Faith

‘Praying Across America’: Youth Pastor to Bike Coast-to-Coast In Epic, Two-Month Prayer Crusade

Youth pastors are known for fostering faith into the lives of teens and young adults. But one faith leader is taking his Christ-fueled message on the road – literally. Pastor Brad Weaver of Freedom Baptist Fellowship in Wilmot, Ohio, is planning to pedal his way across the United States through an initiative he created called “Praying Across America.”

As he stops in various cities across the nation, Weaver will take time each night to hold prayer ralliesat local churches. His overall goal? To encourage the people he meets to tap into the power of prayer. Weaver will depart for the voyage on Memorial Day weekend in Nags Head, North Carolina, and he will finish his mission in Huntington Beach, California, in late July.

IndeOnline.com has more about the voyage that Weaver is planning to set out on:

The idea for Praying Across America was planted in Weaver’s mind last summer while he was relaxing during his family’s annual vacation to the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Weaver, who works as a processor at Shearer’s Foods Millennium Manufacturing Plant in Massillon, said he felt convicted about the need to improve his own prayer life after reading a book titled “The Power of Prayer” by R.A. Torrey, an American pastor and evangelist during the late 1800s and early 1900s.

“People do rides to raise awareness for certain causes. I thought, ‘What better thing to do than to raise awareness for prayer,’ ” Weaver said.

The prayer meetings will consist of 20 minutes of prayer for national concerns and 20 minutes of prayer for the individual needs in each congregation. Weaver already has eight or nine meetings scheduled, including a June speaking engagement at Shiloh Baptist Church in Missouri, the church he attended as a youth. Besides holding prayer meetings, Weaver will be sharing his faith by handing out 4×6 cards that encourage others to seek a relationship with Jesus Christ.

“I am just an average American man. I have a loving wife, two beautiful children, a fat cat (no dog), and a 40-50 hour a week job,” Weaver writes on the web site he setup for the project. “I have had a desire to bike across this beautiful country for some time but never thought this would be possible for quite a few years…through some amazing things that happened, God has opened up the door for me to fulfill this goal of mine and raise awareness for prayer.”

A route, complete with dates and maps, is presented on Weaver’s web site:

Brad Weaver to Bike Ride Across America on Massive Prayer Journey

Brad Weaver to Bike Ride Across America on Massive Prayer Journey

This massive undertaking will certainly be a challenge — both physically, mentally and financially — for the father of two. But one of Weaver’s main concerns — his ability to secure his salary during the two-month prayer journey — has been tempered, as Bob Shearer, the CEO of Shearer’s Foods, has agreed to continue paying him throughout the bike ride.

Others, too, have stepped up to help make the initiative happen. From web design services to supplies needed during the trip, many individuals have been coming forward to assist in Weaver’s mission (although he still needs to raise more funds). The youth pastor, of course, believes that the support he’s receiving corroborates the notion that this trip is God-ordained.

Brad Weaver to Bike Ride Across America on Massive Prayer Journey

Pastor Brad Weaver and his family

“One of the biggest things I learned was don’t pray too small,” Weaver said in an interview with IndeOnline.com. “God has blessed me so greatly. I have nothing to complain about.”

In order to prepare for the cross-country mission, Weaver is also working out and biking heavily in the days leading up to his departure. You can follow his workout routine and many of the associated details on his Twitter feed.

Find out more about the bike ride and how you can get involved in making prayer rallies happen with Weaver in your community on the Praying Across America web site.

Comments (46)

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  • SaneAmerican
    Posted on May 7, 2012 at 10:58am

    I’m guessing that before this guy gets on his bike, America has more than enough prayers to go around. Given the surplus of prayer, it would be good if he could use this journey to bring awareness to a cause that can truly make a difference, deal with hunger, cures for diseases, homelessness, etc. These are hard times and people need a lot more than some well-wishing to get by.

    Biking coast-to-coast is quite an accomplishment though! Safe travels friend.

