A connecting point between the compassionate and Winnipeg’s less fortunate, Siloam Mission is a Christian humanitarian agency offering programs and services at no charge to those experiencing homelessness.

Siloam Mission alleviates the hardships of the poor and homeless, assists in transitioning them into self-sufficient and generous lifestyles and advocates nationwide on their behalf.

Theresa, our Director of Patron Services intentionally hugs and plays with the inner-city children who come through our doors. Often, this is the only expression of love many experience.

She recently spent time playing with a little boy who came in with a relative. Eventually, he voluntarily disclosed, “My mom is in treatment.” Theresa assured him that his mother loves him and needs to be in a program to help her be a better mom.

While a five-year-old shouldn’t know what a treatment program is, sadly, many do. But Christians can help.

First, we can intentionally be the best parents we can be for small children. They’re not as resilient as we like to think they are. In my opinion, most people living on our streets are still struggling with major childhood incidents of neglect, abuse or loss.

Second, we can divert some of the time, energy and money we spend on our suburban church youth culture to one of the most overlooked mission fields anywhere – our inner-city youth. It will make an eternal difference.

From the Front Line, I’m John Mohan.


 

Tales from the Trip

June 24, 2008

Bikeathon Day 11

Six months of talking, dreaming and planning and 11 days of cycling over 1,300 km’s and three provinces has come to an end. My “Mid-Life Crisis Bikeathon for the Homeless” is officially over.

David Dyck and I, along with support team members Brenda Mohan and Laura Dyck (our wives) arrived back at the west edge of Winnipeg at exactly 11:00 AM this morning. We were greeted by family, staff, and media. Extra special surprises were Starbucks coffee and a red Corvette waiting for Brenda and me to take a short ride in courtesy of C.A.R.S. (A big thanks for our HR Director Vicki Olatundun for making this happen.)

After all the greetings, congratulations and media interviews, we headed to Siloam Mission (sans Corvette) to see our staff, volunteers and patrons. It was great to see everyone and hear how the staff continuously updated our homeless community on our progress to help them feel connected. I really appreciated that.

After that, a stop at MacDonalds for lunch, then home to unload the RV, see our cat Twister, sit in the bubble tub, start the laundry, and have a nap. Life is returning to normal.

How do I feel now that we’re done? It hasn’t completely sunk in yet so I’m not sure how I feel. However I’m grateful for the support and effort that so many put into the Bikeathon. Linda Warkentin, who designed the entire communication strategy. Lawrence Reimer in Swift Current who organized the reception there. My family and friends who came out to visit along the journey. My in-laws Phil and Inez Siggelkow who lent us their motor home. Dave and Laura Dyck who made the trip so much fun. And especially my wife Brenda who drove the support vehicle, handled emails and phone calls and kept us fed and watered and lodged along the way.

A mid-life crisis or a bikeathon or combining the two won’t solve homelessness, but I think it helped people remember there are those among us who don’t have a place to call home and struggle with extreme poverty in our country everyday. If my little adventure makes us all more socially responsible about the wellbeing of our less fortunate neighbours, it will have been worth it.

So far sponsorship is at $76,000 to support four key Siloam Mission programs: The Meal Program, The Health Centre, The Employment Training Program and the Emergency Shelter. If your haven’t sponsored yet and would like to, it’s not too late. Anything you give is really appreciated and helpful.

You can give several ways:

  • Online through our website (www.siloam.ca)
  • Mail a gift to Siloam Mission at 300 Princess Street, Winnipeg, MB R2K 4L1
  • Phone our offices at 204-956-4344 or toll free at 1-866-648-HOPE (4673).

This is my last ’08 “Mid-Life Crisis Bikeathon for the Homeless” report. Thanks for following along.

Blessings!

John

More pictures from John's arrival

June 23, 2008

Bikeathon Day 10

This is the last night before completing my “Mid-Life Crisis Bikeathon for the Homeless”.

We started the day attending our son Chris’ home church – Bethel Assembly in Brandon. He played electric guitar for the worship team today. (He’s really good.) After a quick meal, we drove back to our previous day stop point at Carberry. From there we cycled about 80 Km’s (50 miles) into wind and up hills, and on poor highways until we reached Portage La Prairie.

Today was one of the most difficult and slower days, and it was hard to think of ever doing a bikeathon again. On the bright side, just as we almost arrived at Portage, a gentleman pulled over to the side of the road to give a donation for the bikeathon. He said he’d been following Winnipeg Sun columnist Laurie Mustard’s reports and admired what we were doing. It’s those special moments that make the trip worthwhile. So perhaps I’ll feel better in a couple of days and start to dream about something for next year. Because neither mid-life crisis nor homelessness end in a couple of weeks.

