About ACTS 1:8
In the Bible, after Jesus had been killed, raised to life, spent 40 days with the disciples, and then was about to leave the earth, He shares these words found in Acts 1:8;
“You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
This verse has not only been the motto and tagline for Ride Nature, but it has laid the foundation for the organization and the work that we have led since the beginning. When He shares these final words with the disciples, there is significance to these specific locations. They would have actually been in Jerusalem when they heard this and that city would have represented the call to bring the Gospel to those that were in their community, their family, friends, etc. For Ride Nature, our “Jerusalem” is southwest Florida; those in Fort Myers and our surrounding communities. Judea would have represented those culturally close to disciples but geographically distant. For us, our mission extends beyond Florida with efforts to serve and equip leaders all over the U.S. as well. Samaria would have represented those that might have been geographically close, but culturally were distant. These are those in the communities we live but individuals from different faiths, religions, and/or walks of life. Lastly, Jesus shares that the disciples would be His witnesses to the ends of the earth.
For Ride Nature, our heartbeat has always been to bring the Gospel to the least, last, and lost. Specifically those that truly are unreached with the Good News of Jesus. Quickly after returning from several trips in 2010 we recognized the need for ministry right in the community we were based out of. While we were focused solely on “the ENDS” we were missing “the Jerusalem”. Currently every week in SWFL, we are leading Bible studies at 3 different skateparks, wake outreach, a homeless breakfast, contests and events, skate trips with kids, as well as partnering with multiple other organizations to bring the Gospel not just to the ends, but to the community that we live in as well.
We believe this message Jesus gave the disciples was not just for them but rather has been given to each and every person that calls him or herself a follower of Jesus Christ. The harvest is plentiful and the workers are few. Jesus has promised to provide the power and strength through His spirit at work within us and we believe He is calling believers globally to both represent Him and bring the Gospel to their communities, their nation, AND TO THE ENDS OF THE EARTH.
We believe the stories and testimonies of everyday people loving and serving Jesus in the midst of their everyday lives will inspire you to step out in faith as the Spirit leads, guides, and calls you to move.