    Report Post »  
  • McSpeed
    Posted on May 7, 2012 at 10:39am

    My 18 year old nephew is doing the same thing – only starting from Alaska.

    http://johnsamericabiketour.blogspot.com/

    Report Post »  
    • In That Day
      Posted on May 7, 2012 at 3:16pm

      6,000 miles! Kodiak to Key West, Florida! And no SAG Wagon (support vehicle).

      No temptation to catch a ride to the evening meeting and negate sections of the ride across America.

      John seems mature for his age, and not full of himself either. Interesting. Deep voiced. Likable.

      Why must Churchianity be so self-dealing? As are leaders, so are followers.

      For perspective: http://bikeacrossamerica.org/

      My guess is HUNDREDS of bicyclers each summer trek across America, making it somewhat common.

      Any experts out there who can add perspectives as to number injured, number that succeed, number that must create “self-aggrandizing campaigns pimping other lame cause” to ride across America versus those simply…. riding across America?

      Let’s see: Scripture says, “BE STILL and insist that the world knows the misdirection cause I’m doing while Big Exercising.. and know I am God!”

      Is that what Psalm 46:10 says? Or is it: “BE STILL, and know that I am God!”

      Churchianity just LOVES self-aggrandizement, and one could NEVER bicycle across America… by simply bicycling across America. THAT WOULD NEVER DO… as far as self-absorption goes!

      We MUST make it a before, during and after… explosion of self-dealings and persona glorification.

      All in the name of a Right-Cause, of course!

      Jesus must have done this too! In his 40-day wilderness experience?

      Yes, only we lost His Facebook, Twitter, blog-Blaze account of it. ;)

      Report Post »  
    • prayingacross
      Posted on May 7, 2012 at 9:58pm

      Awesome am following his blog

      Report Post »  
  • oneillptgd
    Posted on May 7, 2012 at 6:35am

    America was birthed by the “Great Awakening”. It began as prayer. The “2nd Great Awakening” began as prayer. If God‘s people don’t cry out for mercy from above and repentance starting in the Churches, what will change this land. As a people we no longer have a direction to turn towards. Liberty is tyrany with out selfcontrol. A CALL TO PRAY is going out to those who see. The blind can not see the signs of the times. The blind will not see and be ruined. You may want to create a great country with out God involved in it’s daily life. That isn’t the country that we call USA! Europe was full of natural minded men that ruled the people. The TYRANTS caused the people to cry for a new land of LIBERTY. More than MLKs “I have a dream” speach, a real oportunity to establish a more perfect Union. What is YOUR CRY today???? Go young man a cry out for the blind to see!!!!

    Report Post »  
    • In That Day
      Posted on May 7, 2012 at 10:46am

      ONEILLPTGD,

      I salute your sentiment & desire for a Third Awakening… but I remind this audience that such sentiment, which sort of “ugha, ugha, amening” all that’s been tried before in Troglodyte agreement, is NO AWAKENING at all.

      Low-level Christian leaders, whom oft hide self-dealing shenanigans, inculcate earnest dupes, rubes and easily-penned-sheep who are taught to NOT see, question or involve history to simplistic pleas for a Third Awakening.

      But LOOK what can be SEEN, simply by examining unexamined Churchianity! MY GOD, there’s a lot to see!

      Mike Trout crashed his career when he began his bike-across-America campaigns, tying in books and funding at Focus on the Family. But his enhanced physicality ended his career via adultery.

      Remember, ONEILLPTGD, dumbed-down Churchianity HATES revelation of Irony-meter-pegging. Because dumbed-down church leaders CRAVE and INSIST that we have NO self-awareness.

      Self-awareness causes enlightenment, causes growth into Christ-in-You manifestation… And Christ-in-You is something dumbed-down leadership in Christianity HATES and LOATHES because they would have to recognize that Christ has come in non-self-dealing You or Another (to some extent.)

      So dumbed down Christianity seeks a sightless Third Awakening… without really waking up to much. God forbid (they say) if we remember history and Trout’s troubles biking across America!

      Daren’t we question things and wake up?

