Bike Movement:

Jill Landis

Harrisonburg, VA

I’ve spent the past five years living and working in Virginia, after graduating from Eastern Mennonite University, and spending time in Sturgis, Michigan and Philippi, WV on voluntary service assignments. My work experience has varied, but a good chunk of it has been in church institutions. Some significant experiences have included a 1-month “sabbatical” and subsequent 8 months of self-employment and international travel. I’m making a transition from my current job at Eastern Mennonite Seminary (a supporter of Bike Movement) in August, and hope to enroll in the Master of Arts program at the Center for Justice and Peace Building at EMU in the fall.

Last fall I decided to sell my motorcycle in exchange for a bicycle. Granted, I had always thought those cross-country bikers were absolutely crazy, but just a few months ago I started having a hankering for a cross-country road trip. It’s always amazing how timing and urges intersect like this. While it would have been nice to have this trip be for “work” I’m again amazed at the timing. I’ll finish my job then head out to Goshen, Indiana, my hometown, for a wedding on August 12 then join the crew on the 15^th in Elkhart and ride to New Jersey. I’m doing my best to recruit and will keep spreading the word. I really believe this is just the beginning of a new kind of movement in the church.

Cheers!