Cross-Country Trek Helps Promote ‘Send the Light’ Initiative
Two Church of God couples were recently featured in the Cleveland Daily Banner for their cross-country trek in vintage vehicles, while promoting the Church of God World Missions program, Send the Light to the Cities.
By Allen Mincey, Cleveland Daily Banner
Two couples making a trek on Route 66 have not only met many people along the way and conducted services in churches they visit, but have seen much of the United States along the historic road.
Terrell and Debbie Brinson and Larry and Jan Timmerman decided to take their vintage automobiles from Cleveland to the West coast along Route 66.
Brinson said the trip “has been on the bucket list for many years.”
“We have driven Route 66 all the way to Santa Monica, Calif., to the end of the trail,” he said. “Along the way, we were able to see the beautiful scenery of our country — places like Sedona, Ariz., which was one the highlights,” Brinson said.
“We stopped by the (President Ronald) Reagan library, while there, and enjoyed learning even more about this great leader of our nation.”
He said the foursome ate at the Cowboy Club in Sedona, the Road Kill Cafe in Seligman, Ariz. and the Monterey Fish House, where Brinson said they enjoyed some unbelievable seafood and fantastic halibut.
They stayed one evening at the Blue Swallow Motel in Tucumcarri, N.M.
The Brinsons (right) and Timmermans with their vintage vehicles on the Pacific Coast Highway in California (click photo to enlarge)
“This historical landsite along Route 66 with all the neon signage really put us back in time,” Brinson said.
Once at Santa Monica, the couples traveled along Highway 101 on the coast of California. During the trip, many have asked them about their vehicles — a 1939 Ford Coupe (Timmermans) and a 1934 Chevrolet Master Sedan (Brinsons).
“These cars have truly proven themselves on this trip,” Brinson said. “We give a shout out to the builders Donnie Johnson and Robert from Smoky Mountain Chassis in Georgetown. These two guys really helped us get the cars ready for this nation-wide trek.”
The couples then traveled to Reno, Nev., to attend the Hot August Nights car show. They also conducted church services in Reno and Stagecoach, Nev., and from there, headed down to Las Vegas.
The trip was a dream come true, but they felt that “doing the Father’s work” is the most important part of the trip.
“So far, we have conducted seven of the 12 mission services scheduled and the response has been overwhelming,” Brinson said late last week.
“Both Larry Timmerman and I have preached and shared the vision of our world mission directors — David Griffis and Tommy Propes — to send the light to the large cities of the world.”
Along with traveling Route 66 to pass the Word to the masses they met, Timmerman said traveling with the Brinsons has been very special for both him and his wife.
“Twenty-six days on the road with one another proves your friendship,” Timmerman said. “When you eat, sleep and breathe and drive over 6,000 miles together, you know one another inside and out and we have really enjoyed the company we are keeping.
“After two weeks together, you start being real honest with one another which proves your friendship. So far so good,” he added.
Brinson said while he and his wife have also enjoyed spending time with the Timmermans, it makes it even more special to travel the road with friends.
“We sing the song ‘America the Beautiful,’ but until you travel from coast to coast and see God’s creation, you’ll never know just how beautiful this nation truly is. When it’s all said, and done America is without a doubt the most beautiful nation in all the world and we are proud to say we are Americans.”
(Source: Cleveland Daily Banner)