      Report Post »  
  • In That Day
    Posted on May 6, 2012 at 9:37pm

    My Dearest “KickaGrandma,”

    Who taught you to be so insulting? So hot with invective? So ready to call another a pejorative? Why choose a moniker that is in itself, a veriftable rudism?

    Tell me why you hit me with such a nasty, schoolyard name?

    Does this show maturity, forbearance… or much evidencen of Christian LOVE?

    Abraham Lincoln said, “I care not for a man’s religion whose dog and cat are not the better for it.”

    Ask yourself, is your religion helping you to treat your fellow blog-men and blog-women better?

    I’m happy to forgive your slip of immaturity! Okay?

    I can the answer to most problems is maturity! Yes!

    And as for this pastor bicycling across America…

    He’s leaving his family for two months, to ride a few feet away from cars traveling 65 mph +, training also takes him from family no doubt, he will focus on his body’s ability to pedal 80 miles every day, one famous Christian man working for Focus on the Family apparently did the same thing, only to lose his job because of an extramarital affair… Our intrepid bicyclist is adding an agenda few across-America riders partake in, and that is a meeting at day’s end to pray at church meetings along the way, barring unforeseen events like exhaustion, break down, delays, injury or surprises.

    I suppose your religion tells you to never proceed with caution, or a sense of intelligent history.

    Perhaps you are right.

    What could go wrong?

    Report Post »  
    • pilgrim249
      Posted on May 7, 2012 at 8:38am

      You are such a weak logic dweeb. If someone like you is against this youth director, he must be doing something good.

      Report Post »  
    • Kara_ite
      Posted on May 7, 2012 at 8:49am

      My thoughts exactly. Leave your wife and two children to make a name for yourself. I do my praying all day while I do chores. My YHWH does not need for me to be on a bicycle nor does he need me to pray for this cursed land.
      - – And in the days of those kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed; nor shall the kingdom be left to another people; it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, but it shall stand for ever.
      Daniel 2: 44
      I wait for this day which was promised.
      I also get so tired of hearing that the USA is the greatest nation that ever was. It is not. My people were born here and I love the land and YHWH, but the USA has gone down hill.

      Report Post » Kara_ite  
  • HenryJ
    Posted on May 6, 2012 at 8:20pm

    Way to go Preach!…being and avid cyclist myself I can image the challenge,the ride specifically, ahead. I’ll be asking God to give you a tough butt, soft saddle and a tail wind.

    Report Post »  
  • COFemale
    Posted on May 6, 2012 at 7:35pm

    Good for him and God Speed. Protect him where ever he may travel.

    Report Post » COFemale  
  • allyoucaneatbaby
    Posted on May 6, 2012 at 6:56pm

    Thanks for the prayers, how bout some food.

    Report Post »  
  • judyaz
    Posted on May 6, 2012 at 6:42pm

    “Each man or woman on our earth shall worship God is his or her own way. But he should do so in the privacy of his own heart and mind.
    Speak to your Father as you would speak to yourself, and therefore, your Father shall listen.
    As you should pray unto your Father say these things that should mean something to you, and therefore, it should mean something to our Father.
    Speak that that is in your heart.
    Give thanks unto your Father, and be not afraid to speak to Him, for He loves all of His children.
    Too often man forgets that God loves you. Each of you in your own way are God’s children, and He loves all of you. When you speak to your Father, do not bow and scrape to Him; walk up to Him with love in your heart, and God will listen.
    When you pray, pray for guidance….Pray for acceptance of your brothers and sisters.
    Give that unto your Lord that is praise. Give that unto your Lord that is your sorrow. Give that unto your Lord that is happiness. Open your doorway and let the Lord share all things, and you shall never walk alone. For in your hour of desperation you shall reach within that quiet place that the eternal candle shall burn, and therefore, find the Lord within.
    For those who should seek our Father’s house, go unto a quiet place. And there, open your heart and mind….But you must enter this place with love.”

    Hear “The Words – A Quiet Place” http://youtu.be/AOVI19oSphE

    Report Post » judyaz  
  • ChristinaP55
    Posted on May 6, 2012 at 6:36pm

    God bless you, young man (& also to your generous employer) – what a worthy mission!