Because our donation staff don’t normally work on the weekends, I’m not able to give you an update on the fundraising totals. However 900 people have sponsored my “Mid-Life Crisis Bikeathon for the Homeless”, raising nearly $75,000 to support four key Siloam Mission programs: The Meal Program, The Health Centre, The Employment Training Program and the Emergency Shelter. If your haven’t sponsored yet and would like to, it’s not too late. Some sponsorship suggestions include:

  • $50 - a dollar for each of my 50 years (my 50th birthday was a week ago)
  • $130 which is .10/kilometre of the 1,300 journey
  • Or whatever you can give

Anyway, your gift is tax-deductible and you can give several ways:

  • Online through our website (www.siloam.ca)
  • Mail a gift to Siloam Mission at 300 Princess Street, Winnipeg, MB R2K 4L1
  • Phone our offices at 204-956-4344 or toll free at 1-866-648-HOPE (4673).

Tomorrow is the last cycling day. We’ll leave Portage at 7:00 AM to arrive at the “Welcome to Winnipeg” sign on the west edge of the city by 11:00 AM. Feel free to meet us if you have time. Tomorrow night will be my last bikeathon report. Thanks again for showing interest in my “Mid-Life Crisis Bikeathon for the Homeless.”

John

June 22, 2008

Bikeathon Day 9

Well, another great cycling day is behind us, as we ended at Carberry (only 135 km's from Winnipeg). We've doubled back to spend the night in Brandon to see our son Chris who lives here. We'll go to church with him tomorrow, then cycle a few hours to get to Portage la Prairie – the last stop before arriving home Monday morning at 11!

Some interesting points about today: First, the highway was unbelievably atrocious in some loooong spots! I can't believe it passes for the Trans Canada. Perhaps our elected Manitoba representatives should try cycling on it sometime…

Anyway, on to more positive things: Aunt's, uncle and cousins met us at Humpty's in Brandon today. I don't feel I deserved such a turnout, but was thrilled to see everybody nonetheless. The encouragement of people along the way has been overwhelming and empowering. Thanks everybody who met us or dropped a note. You don't know how much it has meant.

Dave & Laura Dyck's (my cycling partner) daughter and son-in-law also met us and are staying in Brandon with their parents overnight. That's been fun too.

A special note of thanks is owed to Winnipeg Sun's Laurie Mustard and Ian Shanley as well as CHVN's Bob Duck and Colleen Houde. All have strongly supported the bikeathon and given us lots of media attention from start to finish. You've been great!

As my “Mid-Life Crisis Bikathon for the Homeless” winds down, I'm wondering “now what?” We’d been planning this for six months and it's happened so fast! Definitely no regrets - except for the times I when saw someone acting out their mid-life crisis in a Corvette. Maybe some day. Maybe not.

As you know, about 900 people have sponsored my “Mid-Life Crisis Bikeathon for the Homeless”, raising nearly $75,000 to support four key Siloam Mission programs: The Meal Program, The Health Centre, The Employment Training Program and the Emergency Shelter. If your haven’t sponsored yet and would like to, it’s not too late. Some sponsorship suggestions include:

  • $50 - a dollar for each of my 50 years (my 50th birthday was a week ago)
  • $130 which is .10/kilometre of the 1,300 journey
  • Or whatever you can give

Anyway, your gift is tax-deductible and you can give several ways:

  • Online through our website (www.siloam.ca)
  • Mail a gift to Siloam Mission at 300 Princess Street, Winnipeg, MB R2K 4L1
  • Phone our offices at 204-956-4344 or toll free at 1-866-648-HOPE (4673).

Thanks again for showing interest in my “Mid-Life Crisis Bikeathon for the Homeless.”

John

June 21, 2008

Bikeathon Day 8

Well, after 8 days on the road, we’re back in Manitoba. Boy does it feel good! Besides doing four radio interviews before breakfast, today we cycled 165 km’s - from Grenfell Sask to Virden, averaging 33.5 Km’s/hr. With the end in sight, I admit I’m ending the days more stiff and sore with each passing day. We only have 275 Km’s left to complete my “Mid-Life Crisis Bikeathon for the Homeless”

A friend, Randal Neufeld, who pastors the Nazarene Church in Wapella met me on the highway – we visited while he rode his motorcycle and me on my bike. I’m sure it was something to see.

