FORT PIERCE (FBC)—Fort Pierce pastor Andrew Boyd will embark on a 900 mile, 40-day trip from the Alabama-Florida State line to Key West on March 7, “prayer-cycling” to raise $1 million for new church facilities.

Boyd, pastor of First Baptist Church, and his wife Carol will travel together seeking spiritual and financial support in the expansion of God’s ministry through their church.

Since 2000, when Boyd was called as pastor, the church has doubled from a struggling 70-member congregation to become a ministry “limited in growth potential because of space and staffing issues,” Boyd said.

“I honestly feel that God not only desires for First Baptist Church to survive, but to also thrive with a new glory for generations to come,” he added.

The vision for the “Master Quest” bicycle journey originated when the church, located on a 23-acre site in St. Lucie County, offered a five to six week sabbatical for the pastor’s five years of service.

Boyd considered furthering his religious studies or taking a mission trip during the leave, but ultimately felt led to pursue a “physically, emotionally and spiritually challenging experience that was directly related to the church.”

After deciding to take a bicycle tour, the Boyds contacted local businesses seeking sponsorship. An anonymous foundation in Miami agreed to provide the necessary equipment including clothing, bicycles, lights and hydration systems.

The couple began training and this past August 2004 were cycling 25-to-35 miles per day.

“I gave myself a year to plan and pray,” Boyd said. “During that time I found a wonderful network of Florida Baptists. The resources many have provided are invaluable and their support makes me proud to be a Florida Baptist.”

Businesses and individuals sponsoring the pair have contributed $8,000 to date. Some have contributed non-monetary gifts in the form of food and lodging. Still others have pledged their prayer support through commitment cards or hosting a “prayer point” along the couple’s route.

The designated “prayer points” will provide the Boyds the opportunity to share their testimonies and continue toward the goal raising $1,000 a mile while on their tour.

“I look forward to meeting the individuals who we will stop to pray with along the way,” Boyd said. “Sometimes we have to get God out of a box and allow the Holy Spirit to access our lives to tell the whole world Who He is and what He can do.”

Churches or individuals interested in committing to pray for the Boyds can contact the church at 772-461-7950.