Adventist Cyclists Pedal 300 Kilometers Bringing Health and Hope Across Colombia’s Mountains

For four days 70 Seventh-day Adventist cyclists pedaled more than 300 kilometers (186 miles) through Colombia’s mountains, carrying a message of health and hope to communities rarely reached by such initiatives. The 2025 edition of the Hope on Wheels—Land of Freedom initiative, held August 7-10, formed part of the church’s flagship program I Want to Live Healthy, uniting sport, wellness, and mission in a dynamic outreach effort.

The cyclists traveled across the departments of Cundinamarca and Boyacá, supported by medical staff, mechanics, security teams, and volunteers. Along the way they distributed 2,000 pieces of literature focused on mental health, the hope of Jesus’ soon return, and the biblical truth about the Sabbath.

Faith on the Road

The journey was marked by steep climbs, sudden rains, and bursts of sun, said Leonel Preciado, Health Ministries director of the South Colombian Union Conference and head organizer of the event. “In every town and city the cyclists became a moving testimony,” he said. “Their uniforms, emblazoned with ‘I Want to Live Healthy,’ sparked conversations and opened doors to share faith.”

Behind each jersey was a personal story of perseverance and spiritual renewal.

For Albeiro Devia from the La Esperanza Adventist Church in Bogotá, the ride represented a return to God and His church after years away.

“I came back to church four months ago, getting rebaptized because of my daughters and my wife, and for myself,” said Devia.

“Every pedal stroke on this journey was a prayer,” he said. “I want to be active in the church and help someone else return, because I know there are many people who need to hear a word of encouragement and want to return—but they need a little extra push, just as it happened to me,” said Devia.

The strong example of his wife and the support from the church were the push he needed.

For many, cycling proved to be a natural avenue for mission. Jeison Camargo, Youth and Health Ministries director for the South Pacific Mission, recalled curious onlookers who mistook the group for a competition.

“Every time we go out people ask us, ‘What is this “I Want to Live Healthy”?’ and I have had the privilege of explaining that we are from the Seventh-day Adventist Church and that we’re part of a ministry and that anyone can join. People become interested in the church,” said Camargo.

Samuel Camacho from the Monteverde Adventist Church agreed.

“If we’re cyclists, why not use cycling to share faith?” he said after telling a local man about the church during a steep climb.

An International Flavor

The event also drew participants from outside Colombia. Gabriel Díaz Rojas, originally from Tolima but now serving as a pastor in Spain, joined the ride after hearing about it on social media. For him it was a chance to learn and to bring new ideas back to Europe.

“The church around the world has so many good initiatives,” said Díaz. “We should learn from one another.”

On Sabbath in Sogamoso, Díaz preached on the importance of understanding health as an integral concept that embraces the physical, emotional, social, and spiritual.

“When we live it, not just speak it, society will feel the powerful impact of that message—which is, after all, the right arm of the third angel’s message,” he emphasized.

His personal story also connects with cycling. Although not a professional rider, he has practiced the sport since youth and considers it a way to relieve stress and draw closer to God.

“When I face many problems, I get on my bike and head to the mountains—and for me that’s one of the most wonderful experiences,” shared Díaz.

Taking part in Hope on Wheels—Land of Freedom left him deeply moved. He reflected that such initiatives not only unite believers in health and mission but also create bridges of inspiration across countries and cultures.

Cycling That Transforms Lives

In its fifth edition Hope on Wheels has resulted in about a dozen baptisms, including entire families who began attending church after joining cycling clubs, shared Preciado.

Hernán Mera, president of the Northwestern Bogotá and Boyacá Mission, emphasized the impact:

“The message of health breaks down prejudice and opens doors to share the gospel.”

In a country in which cycling is deeply loved, the Adventist Church has found a powerful way to connect faith and culture, organizers said. Through this year’s event, pastors, lay members, young people, and families united with one purpose: to proclaim that Jesus is coming soon and that wholistic health is part of God’s plan for humanity.

“Cycling is one of the most complete sports for body, mind, and spirit—and also an opportunity to commune with God,” Preciado said.

The original version of this article was posted on the Inter-American Division news site.