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Local
Bicycle Ministry Comes To East Tampa
BY LEON B. CREWS Sentinel Staff Writer
God’s Pedal Power Ministry, a project designed to repair and distrib- ute bicycles for people in need, is moving to a new location.
Co-founders, Mike Olsen, Karen Olsen and Russell John- son forged the ministry in 1997, when Johnson felt a calling to reach out to people in need after a bicycle had been stolen from his residence.
The Olsens and Johnson have passed the organization’s torch to Bethesda Ministries’ Dr. Maxine Woodside. The ministry will move from its present location in the Uni- versity area to the 34th Street Church of God in East Tampa.
Dr. Woodside said there are other bicycle ministries in the area, but this was one of the first.
“When the ministry first started, they were giving away bicycles to any- one. Now, they are specifically for people who need them, like for trans- portation to work and other needs. Providing transportation for working people is the primary goal.
“The Olsens had to give it up, be- cause they are taking care of their parents now, and don’t have the time to put into the project. That’s when I realized we could use it in my com- munity if I could put together a team
DR. MAXINE WOODSIDE Director Of Bethesda Ministries
of volunteers.”
Dr. Woodside said they started
collecting the bicycles a week ago and they will continue through August getting them ready.
“I’m setting up a referral system for anyone who qualifies to get a bicy- cle. We have some now, but to have them continue, we depend on dona- tions from other sources.
“HARTline has donated some that were left on the front of their buses, and local law enforcement agencies have donated bicycles as well. We want to start slowly and make sure the program works properly.”
Dr. Woodside said they will be getting referrals from a lot of sources, and they want to make sure they have the inventory.
Mike and Karen Olsen have handed over God’s Pedal Power to Bethesda Ministries.
“We have three people who have volunteered to help repair the bicy- cles, and we will train future volun- teers. We’re always in need of volunteers. We have all the parts to repair the bicycles for now, but in the future we’ll be looking for grant funds and donations.
“We have formed a partnership with Love INC (In the Name Of Christ). They are a service whose work includes fostering church rela- tionships and community fundrais- ing.
Mike Doyle of Love INC said they have worked closely with the Olsens in the past, and expect that relationship to continue with Bethesda Ministries.
“The volume of those needing bi- cycles, bicycles available to donate, and those willing to help has in- creased.
“The passing of the baton to Bethesda Ministries has created an opportunity to explore limitless cre- ative options for what it can and will look like.”
FRIDAY, JULY 22, 2016 FLORIDA SENTINEL BULLETIN PUBLISHED EVERY TUESDAY AND FRIDAY PAGE 3-B