    Report Post »  
  • Speak without Fear
    Posted on May 6, 2012 at 6:05pm

    Kudos Pastor Brad Weaver …..Good luck on your journey!

    I also want to give a THUMBS up to SHEARERS Potato Chips!!!! Very awesome they are supporting him.

    It shouldn’t be missed that Bob Shearer is going to pay Brad Weaver for the TWO months he will be riding!!

    Bob Shearer…..Is a PATRIOT!!!!!

    PLEASE SUPPORT…..Pastor Weaver and Shearers Chips!!!!

    Bob Shear is a classic act……for

    Report Post »  
  • In That Day
    Posted on May 6, 2012 at 5:00pm

    Does anybody remember the history of MIke Trout, co-announcer for James Dobson on Focus on the Family?

    From Christianity Today, October 2000:

    “Mike Trout, for 15 years co-host of “Focus on the Family” with Dr. James Dobson, abruptly resigned from his position as senior vice president of broadcasting for the popular ministry organization.

    Trout was not available for comment and is not listed in the Colorado Springs directories. He had a 30-year career in radio, and wrote two books, including one about a cross-country bicycle trip. That venture led to “Bike for the Family,” a national campaign of bike runs to raise money for Focus.”

    Wikipedia further states: “In the first five months of 2001, Gary Bender presided as host of the nationally syndicated Focus on the Family radio show after the resignation of previous host Mike Trout (1985–2000) because of an extramarital affair.

    Just ’cause married pastor bikes across America, does it mean we trust & forget verity?

    Broadcast Churchianity never teaches the Western universal philosophy to watch the other hand, trust but verify, don’t be that sucker born every minute, remember history, leaders are not angels!

    The problem is, this Beck crowd is taught (by Beck?) to TRUST the new leaders of The Blaze, the new Dallas TV Program… and listen to THEIR programming saying the left & liberals are wrong!

    BUT.. a wiser thing is to teach this audience to verify ALL things!

    Check me, even!

    Report Post »  
    • kickagrandma
      Posted on May 6, 2012 at 6:54pm

      Whaaaat was this about?

      One man’s sin? Helllloooo! We ALL HAVE SINNED, dumb butt! So what? By GOD’s grace and mercy we are forgiven when we come to HIM and repent. Geesh!

      Get over yourself. Feel free to list your sins….

      Report Post »  
    • YAHSHUARULES
      Posted on May 6, 2012 at 10:19pm

      I had to roll down this page to see what had you in such an uproar over a comment by Kickgrandma; wow you make a big to-do over nothing. Prayer changes things. Prayer moves the hand of Yah. I think this pastor is wonderful and the fact he is going to have prayer meetings every night along the way will strengthen him and energize him; not drain him, keep him focused and committed. He will be encouraged by the Body of Yahshua at every one of these churches. He is about his Heavenly Father’s business and he will be blessed. He is sowing his time and effort into the Kingdom. It is an awesome, prophetic act going across this country and praying. Reawaken America to our real heritage. To long the churches have been cowed into mute acquiescence as evil marched through this land unchallenged. That is changing. I pray the pulpits THUNDER again with BIBLICAL TRUTHS as at the founding of this country with The Black Robe Regiment. I pray we get a supreme court that actually follows the Constitution.
      The Founders of this great country said it was only suitable for those with a moral, biblical, ethical foundation; without that America is doomed. I will pray for this pastor, pray for the success of his mission, pray that everywhere he goes REVIVAL and AWAKENING breaks forth, I will pray that the Almighty surround him as with a shield with His mighty warring angels and that his steps are ordered and no harm comes to him and that all he does will bring GLORY TO THE LORD!

      Report Post » YAHSHUARULES  
  • 338lapua
    Posted on May 6, 2012 at 4:54pm

    While I applaud the ride for a cause………treating God like a vending machine is just WRONG! The “power of prayer” is just a bizarre concept that people who do not understand God and his role in this world. When Jesus died, his final words were “it is done”. What do you think that was? Think about that, read about that…….its in ………ALL the gospels. And just try to not let someone else tell you what God is about. The Bible is filled with every shred of information you need for life.

