The sun beat down relentlessly on Zach Thompson as he tackled a 130-mile stretch with no civilization in sight. The water he had on him was hot to the taste, his food nearly gone and the heat pressed in like a heavy blanket. But mile after mile, Zach discovered what he had set out to prove: that God provides. If He could carry him through the mountains on an empty stomach and with a parched throat, He could carry him through anything. From Virginia to San Francisco, Zach rode over 4,000 miles in just two months to raise money for vulnerable children, and in doing so, saw God’s faithfulness in action.
Cycling for Vulnerable Children
With a heart for adoption and foster care, Zach couldn’t think of a better way to commemorate this trip than to use it as a vessel to help others. With the goal of fundraising for Lifeline Children’s Services, Zach took off with excitement on May 13, 2025 with hopes to assist the families who are answering the call to meet the needs of sibling groups, children with special needs and older youth who don’t have forever homes.
A Lifelong Heart for the Fatherless
The completion of this ride on July 19, 2025 was more than a personal dream fulfilled; it’s a mission to bring gospel hope to children in need of forever families. Zach’s heart for vulnerable children runs deep. He grew up in a home that fostered newborns awaiting adoption and is now married to a professional in the adoption field. Together, their lives are a reflection of ongoing obedience to God’s call to care for the fatherless.
At Lifeline, we are honored to walk alongside individuals and families who are answering the Lord’s call to care for vulnerable children. Through this journey, Zachary has partnered with Lifeline to equip and encourage families who step forward to adopt and foster.
God’s Provision Through the Hands of Strangers
This ride wasn’t just a test of endurance, it was a masterclass in trust, faith and the goodness of God. When you put yourself in a vulnerable position on a bike, you’re exposed to the elements, out of control of your circumstances and dependent on the kindness of strangers. And time and again, Zach saw that kindness pour out in unexpected ways.
In a small town in Kentucky, Zach stepped into a grocery store, tired and hungry, and crossed paths with a woman whose kindness left a lasting mark. Without hesitation, she paid for his groceries and called friends to secure him a safe place to stay for the night. In that simple act, Zach was reminded that God’s provision so often comes through the open hands of others.
Mechanical Problems, Divine Timing
Mechanical trouble found its way into Zach’s journey more than once. During his trip, he faced an unusual bike malfunction so rare that the repairman said he’d only seen it once before in his entire career. By God’s grace, it happened just 30 miles from a city with a bike shop. Later, another breakdown struck, but this time, the shop was only two blocks away. Though moments like these could have been discouraging, each one became a reminder that the Lord was providing exactly what Zach needed to keep moving forward
Adjusting to a New Way of Life
Zach shared that, despite the mechanical setbacks, the greatest challenge was adjusting to an entirely different way of living. Overnight, he went from the comforts of home to carrying everything he needed for basic survival in just four or five small bags strapped to his bike. The shift brought a wave of culture shock, but it also stripped life down to its essentials. In that simplicity, Zach found himself leaning more fully on God, trusting His provision for each new day.
Trusting God in Every Mile and Moment
Looking back, Zach says his journey could be summed up in one truth: “If God can get me across the country on a bike, He can get me through anything.”
Mile after mile, moments of uncertainty became opportunities to trust. Each time, God showed up, meeting Zach’s needs in ways big and small. By the time he reached the Pacific, the ride had become more than a physical accomplishment; it was living proof that God’s faithfulness doesn’t falter.
How You Can Join the Mission
Raising almost $4,000, Zach helped to generate awareness for Lifeline’s mission: To equip the Body of Christ to manifest the gospel to vulnerable children.
You are invited to join Zach in supporting Lifeline’s work through giving, prayer or simply saying “yes” when God calls you to step out in faith. His ride across the country is living proof of Matthew 6:26, “Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?” Our Father provides for His creation — and if He cares for the birds, He will surely care for us.
