In 2021, Words of Hope board member Doug Van Beek completed a 350-mile bike ride from Tipton, California to San Diego to honor the ministry he faithfully serves. We cheered him on, and together raised over $20,000 to support our international work.
Now, Doug is preparing for an even greater challenge.
On July 4, 2025, Doug will embark on an 1,800-mile ride from Harris, Iowa to Oasis Ranch, California. This ride carries even deeper meaning: it is the Wendy Van Beek Memorial Bike Ride, named in honor of his beloved wife, Wendy, who passed away last year. Doug is riding to honor her memory, to glorify God, and to support those in desperate need.
All funds raised through this ride will support our ministry in Iran, a region experiencing severe hardship and unrest. Although our July 2025 Persian conference was canceled due to escalating conflict, we remain hopeful that our upcoming September gathering will still take place in a secure location outside Iran. Doug plans to attend this conference to minister directly to Iranian Christians.
Our team on the ground in Iran continues to face immense challenges—risking their lives daily for their faith. Yet their mission remains firm: to proclaim the love and hope of Jesus. The funds from Doug’s ride will help provide critical humanitarian aid, equip house churches, and enable faithful believers to attend future conferences. Our local teams also extend assistance to anyone in need, regardless of their religious background.
This is not about Doug’s pride. It’s about purpose.
Doug is riding to honor Wendy, to glorify Christ, and to come alongside our Iranian brothers and sisters in this time of crisis. We invite you to be part of this journey. Together, let’s bring hope to those who need it most.
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We will also be posting and sharing live video and photo updates from Doug on our Facebook and Instagram pages. Like and follow both of these now to see the most up to date stories and posts.
