Chris Girvan is a retired schoolteacher who has turned his love for cycling into an opportunity to serve some of the poorest people on the other side of the world. Over the last seven years, Chris and his mate, Paul Beckmann, have partnered with Bible Society Australia (BSA) to organise Bike for Bibles events; challenging themselves and raising much needed financial support for Bible literacy programs in underprivileged nations.
Having previously participated in Bike for Bibles rides with the legendary Bike Man Jim Blaxland, Chris and Paul took up the baton and have been organising fundraising rides since 2017. Though their first event began modestly with two riders, it has since grown into a thriving event. In 2024, 33 riders participated in the Brisbane event, raising over $40,000.
“You can just see God’s hand at work where we had two to start with and now, we have over 30 people keen to share the mission and keen to ride,” says Chris. “Every step of the way, every bit of the organisation we just see God’s hand at work. It’s not what Paul and I do, it’s God just supervising the whole thing.”
Bike for Bibles is a mostly volunteer-run fundraising initiative, with different volunteers coordinating events and fundraising all around Australia. The events are cycling adventures, often traversing hundreds of kilometres over several days. Since it began in 1984, participants in Bike for Bibles rides have raised more than $13 million for Bible Society projects worldwide. This has enabled many thousands around the world to learn to read using God’s word. As well as cycling events, Bible Society volunteers have organised a variety of one-day events, covering anywhere from a 3km ride, run or walk to 100km.
Though their previous rides were mainly in New South Wales, this year Chris and Paul’s team rode in Brisbane, with Paul taking the lead in organising the route and logistics in his home city. “Paul has everything so well organised. People appreciate his organisation and therefore they’re willing to come back because it runs so smoothly,” says Chris.
William Hood has been the head caterer and part of the leadership team since the ride to Melbourne in 2017. William had breakfast organised by 6am, provided morning tea and lunch for the hungry riders out on the road and prepared a delicious evening meal. He is always given a five-star rating by all the team members.
Riders enjoyed the camaraderie, beautiful scenery, the hospitality of churches, and the sense of unity that comes from sharing a unique and meaningful experience.
Though from different parts of Australia, the team became very close after riding together for five days. “People looked out for one another on the ride, especially for the slower riders, and there was always a positive feeling throughout the group. It’s really encouraging to see that sense of Christian community develop.”
This is especially important to Chris, who believes that involving young people in the event is key to its future. This year three teenagers from his church got involved, all of whom had no experience of road riding let alone covering hundreds of kilometres in a multi-day event. According to Chris, the future of Christian mission depends on engaging young people who can continue the work. “My goal is to have someone take over from me when my time’s done,” he says.
Bike for Bibles began when volunteers put their passion for cycling toward supporting the mission of BSA, providing literacy programs and Scripture access to people around the world. In 2024 the Brisbane Bike for Bibles participants raised funds for BSA’s literacy project in Sri Lanka, which equips communities with the gift of literacy and the life-affirming message of the Gospel.
Chris shares that Bike for Bibles has always partnered with BSA literacy projects, because providing literacy skills to the poor is a significant step toward improving their lives and welfare outcomes.
“They’re enhancing people’s lives in this life and then giving them the chance of eternity and serving God in the years to come,” emphasises Chris.
Over the years, the relationship between Bike for Bibles organisers and Bible Society has grown stronger, thanks in part to the support of BSA; providing resources such as project information videos. The Bike for Bibles team share these videos in churches along their route, which helped riders and supporters to better understand the impact of their fundraising efforts.
Chris believes that these resources and testimonials of teachers and field works are invaluable in helping potential supporters to understand the impact of the projects.
Chris is hopeful that the Bike for Bibles event will continue to grow and impact more lives, both in Australia and in the communities supported through fundraising.
“The older I get, the more I realise that serving is an essential part of being a Christian,” asserts Chris. He is convinced that Bike for Bibles riders are fulfilling a mission, participating in God’s work in some other part of the world. There are many ways to serve and support mission work, whether it be participating in a fundraising event or some other creative means. “I encourage everybody to serve with whatever gifts God has given them. This is what I have,” says Chris.
“For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.” — 1 Timothy 4:8 (NIV)
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