    Report Post »  
  • ncgrammie4
    Posted on May 6, 2012 at 4:38pm

    Our pastor’s message the past six weeks was about dreams. We have been learning about our dreams for our life and how they are usually different from the plan that God has for us. I know that this young man is being lead to fulfill this dream that God has given him and may everyone he touches along the way be better for it. Godspeed.

    Report Post »  
  • The Third Archon
    Posted on May 6, 2012 at 4:27pm

    While I think prayer‘s likely aren’t heard by a party on the other end, that doesn‘t mean they don’t do things for the people who believe they do, and more importantly it doesn’t mean that the community fostered by religion in the status quo (yes, it could be done sans religion) is often a good thing, and moreover, such a journey is likely to be personally challenging, and therefore an opportunity for personal growth towards excellence. Regardless of whether or not you think prayer has its INTENDED effect, his dedication to something he values, his commitment to excellence in a sphere of human activity (for atheists, we would say a SOLELY human activity most likely) is laudable.

    “I love those that know not how to live except as down-goers, for they are the over-goers.

    I love the great despisers, because they are the great adorers, and arrows of longing for the other shore.

    I love those who do not first seek a reason beyond the stars for going down and being sacrifices, but sacrifice themselves to the earth, that the earth of the Superman may hereafter arrive.”

    Report Post » The Third Archon  
  • ThankBabyJesus
    Posted on May 6, 2012 at 3:41pm

    What a great man. The world can use more of him.

    Report Post » ThankBabyJesus  
  • gsplgtr
    Posted on May 6, 2012 at 3:03pm

    Being an old Jesus freak, I remember a man named Arthur Blessitt who walked across America carrying a cross. It was modified with wheels on the back end but he still did it. So this is nothing new to me.

    Report Post »  
    • lukerw
      Posted on May 6, 2012 at 7:08pm

      Ah, yes… completed his trip in 2008… just in time for Obama to emerge. So… are you saying… no Good Deed… goes Unpunished?

      Report Post » lukerw  
  • South Philly Boy
    Posted on May 6, 2012 at 2:52pm

    Go Pastor Brad Go

    Report Post » South Philly Boy  
  • kickagrandma
    Posted on May 6, 2012 at 2:37pm

    Do you all remember the JESUS movement during the early 70‘s which followed hard on the heels of the horrors of Viet Nam and all the rabble this godless group pulled in the 60’s? There was such power in those days and blessings overflowing all involved. Such a time is this. GOD’s people have always stood up, been called out, to do wild and crazy things ~~~ like walking into the Lions’ Den ~~~ and did so under the protection and guidance of GOD HIMSELF.

    AMERICA needs such men and families, like our military families do, to put it all on the line for her. And, GOD needs us standing for HIM in these times, and on our knees praying.

    May our mighty GOD continue to lead and protect this young man and his family on this journey. May GOD raise up an army of witnesses to travel with and around them so they do not journey alone, not one step of the way. Set up relay teams to ride with them and hand them off to the next group. We could all use the exercise both physical and spiritual! Surely there are enough CHRISTIANS on his route to do that, to visit with the kids and encourage the family. I, too, will pray for them and send funds starting now.

    In JESUS’ powerful and mighty name, amen.

    Report Post »  
  • Cesium
    Posted on May 6, 2012 at 2:08pm

    What an epic waste of time! Riding across the country to promote wishful thinking. Hey, why raise funds for medical research when you can raise funds for getting other people to talk to the imaginary sky wizard? We definitely need more praying and less easy stuff like dedicating one’s life to curing diseases. Why ride across the country to promote math, science, and space exploration when you can take the easy way out. Join hands, close your eyes, and mumble stuff to your imaginary friends… shrinking tumours for 1000s of years

    Report Post »  
    • burnteye86
      Posted on May 6, 2012 at 2:43pm

      What’s the matter CESIUM? Jealous of someone doing something good with their life? Unlike you?

