The Revolution 3 triathlon series is a three-part racing series in the US that offers half and full distances. FCA Endurance teammate Mike Pluimer had planned to race the full in the Rev 3 triathlon event in Ohio, so he decided to volunteer for FCA-E at the expo beforehand. Mike attended the event as a way to minister to athletes through expo participation and racing. However, God had plans beyond participation, but for significant impact through selfless sacrifice.

Though the FCA-E booth at the expo did not receive much attention, God had a plan for how Mike could make an impact during the race. Mike’s prayers before the event were that he would be able to show Christ to others. “I entered the race with the primary purpose of encouraging others and just being a witness out on the course.” In His perfect timing, God gave Mike exactly the opportunity he was praying for.

For the first 50 miles of the bike route, Mike stopped a few times and was able to help other athletes who were out on the course. Mike stopped again at mile 72 to help a man whose spoke had broken. “I stopped to help, but we realized his problems were worse,” Mike said. “His tire was shredded and his wheel was shot, so he was pretty much stuck.” As Mike and the man waited for a bike tech, Mike realized how he could sacrifice to show this man the love of Christ. “Since I was just using this as a day to encourage others, I figured that God gave me the perfect opportunity, so I gave him my rear wheel and dropped out of the race.” Through giving away his wheel, Mike was able to witness to the man he had met. “I told him I represented the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and had been praying for an opportunity like this.”

The man Mike helped eventually rode off to finish the race in 12:10, and he was extremely grateful for the sacrifice Mike had made. Unable to attend the awards banquet, Mike later heard that his actions had made an impact. “I was informed that they told the story at the banquet, so I think God was glorified, and I was proud to represent FCA-E.”
If we as Christian athletes were always willing to make this kind of sacrifice, God could use us to change the world. As we continue to train and race, let us be conscious of the opportunities we have to reach others for Christ.

“This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.” – 1 John 4:10

Special thanks to Ashley Dannelly for writing this article.