Cycling for Team HOPE

Vida Li Sik • November 25, 2021

Raising awareness and funds for Early Childhood Development

A collage of a man holding a medal and a woman riding a bike

This last weekend, seven members of the Johannesburg church (South Africa) represented HOPE worldwide SA in the 947 Ride Joburg cycle race to raise awareness and funds for Early Childhood Development (ECD).


Here are responses from some of the participants:


Selepe Phetla (top right) competed for the fourth time in the 94.7 km (58.8 miles) event, which is the world’s second-largest timed cycle race that attracts between 20 000 and 30 000 cyclists. He aimed to finish the race in 3hrs30min and exceeded his expectations by clocking 3hrs23min.

“So far I’ve raised over R7 000 ($441) toward HOPEww SA’s ECD programme, and hopefully more donations will roll in. I enjoyed the race, and it was great to meet some sisters on the road when I had 27km to go. They came to support us and brought additional refreshments,” he shares.


Jacques Genis (bottom left), who leads the campus and singles ministries, competed in his first race. “It was an amazing experience; the best part was being able to do it with my brother-in-Christ, Neil Robinson.”


Neil (bottom right) previously raced for a professional team and, this time, he enjoyed doing it for a good cause. “It was great to enjoy the event and have fun, and to take it in for the joy of it. In previous years it was all a blur as I raced,” he says.


Irene Stotko (middle) had good reasons not to compete—her mom recently passed away. She also had a sore throat and limited training after recovering from an injury. Although she wasn’t part of the official team, she still took part. “I decided to just show up and see how it would go, and managed to finish,” she says.


This year, Keith Marais (top left) competed for the fifth time. “It’s been awesome to ride the race for HOPE, raising awareness around early childhood development while doing what I enjoy most, cycling! Ride Joburg is exactly that—the sites, the sounds, the supporters—the hype is awesome and memorable. For 2022, Team HOPE aims to rally together at least 22 riders.”


HOPEww SA serves and supports over 20,000 children every month. If you would like to support their Early Childhood Development work, go to hopeworldwidesa.org for information and to donate, or follow them on Facebook.

#Heroes4HOPE

Sacrificial Giving—by Ivor Botha, Erick Li Sik & Bridget Mokoteli

May 4, 2025
We are called to excel in the grace of giving—it’s not just a duty, but a spiritual act of worship. Be consistent and faithful in our giving. Set it aside intentionally, and don’t delay in fulfilling what you’ve committed to the Lord. Don't let your imperfect view of God impact your giving.
A family consisting of a father, mother and children.

Biblical Parenting Part 1 —by Justin & Sarah-Jane Louw

April 27, 2025
Changing takes courage—but parenting God’s way means choosing His path, and knowing where our help comes from. Righteousness is about healing and strengthening relationships, not achieving perfection. Don’t conform to the world’s ways—seek God’s perspective on parenting. Model the behaviour you want to see, and let His Word draw your heart to your children, and theirs to yours. Be present in their spiritual journey—it's not optional, it's your responsibility.
Cross seen through the mouth of a cave for an Easter poster.

Treasure in the Field—by Justin Louw & the Teens

April 20, 2025
We are like broken pieces of pottery. God went looking for us, he found the fragments of our lives discarded by life/shame/disappointment, and put us back with the blood of Jesus. Treat each other not as broken but perfected through Christ.
Show More