Tour de ACCESS - 2010 June 5,6th
Welcome to the 2nd Annual Tour de ACCESS, a two day 150 mile Bike Rally to raise money and awareness for an incredibly worthwhile cause, the development of ACCESS Christian Academy, the area's first faith-based school, specifically designed to serve children with a variety of disabilities.
Thousands of parents have chosen to enroll their children in Christ-centered educational programs rather than other schools, but until now there have been limited choices for families who have children with special needs. We felt the Lord's calling in our lives was to investigate providing families in the northwestern suburbs with a Christian-based special education alternative.
The school aims at being financially self-sufficient in order to fulfill its mission. To date, fundraising has been hampered by the economy and lack of awareness. The Tour-de-ACCESS is an important fundraiser and we need your help.
This challenging ride is nothing compared to the challenges parents who have children with disabilities face. And meeting their children's educational needs is just one example.
Please help by pledging your support for this meaningful endeavor to deliver Christian education to those with special needs. There will be a team of riders who are voluntering their time and energy to participate, with your support we can make a difference together.
Meet the Riders
Why are we riding? Select each rider's name...
Mark Buhl
Fifteen years ago the Lord blessed my wife and I with our son Nathan. Little did we know what a blessing he would be in our lives. He has taught us so much. Our son has Autism. Over the past fifteen years we have struggled to find a place where Nathan could receive a quality education and be taught the word of God. We spent many years talking to school districts, Christian school superintendents and other parents but there were not any options available. Imagine if you will, bringing your two children to enroll in a Christian school only to find out only one child is able to attend. It is a story too often heard by parents like us who have children with special needs. The Lord laid upon our hearts to trust Him and embark on the journey of our lives – to start the area’s first faith-based school, specifically designed to serve children with a variety of disabilities. So why am I riding? It is more than something just personal for my family, I strongly believe this is not only an incredible need but something close to the very heart of God. Thank you for supporting not only me but the parents and children who are eagerly awaiting for the opportunity to participate in the ministry of Christian education.
Brian Laird
I didn't know about special needs children until my son was born. Around age 2 we realized that he was delayed in many areas. After a few years, he was diagnosed with Aspergers Syndrome which is on the autism spectrum. Around the same time, my wife and I began to connect with other familys and we realized the massive gap in Christian education. No one was caring for or educating this growing population of children. I am riding to create a school so that every child with special needs can have access to a quality Christian education.
Mark Hopwood
I am riding for Access because I believe in their cause and I want to be a part of causing the general public to be aware of what Access is and their benefit to the community. Access is dedicated to pouring into children who have a variety of challenges whom society generally does not deal with well. They have committed themselves to actively helping these children to be productive in the world but more importantly in God’s kingdom. God uses all his precious children for his glory. Access is about partnering with parents in raising them in the way that they should go specifically in regards to mind, body and soul which helps them develop into being all that God would desire for them. To see their child like love for God has been a blessing to me.
Tim Turpin
It is a privilege to ride in the Tour de ACCESS, because of the great work that God is doing in the lives of these students. I am excited to know that the funds that are raised will be used to invest in a Christ-centered school, which promotes the spiritual, academic, social and emotional growth of students with special needs. Thanks for joining me in this great work.
Michael Sipla
The Lord throughout my life has placed loved individuals with developemental disabilities in my path. My heart has gone out to them as long as I can remember. God has just given me such a heart of compassion for those who are disabled. My mother for a period of time worked with a variety of individuals with disabilities which I believe further encouraged my desire to love these wonderful people. Also my younger brother Peter having autism, and a few other disabilities has only furthered my love. I also personally worked directly with three wonderful men having varying disabilities for a couple of years. I grew to love them with an immense love, and due to the nature of the situation could not directly lead them to Jesus Christ. This many times broke my heart, and just makes me realize the importance of creating christian institutions that will support these beautiful people with their spiritual, educational, and relational needs. Access Christian Academy is just that kind of place! It was built in faith, and stands to bring Glory to God! I ride so that those with special needs can receive their education in a nurturing, and Christ honoring enviroment.
Paul Anfenson
My nephew, Nathan, has been a blessing to our family. I have personally seen Nathan’s parents struggled to find a place where Nathan could receive a quality Christian education, just as his brother does. Thank you for supporting Nathan, his parents and all the other parents and children who are eagerly awaiting the opportunity to participate in the ministry of Christ-centered special education.