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REEDSVILLE -- A Mifflin County native is returning to Reedsville after trekking across the country on a bicycle in an effort to raise money a New York-based Christian rescue mission.
Sixty-one-year-old Pastor Chuck Monts is hoping to raise $100,000 for The Bowery Mission, which provides transpormational services and critical care to New Yorkers experiencing homelessness and hunger.
Monts, who recently retired from the charity -- and now works as a part-time pastor in Poconos -- departed on his 3,000 mile bicycle journey, "Bike the Mission," from The Union Rescue Mission, Los Angeles to The Bowery Mission, Manhattan, New York City on June 5 and plans to stop at Bender Park for a meet and greet at 6:30 p.m Monday, July 26. His ride is projected to conclude on July 31.
The son of a former East Kishacoquillas Prebyterian Church pastor, Monts lived in Reedsville from age 6 to 12.
From there, Monts' family moved to the Philadelphia area where he became deeply involved in the church youth group.
"I learned about service by going on mission trips with my youth group," he said. "Around 10th grade, I felt the need to commit my life to my neighbor. That set the course for going into ministry."
As a pastor, he was heavily involved in taking youth on missionary trips.
"I took them to exciting places that they would enjoy, but also give them rich experiences like I had."
One of his trips, he recalls, was taking 20 youth on a bicycle mission from Lake Placid, New York, to Portland, Maine.
"We did that to mix adventure, enjoyment and a physical challenge with focus."
Monts is no stranger to long distance bicycle rides. In 1978, he and a high school friend biked cross-country to benefit CROP Walk.
"I had always wanted to do it again," he said.
Assisting with his current trek is his wife, Debby, who is acting as safety patrol and helping with logistical issues, hydration, flat tires, etc.
"When she's not helping out, she has been able to see the amazing sites. She has had a wonderful experience siteseeing and I've focused on getting the miles in," he said.
After riding between seven and nine hours each day -- or roughly 80 miles -- Monts says he has been fortunate to be able to rely on churches along the way for a place to rest.
"It's been amazing to be on the receiving end of such generosity," he said.
Monts was sponsored by United Rescue Mission in Los Angeles and Tackle Hunger.
For more information on Monts' mission or to donate, visit www. bowery.org/bikeforthemission.