An interesting conversation occurred in Moosomin Sask while refuelling our support vehicle. The gas attendant commented that there were a high number of cyclists this year. I explained we had come from Calgary and were raising money for Siloam and homelessness. She said that she was almost homeless herself in another community where she lived, but a Salvation Army in that town had helped her considerably. She then asked how she could contribute to the bikeathon in appreciation for the help she had received.

Saturday two of our staff (Linda and Judy) are manning (or is it “womanning”?) a special bikeathon booth at Kildonan Place Mall. Maybe you can drop by.

Nearly 900 people have sponsored my “Mid-Life Crisis Bikeathon for the Homeless,” raising nearly $75,000 to support four key Siloam Mission programs: The Meal Program, The Health Centre, The Employment Training Program and the Emergency Shelter. If you haven’t sponsored yet and would like to, it’s not too late. Some sponsorship suggestions include:

  • $50 - a dollar for each of my 50 years (my 50th birthday was a week ago)
  • $130 which is .10/kilometre of the 1,300 journey
  • Or whatever you can give

Anyway, your gift is tax-deductible and you can give several ways:

  • Online through our website (www.siloam.ca)
  • Mail a gift to Siloam Mission at 300 Princess Street, Winnipeg, MB R2K 4L1
  • Phone our offices at 204-956-4344 or toll free at 1-866-648-HOPE (4673).

If you get a chance, please read my regular Wednesday column in the Winnipeg Sun (www.winnipegsun.com).

Thanks again for following my “Mid-Life Crisis Bikeathon for the Homeless.”

Blessings!

John

June 20, 2008

Bikeathon Day 7

With strong westerly winds in our favour, today was our biggest cycling day of the journey, as we made it from Moose Jaw to Grenfell Sask – a distance of 197 Km’s (nearly 120 miles).

Of note, was a stop to visit the Michael Dombowsky family (our son-in-law Stephen’s family) who live on the Trans Canada Highway, just outside Moose Jaw, a visit from my sister Ailsa and her husband Bob Tompson who met us in Regina, and our daughter Cher and her husband Stephen with special guest our grandson Lincoln whom we hadn’t seen in over a week. They were on their way to Moose Jaw for the weekend.

It’s hard to believe that we’ve been on the road for a week and covered 880 km’s so far. We’re in the home stretch, and will make it Virden Manitoba tomorrow night.

Presently about 850 people have sponsored my “Mid-Life Crisis Bikeathon for the Homeless”, raising raising over $71,000 to support four key programs of Siloam Mission: The Meal Program, The Health Centre, The Employment Training Program and the Emergency Shelter. If your haven’t sponsored yet and would like to, it’s not too late. Some sponsorship suggestions include:

  • $50 - a dollar for each of my 50 years (my 50th birthday was a week ago)
  • $130 which is .10/kilometre of the 1,300 journey
  • Or whatever you can give

Your gift is tax-deductible and you can give several ways:

  • Online through our website (www.siloam.ca)
  • Mail a gift to Siloam Mission at 300 Princess Street, Winnipeg, MB R2K 4L1
  • Phone our offices at 204-956-4344 or toll free at 1-866-648-HOPE (4673).

If you get a chance, please read my regular Wednesday column in the Winnipeg Sun (www.winnipegsun.com).

I appreciate you following my “Mid-Life Crisis Bikeathon for the Homeless.”

Blessings!

John

More pictures from the trip

 

June 16, 2008

Bikeathon Day 4

Today’s 129 KM from Maple Creek to Swift Current Saskatchewan was the hardest day so far. After doing one media interview with the Winnipeg Sun, our cycling started at 9:00 AM with rain, then we spent most of the day continuously climbing hills and enduring several wind direction changes – all combined to pushed us to our limits. One bright spot was my friend Dr. Lawrence Reimer meeting us on the highway for a brief visit. It was a real morale booster.

We arrived at the edge of Swift Current at 4:30 PM, in time for a brief photo op and interview with the Southwest Booster, the local paper. Then we headed to our motel to shower and change for the evening.

Dr. Reimer graciously organized a reception in our honour Monday evening that was attended by friends and interested people. (Brenda and I pastored the Alpine Church of God here is Swift for seven years so still have great friendships there.) Those attending combined to generously contribute over $2,100 for the bikeathon. It was a wonderful way to end a long day.

We’re within $35,000 dollars to reach our $100,000 goal. About 350 more sponsors will put us over the top to help support four key programs of Siloam Mission: The Meal Program, The Health Centre, The Employment Training Program and the Emergency Shelter. Some sponsorship suggestions include:

  • $50 - a dollar for each of my 50 years (my 50th birthday was a week ago)
  • $130 which is .10/kilometre of the 1,300 journey
  • Or whatever you can give

Your gift is tax-deductible and you can give several ways:

  • Online through our website (www.siloam.ca)
  • Mail a gift to Siloam Mission at 300 Princess Street, Winnipeg, MB R2K 4L1
  • Phone our offices at 204-956-4344 or toll free at 1-866-648-HOPE (4673).

