Bull Riding Fan Connection Interviews and Events

                                           Story by Tammie Webster

Riding High Ministries team up with MANNAWorldwide in Guatemala!

The Kingdom is built in the streets by those willing to leave the Palace. 

Although the men and women from Riding High Ministries who went to Guatemala do not live in a palace, they would all agree that compared to the living conditions they saw in Guatemala, it would seem that they do.

On Sunday morning, February 26th, a group from Riding High Ministries embarked on a journey that would change their lives.  The group consisted of Todd Pierce, Kody Lostroh, Mike Lee, Dana Errico, Dustin Elliott, Josh Koschel, Jordan and Philicia Hupp.  This group, mainly consisting of professional bull riders, went to help out the organization MannaWorldwide at feeding centers, and minister to the families there.   However, each one told me that they probably got more out of the trip than what they were able to give.

The entire team was shocked by the poverty levels in Guatemala.  While still in the air Dustin described what he saw.  “We’re flying in and you can see these, just urban area of houses all over, that were in the United States standards well below par. . . and just flying in, we could look down and see some of those areas.  It kind of helped us prepare for that, knowing that this is what we are getting ourselves into.  It was just amazing and definitely an eye opener.”  When talking to Kody he stated that “The majority of people that live in Guatemala City, they don’t have anything.  The buildings and homes and stuff that they live in are what people around here would house their dogs or their cattle or their animals in.  It’s just, it’s pretty rough.”

After arriving, the group didn’t waste any time, and made good use of the 3 ½ days spent there.  They were able to help out in 3 of the 4 feeding centers located in Guatemala.   At the feeding centers, the team served what would be the only meal in the day for the children.  However, because of funding, they were only able to provide a limited about of meals.  Kody shared “One of the hardest things to watch the kids these feeding centers can’t feed.  The centers, they provide enough food to match the funds they have coming in.”  He added,“When we got to the first center, where all the kids come in to eat, and there was a big group of kids standing off on the side of the road that didn’t come in.  And we asked what the deal was with that, and they said those were kids that weren’t on the list.  That was pretty tough.  It made me and a bunch of these guys want to get something going and be able to provide some more support to these places so they can feed all the kids. . . That was kind of tough to see.”  Terry Blake, who has been with Manna for 10 years, shared that Manna is doing all they can to provide a meal for every child that needs it.  However, more funds are needed to make that happen.  Manna has worked hard toward that goal.  Since 2001, they have started over 130 feeding centers around the world, feeding over 8,000 children a day!

While the goal is to feed every child a meal, Manna is also concerned about the spiritual and physical needs of the children.  Through the feeding centers, Manna tries to establish a church where the children and their families can learn the gospel of Jesus Christ.  They also try to help teach the children how to better care for themselves, trying to give them a chance to break the cycle of poverty.

Each team member shared specific stories that touched them during their short stay.  Mike Lee spoke of a handicapped boy, that he took the time to hand feed, and carried him out so he could play with the other children.  Mike said “he was in a wheelchair all the time.  There was just no one to spend time with him, so I just picked him up and took him on the playground.  I think that was the best day he’s had in, who knows when.”   Dustin connected with some of the children by drawing a picture of a bull rider on a bull.  Philicia made friends with a little girl, and gave her a special bear that she had brought with her.  These are just a few of the stories you will hear from each of the team members.   You can hear their entire interviews below.

Several members of the team got the opportunity to speak to the families, sharing their testimonies and giving words of encouragement.   One thing I found in common after talking to each team member, is that they all said that what made the children the happiest, was just spending time playing with them, or giving them a smile or a hug.  Jordan said “It doesn’t matter what country you’re in, or what condition they are in.  You know kids are kids and you know you get down to playing with them, and they were so much fun to play with, and they had such a great time playing.”

The team also had a few extra adventures along the way.  Listen to the interviews to hear more stories like:  Dustin’s courageous attempt at riding a cow; learn not to always believe someone when they say “the bull is friendly” as Kody found himself facing off in the field with one;  find out about the hospitality shown by a local rancher to the group.

I spoke in detail to Todd about the trip and why he decided to work with MannaWorldwide.  Todd explained “Through my conversations with Manna, and doing some background checks on how they handle their finances, and what they are actually doing, I found that they are pretty much the leader in the percentage of the money actually turning into food for kids.  Beyond that I found that they are committed to making sure that the children are not just getting physical food, but they are getting spiritual food, and understanding the gospel.”  Todd said that over the course of the last 6 months the relationship with Manna has developed, and “they invited us to come down and see for ourselves what is going on, and also to draw attention to the programs so that they can generate more support.”  Todd shared that nothing is ever going to replace first-hand experience.  But he said that “hopefully the people who are listening and seeing the reports trusts the men, these bull riders’ word enough, that they will take it seriously.”

Todd, along with each one of the team members I interviewed, had nothing but praise to say about Manna, and the wonderful work they are doing.  Dana mentioned that she would enjoy going on another trip with Manna stating that “I like Manna in general.  I would like to go to more places, more feeding centers.  The fact that the food they get for the feeding centers is in the community.  They will go to the local markets and buy the food there to not only feed the kids, but then stimulate the economy that is around them.  So it is helping both ways.”

You may be wondering what you can do to help.  If you would like more information about MannaWorldwide you can go to their website www.mannaworldwide.com, they also have a facebook page MANNAWorldwide.  Terry told me that it cost $28.00 a month to provide a meal to a child for one month.  You can also find information about taking a trip with Manna to help out at one of the feeding centers!  Check out their website for complete information.

I have each of my interviews listed below.  I encourage you to take the time to listen to each one and hear their stories and experiences, and to also learn more about MannaWorldwide!

Interview of Todd Pierce:

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Interview of Manna representative Terry Blake:

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Interview of Kody Lostroh:

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Interview of Mike Lee and Dana Errico:

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Interview of Dustin Elliott:

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Interview of Philicia Hupp:

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Interview of Jordan Hupp:

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