Texas FEATURE

Riding Together: Community in Motion

Powered by pedals and online invitations, a growing group of cyclists led by Filipe Coelho has forged friendships and changed lives. Along the way, they’ve discovered that ministry doesn’t always begin with a Bible study—it can start with a ride.

Passionate about cycling, Coelho, a member of the Killeen Seventh-day Adventist Church, joins community rides and invites the riders he meets to join the church cycling events. The Killeen church cycling group is an organic ministry in which Coelho sends out messages to see who is available for a 10-35-mile ride. “We are simply riding and building relationships,” said Coelho.

Coelho’s passion for cycling can be traced back to the early days of the pandemic. Like many others, Coelho started riding during COVID-19 for fresh air and exercise. When the Southwestern Union Record advertised the Texas Conference “Determined” Cycling Tour in 2022 to raise funds for an Adventist school endowment, Coelho knew he wanted to be a part of it. Soon, several church and community members, including Mike Fortune, church pastor, were riding together.

When Coelho returned from the cycling tour, several others were ready to join the group so they could participate in the tour the following year.

“Filipe is a one-man outreach effort,” said Fortune. “You just have to show up, and he will introduce you to people.” Soon the cycling group averaged a half-dozen people traveling the countryside together, several from different denominations, some unchurched. “No matter who joined us,” Coelho said, “they respected the spiritual part of the ride, enjoying prayer before and after the ride and camaraderie during the ride.”

“It’s a gratitude-based outreach effort,” Fortune added. “We are all trying to be healthier and serve others.”

The group communicates regularly through the messaging app WhatsApp, building friendships beyond their cycling time.

When Chris Crofton, a cyclist from the community, lost his father about a year ago, the group rallied around him, sending condolences as well as flowers to the funeral home. They wanted their cycling friend to know they cared.

Crofton’s relationship with other cyclists quickly grew beyond the group's rides. He began teaming up with Coelho to help out around the church whenever needed. In 2024, that included mowing and trimming the Lake Whitney Ranch property to prepare for summer camp. As an expression of gratitude to Crofton for his volunteer work, the summer camp offered his daughter a free week. As it turned out, that week would lead to Crofton’s daughter making a decision for Christ through baptism.

“What a blessing to see how God works,” Coelho said of the baptism, a moment that traced back to bonds formed during bike rides.

Coelho knew cycling could be life-changing, especially because of its physical benefits. Cyclists also build a unique bond as they travel the countryside together. However, Coelho never dreamed God would use the cycling ministry to indirectly change a young person’s life. It is a good reminder that God can use us in a multitude of ways to further His Gospel. We just need to be open to His leading.

By Tamara Michalenko Terry. Terry is the director for events and editorial services at the Texas Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. Filipe Coelho lives in Salando, Texas, and is the cycling ministry coordinator at the Killeen Seventh-day Adventist Church in the Texas Conference.