Greetings from Lynchburg!
A special thanks to all of you for your continued support through prayers and financial gifts that keep us going out to witness, teach and encourage fellow believers. We were on the road for 42 days this last mission trip, sharing the love of Jesus, bicycling and serving our Lord. Here are some highlights as we traveled through 8 states between Virginia and Maine. We have so many blessings to share, but don’t worry we will limit them to around 100…haha.
• The Bowman Family cousins’ reunion was held in Portland, ME – June 9-11, 2022. What a fun-filled, amazing, and very blessed weekend, seeing cousins I haven’t seen in 30 to 50 years and reconnecting with my sister and brother. My Dad, Robert Bowman, was one of 10 children and they multiplied and I have 35 first cousins. Our reunion was the first “official” one since 1980 and we had over 80 family members in attendance. Everyone had such a great time and we can’t wait for our next reunion!
• It was so much fun riding my bicycle through the streets and neighborhoods in Portland, stopping at special places — just like I did when growing up in that town.
• The blessing of our “new to us” travel home and office (which is another amazing story) plus all the people we met at the campgrounds. We had plenty of witnessing opportunities and met some wonderful believers too.
| • Speaking, teaching and sharing my testimony at several churches. |
| • Recording a special podcast about witnessing with Pastor Jack in Webster, NY. It is called, Pastoral Thoughts – Interview with Judy Bowman, Soul winner and cyclist. I hope you will take time to listen to it and then share it with your church, family and friends. |
• The blessing of our host church having a 30-amp plug and a shower. We were blessed with all the comforts of home and great new friends too in the Rochester, NY area.
• Lots of time with family and friends for Chrissy at her home church, Bethel Baptist, Prospect, NY.
• Safety and protection while driving and bicycling – thank you Lord for everything!!!
The Loss of a Loved One is always difficult.
It is with a heavy heart that I share that my youngest brother, Jeff, at age 57, passed away last month. Jeff was the youngest in our family of seven children and it was a shock to all of us as it was very unexpected. Jeff was a great guy and a brilliant man too. He spoke fluent Chinese and taught English as a second- language in Taiwan. Please pray for my siblings and their families during this time, as well as me and my son and his family.
Upcoming bicycle mission trip:
Williamsburg, VA – September 21-27, 2022
Bicycling! Witnessing! Fellowship! Adventures!
Colonial Williamsburg is a heartwarming, antiquated region that is permeated with the exuberance and cultural nitty-gritty that comes with it. Our team will enjoy being in this region for 6 days experiencing a variety of its culture. We will enjoy lunch at the Merchant Square where lots of people gather throughout the day.
There is also a historical walk/ride, with no vehicular traffic, through Colonial Williamsburg where we will see glassblowers, blacksmiths, and artisans producing goods by authentic, tried-and-true colonial methods just as they did back in the day.
Our team will ride down the Colonial Parkway to Yorktown Beach where you can cool off in the river and see some historical places along the way. A short ride on the James Town Ferry will take us to explore Jamestown, the first permanent English settlement in America.
| We will also ride on the beautiful Capital Trail that goes from our former capital in Williamsburg to our current capital in Richmond. The Capital trail is a 50-mile long, paved trail through many quaint areas of Virginia.Please email me personally for more detailed information about this mission trip and to register by August 10. |
Fourth of July Salvation Story
As a Veteran and a patriot, I love celebrating the 4th of July and taking time to talk to people about Freedom is such a fun to do.
Throughout the July 4th week, I like to ask everyone I met what FREEDOM means to them. One day I met a young man who worked at a store where I was doing a little shopping, so I asked him my question, “What does freedom mean to you?” After his response, I was led to then ask him, “Do you know what eternal freedom is?”
His answer was quite interesting. Michael told me that he had just started dating a nice young lady but her father doesn’t want her to go out with anyone who isn’t a born-again Christian. He added, “I don’t even know what that is.”
At that moment, I knew this was a divine appointment, so with great enthusiasm I started sharing the Gospel message with Michael. The Lord graciously kept other customers from coming up to his counter and Michael continued to ask me lots of question in search of the truth.
After more than 20 minutes of conversation, in which time I had shared my testimony and several Bible verses, Michael asked if God really loved him. Then he asked, “Can I really be forgiven and come to know Jesus and be born-again?” As I was answering that question, his girl friend walked into the store and came over to the counter to say hello to Michael. He was so excited for Lisa to meet me and hear what we had been talking about.
The three of us chatted for a few more minutes and then Michael asked his supervisor if he could take a break. We went outside and continued our conversation. I asked Lisa to share her testimony with Michael. As he listened, I watched him and saw a change come over him. Michael then asked, “what’s next?” How can I be saved?”
We explained what salvation meant and what he had to do. We told him that God knew his heart and if he was truly repentant and seeking salvation, God would hear and answer his prayer. “Wow!” Michael exclaimed, “I’m ready”. We all prayed and after we finished praying Michael blurted out, “What just happened?” Lisa replied, “You’ve been forgiven, Jesus is now your personal Lord and Savior, Michael, you’ve been born-again and the Holy Spirit lives within you.”
Michael beamed from ear to ear. “Oh, thank you, Jesus, for loving me and saving me!” he exclaimed, “and thank you for bringing Judy and Lisa into my life.” He then added, “I can’t wait to tell your Dad, Lisa, what happened to me today!”
I praise the Lord for “divine appointments” like this one with Michael. People everywhere are hungry and wanting to know the truth. God’s Word says, “And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:32