      Report Post » burnteye86  
    • let us prey
      Posted on May 6, 2012 at 3:12pm

      Burnt eye
      Let’s raise enough money to send cesium to Iran. Maybe it’s life will be better there.

      Report Post » let us prey  
    • holy ghostbuster
      Posted on May 6, 2012 at 3:17pm

      Rather than accept a handout from the CEO of Shearer’s Foods, why doesn’t the good pastor just pray for his salary? Prayer is superstition. http://whywontgodhealamputees.com/superstition.htm

      Report Post » holy ghostbuster  
    • ThankBabyJesus
      Posted on May 6, 2012 at 4:28pm

      Just saw an atheist at Starbucks reading the Book of Antiverbs.

      Report Post » ThankBabyJesus  
    • ModerationIsBest
      Posted on May 6, 2012 at 5:27pm

      While I think prayer is worthless, I applaud his efforts to get in better shape. Maybe his mission will encourage others to get in shape to help curb obesity.

      Report Post »  
  • lukerw
    Posted on May 6, 2012 at 1:55pm

    WHOM IS PRAYING FOR WHAT? Christ… gave only One Prayer to Pray… while saying do not Pray like the Heathens!

    Report Post » lukerw  
    • gsplgtr
      Posted on May 6, 2012 at 3:00pm

      Luker, I am sorry to say you are biblecly clueless.. Jesus also said “What ver you ask(by faith) in my name and it wil be given to you. So we as Christians have more than “one prayer”

      Report Post »  
    • lukerw
      Posted on May 6, 2012 at 3:53pm

      @GS…
      So… you conclude that… Christ was speaking of Material Things; So…. if you ask for Food, Wealth, Fame, etc… it will simply be given to you :)

      Report Post » lukerw  
  • NHwinter
    Posted on May 6, 2012 at 1:55pm

    Good for him. God bless his journey and keep him safe. Maybe he will have a lot of young folks join him at different places along the way and bike with him for miles and miles.

    Report Post » NHwinter  
  • Zcat
    Posted on May 6, 2012 at 1:20pm

    God Bless him! I will be praying alone with him.

    Report Post »  
  • LeadNotFollow
    Posted on May 6, 2012 at 1:00pm

    …
    Riding a bike across America is very dangerous.
    May God bless and protect this man.

    Report Post »  
    • kickagrandma
      Posted on May 6, 2012 at 4:00pm

      Getting out of bed in AMERICA is dangerous, but by golly, some of us do it anyway.

      If this is GOD’S plan, HE WILL PROTECT that young man. Maybe part of that protection could be our prayers for him? Joining you in prayer for the biking man of GOD…. and his family… and all of us and our families.

      Report Post »  
  • blackyb
    Posted on May 6, 2012 at 12:47pm

    If this man is on a bicycle, he is setting himself up to be murdered by those who are looking for excuse to murder someone. This man may better rethink this plan. He has a wife and children. There are better and more safer ways of spreading the world. He better make sure that is what God wants him to do because it sounds like a world of hurt the way people meet and greet Christians now-a-days.

    Report Post » blackyb  
    • holy ghostbuster
      Posted on May 6, 2012 at 3:22pm

      All he has to do is pray for safety and god will surround him with an invisible shield. Prayer fails in as many times as it appears to succeed.

      Report Post » holy ghostbuster  
  • copatriots
    Posted on May 6, 2012 at 12:42pm

    Way to go, Pastor, and thanks BLAZE for covering it! Wish his ride brought him through Denver but our mountains make for some tough cycling! He is hitting AZ at the height of summer……yikes!

    Many blessings to you, Pastor! Will keep you and your family in prayers.

    Report Post »  
    • Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
      Posted on May 6, 2012 at 1:40pm

      God keep him safe adn cool during our summer; otherwise he is going to have problems. Love the effort and the idea of what he is doing.

      Report Post » Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}  
    • copatriots
      Posted on May 6, 2012 at 2:10pm

      Agree, SNOW, with prayers for God to keep the good pastor safe and cool! He may be better off riding during the night across your fine state and part of Cali.

      Report Post »  
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