Nearly twenty years ago, JCBC member Brian Mullenbach began reconditioning a few used bicycles he had on hand. He invited neighbors and members of his Sunday School class to donate bikes as well. That first year, they collected seventy-five. Brian, who was involved with Bike Alpharetta, partnered with both the organization and JCBC members to clean, repair, and refurbish every donated bike. From that small, simple beginning, Bikes for Kids was born.
The refurbished bikes were donated to North Fulton Community Charities and distributed through their Toyland program, giving children from vetted families the joy of receiving a bicycle on Christmas morning. Over the next few years, the ministry grew—more people donated, more bikes were collected, and individuals even purchased new bicycles to supplement the effort.
When Brian moved out of state, the ministry could easily have ended. Instead, he challenged Bike Alpharetta to continue what JCBC helped begin. They accepted—and, together with JCBC, have now carried this ministry forward for nineteen years.
Today, the majority of the bicycles given are brand new. JCBC alone has donated more than 100 bikes each of the last several years, making us the largest contributor. Through Bike Alpharetta’s partnerships with businesses, organizations, and individuals, the effort now results in 350–400 bicycles being given away annually.
“Anytime I serve, I receive a greater blessing. It gives me an opportunity to be the hands and feet of Christ, and to become more like Him every day.”
On November 18 of this year, ten JCBC volunteers—mostly from the Tuesday men’s Bible study—gathered to deliver 105 bicycles, two tricycles, and a scooter to Bike Alpharetta. This collection was made possible through donations from individuals, Sunday School classes, and gifts designated through Christmas for Kids. Our annual goal is 100 bikes, and through the generosity of our members, we continue to meet and exceed it.
When asked what motivates him to lead this ministry, the volunteer now coordinating the effort said, “I inherited it.” He began by helping another member deliver bikes, and when that volunteer could no longer continue, he stepped in to fill the void. “I believe we are to use the talents and abilities God has given us. In a small way, I can help bring joy to a child.”
He reflects on the impact with deep humility:
- How does this change lives? “Investing in a child’s life always brings hope.”
- How does this communicate the gospel? “Jesus said, ‘Inasmuch as you have done it unto the least of these, you have done it unto me.’ What better way to share His love than by giving to a child?”
- How does serving shape your faith? “It’s more blessed to give than to receive. Anytime I serve, I receive a greater blessing. It gives me an opportunity to be the hands and feet of Christ, and to become more like Him every day.”
Each bicycle is more than a gift—it is a glimpse of God’s love, carried into a child’s life on two wheels.