Tuesday we cycle 165 km’s to Moose Jaw which is the halfway point of the bikeathon. We’re taking Wednesday off to rest for the last half of the adventure. My regular Winnipeg Sun column will be out which you can read online at www.winnipegsun.com.

Thanks again for following my “Mid-Life Crisis Bikeathon for the Homeless.”

John

June 15, 2008

Bikeathon Day 3

Although this was the shortest cycling day at 40 Km’s, today was definitely the hardest as we rode almost entirely uphill, into the wind, and on poor highways for two hours to arrive at Maple Creek Saskatchewan. Surprisingly, I feel like I'm in good shape, but it’s getting harder to sit down due to the bicycle seat.

While I had no media interviews today, Brenda and I took the opportunity to speak at the Drumheller Church of the Nazarene, which we do annually at this time of year. Another nice addition today was, David Dyck’s wife Laura joining us for the remainder of the bikeathon. She will cycle as she feels able and help Brenda when there is need.

Being Father’s Day, I did get calls from each of my three children, so they all remain in the will. Truthfully, it was great to hear from them. Our daughter Cher has also been sending daily pictures of our grandson Lincoln. However, on the negative side, our son Cameron informed me tonight that our cat (Twister) has thrown up four times since we left for the bikeathon. He always does that when I’m gone. (I bet you’re glad to know that.)

One sad note. Brenda’s uncle Ernie Siggelkow passed away this morning at age 90 in Vegerville Alberta. Funeral arrangements have not been finalized, but we’re hoping Brenda is able to attend.

With only $37,000 dollars remaining to be raised, we’re optimistic that we can reach our $100,000 goal. About 350 more sponsors will put us over the top to help support four key programs of Siloam Mission: The Meal Program, The Health Centre, The Employment Training Program and the Emergency Shelter. Some sponsorship suggestions include:

  • $50 - a dollar for each of my 50 years (my 50th birthday was a week ago)
  • $130 which is .10/kilometre of the 1,300 journey
  • Or whatever you can give

Your gift is tax-deductible and you can give several ways:

  • Online through our website (www.siloam.ca)
  • Mail a gift to Siloam Mission at 300 Princess Street, Winnipeg, MB R2K 4L1
  • Phone our offices at 204-956-4344 or toll free at 1-866-648-HOPE (4673).

Tomorrow (Monday) we cycle 125 km’s to arrive in Swift Current. My friend Dr. Lawrence Reimer is hosting a reception for us at the Pick-a-Deli restaurant at 6:00 PM. We’re looking forward to seeing old friends again as we lived in Swift for over seven years.

Thanks again for following my “Mid-Life Crisis Bikeathon for the Homeless.”

John

June 14, 2008

Bikeathon Day 2

Day 2 of my “Mid-Life Crisis Bikeathon for the Homeless” is now in the history books. Thanks to strong westerly winds, David Dyck and I completed another 160 KM’s (100 miles) in 71/2 hours, including stops. We called it a day at the Alberta/Saskatchewan border, going beyond our goal by 60 Km’s.

I only had one media interview today, but three are already scheduled for Monday.

Because we started and returned to Brookes, Brenda was joined by her friend Roxanne Willford for the day. She and her husband Walter pastor the Rolling Hills Church of God. Brenda loved the opportunity to catch up with her friend from college days.

We’re remain within $37,000 dollars of reaching our $100,000 goal. About 350 more sponsors will put us over the top to help support four key programs of Siloam Mission: The Meal Program, The Health Centre, The Employment Training Program and the Emergency Shelter. Some sponsorship suggestions include:

  • $50 - a dollar for each of my 50 years (my 50th birthday was a week ago)
  • $130 which is .10/kilometre of the 1,300 journey
  • Or whatever you can give

Your gift is tax-deductible and you can give several ways:

  • Online through our website (www.siloam.ca)
  • Mail a gift to Siloam Mission at 300 Princess Street, Winnipeg, MB R2K 4L1
  • Phone our offices at 204-956-4344 or toll free at 1-866-648-HOPE (4673).

Tomorrow (Sunday) I speak at the Drumheller Church of the Nazarene where James and Carrie Clark pastor. They’re a great couple who pastor a really supportive congregation. While we may only get a couple of hours of cycling in tomorrow evening, we hope to make it to Maple Creek Sask.

