past. With Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior, I am a new person. I don’t believe any other place could have made such a big impact on me as the PAYH has done.
I haven’t ever ridden a bicycle that much, so I will be thinking about Philippians 4:13 (I can do all things through Christ who strengthens
me.) as I practice and go on the ride. I am very excited about going on this ride. When I complete this challenge, I will have gained not only more trust in God but also confidence in myself in being able to do things I didn’t think I could.
Zack:
- Last Meal: Steak and Potatoes
- Blogmaster’s side note: That about sums it up; he’s that kind of guy
- Favorite Board Game: Trouble
- Favorite day of the week: Friday
- College Football Team: Auburn Tigers
One word description by the staff of Zack: TenaciousFrom the cyclist’s mouth:
Before I came to the Paul Anderson Youth Home, I did not know Christ. Now Jesus is my Lord and Savior. I love Him and am devoted to following Him. In ten months I have moved from a tenth grader who was struggling in every aspect of school to being a twelfth grader who is looking forward to attending college.
I had a serious problem with anger: it is not completely resolved, but I am learning how to resolve it day by day.
Before I came here my parents and I hated each other, and now we have a great relationship. My Dad and I have about the best relationship a father and son could have. At the PAYH I have made some of the best friends that I have ever had in my life. I will never forget the people here; I will always stay in touch with them. I can count on them for anything. My life verse is Philippians 4:13 (I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me). I apply it all the time while I am running, lifting, or doing schoolwork. In everything, it motivates me.
During the bike ride, if I want to stop I will repeat Philippians 4:13 over and over, and it will help me keep going.
I am very excited about being one of the participants in this year’s bike ride. I love accomplishing difficult tasks and doing them to the best of my ability. Even though life has difficult challenges, I must persevere through them. Completing this ride will teach me that even though things may be hard, I must persevere until I push through them.