Tomorrow is Father’s Day. It will be weird not spending the day with my children who all live close to us. Hopefully we’ll get a chance to talk on the phone. I bet you didn’t know Father’s Day is the busiest day of the year for phone companies.

Anyway, thanks for following my “Mid-Life Crisis Bikeathon for the Homeless.”

John

June 14, 2008

Bikeathon Day 1

Well, after cycling 188 Km’s (114 Miles) over a 10 hour time period, Day 1 of my “Mid-Life Crisis Bikeathon for the Homeless” is complete.

David Dyck and I were both nervous about how the day would go. (I was awake at 4:00 AM in anticipation.) Starting at 8:00 AM on the east edge of Calgary, we rode through some rain, with the wind and into the wind, up and down some steep hills. But triumphantly we arrived in Brookes Alberta just after 6:00 PM - tired and a little stiff, but none the worse for ware. (I also did four media interviews throughout the day, which are always wonderful opportunities to speak publicly in behalf of Winnipeg’s and Canada’s homeless.)

My wife Brenda is driving the support vehicle – a motor home. Throughout the day she made meals, supplied drinks and snacks and handled media requests. I think she worked as hard as David and I! She’s been great about this, especially considering she wasn’t wild about the idea when I brought it up six months ago.

One extra piece of good news came today from our Communications Coordinator Linda Warkentin that the City of Winnipeg Mayor’s Office donated $1,000. Thank you Mayor Katz!

We’re within $37,000 dollars of reaching our $100,000 goal. About 350 more sponsors will put us over the top to help support four key programs of Siloam Mission: The Meal Program, The Health Centre, The Employment Training Program and the Emergency Shelter. Some sponsorship suggestions include:

  • $50 - a dollar for each of my 50 years (my 50th birthday was a week ago)
  • $130 which is .10/kilometre of the 1,300 journey
  • Or whatever you can give

Your gift is tax-deductible and you can give several ways:

  • Online through our website (www.siloam.ca)
  • Mail a gift to Siloam Mission at 300 Princess Street, Winnipeg, MB R2K 4L1
  • Phone our offices at 204-956-4344 or toll free at 1-866-648-HOPE (4673).

Today (Saturday June 14) we will cycle past Medicine Hat AB - hopefully making it to the Alberta/Saskatchewan border, which will be about 150 KM (93 miles). From there we’ll backtrack to Brookes for the night as I’m scheduled to speak at the Drumheller Church of the Nazarene Sunday morning.

Thanks for staying tuned. The “Mid-Life Crisis” continues . . .

John

June 13, 2008

Bikeathon Day 0

After six months of planning and five months of dry land and cycle training, “My Mid-Life Crisis Bikeathon for the Homeless” started today from the edge of Calgary.

The idea to do this began with a couple of realizations: One was knowing the summer is always our lowest donation season and unless we did something new, it would be very difficult to maintain our ability to meet the vast inner city needs of poverty and homelessness. (Last summer was almost unbearable.) The other realization was that I was turning 50 this year, which is a milestone year and often noted as a time of “mid-life crisis” where men evaluate their lives and come to grips with their aging.

I hoped we could address both issues with this bikeathon by raising some much needed funding while challenging myself with a long-distance endurance test to prove “I still have it”.

Driving out to Calgary from Winnipeg this week, I’ve paid special attention to the hills, traffic and wind. Wednesday was an ugly weather day but the weatherman has promised today will be better. My cycling partner Mr. David Dyck of Niverville and I have set a goal reaching Brookes Alberta, which is about a 190 km distance from Calgary, and take 6 to 8 hours. Besides making the distance today, we have four media interviews – so the first day will be busy.

To date, we’ve raised nearly $63,000 dollars through over 700 supporters. Raising another $37,000 to accomplish our $100,000 goal seems within easy reach. Funds will help support four key programs of Siloam Mission: The Meal Program, The Health Centre, The Employment Training Program and the Emergency Shelter. Some sponsorship suggestions include:

  • $50 (a dollar for each of my 50 years)
  • $130 which is .10/kilometre of the 1,300 journey
  • Or whatever you can give

Your gift is tax-deductible and you can give several ways:

  • Online through our website (www.siloam.ca)
  • Mail a gift to Siloam Mission at 300 Princess Street, Winnipeg, MB R2K 4L1
  • Phone our offices at 204-956-4344 or toll free at 1-866-648-HOPE (4673).

Thanks for your interest. Let the “Mid Life Crisis Bikeathon for the Homeless” begin.

John



Home | FAQs | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Press Kit | Careers | Contact Us | Copyright Siloam Mission 2005-2008

Site Design: Mucher Than Creative Services