The journey of faith is often depicted as a personal spiritual voyage. A voyage with many ups and downs. It is a life filled with highs and lows, all grounded in the assurance of Jesus Christ, our Rock, and our Refuge. It was more than that for Rick and Jane; it took the literal form of a physical journey across America. Their tale is not merely about a monumental physical feat but the transformative power of compassion, faith, and commitment to God.
Rick and Jane embarked on a six-month-long journey across America on foot. This journey was not about the physical mileage they covered but the connections they made along the way. As they traversed through major cities, they encountered the harsh reality of homelessness. These heartrending encounters spurred them into action, reflecting compassion in its most practical form.
Their interactions with homeless individuals were a profound reminder that everyone deserves a seat at the Lord’s table without needing to-go containers. This sentiment beautifully encapsulates the essence of their journey, that it was about the stops and not the steps, about the lives they touched, and not the distances they covered.
However, Rick and Jane’s commitment to their faith and service transcends their journey across America. They have dedicated their lives to saying ‘yes’ to God, irrespective of the question. This unwavering commitment has led them down extraordinary paths, including writing impactful books that have left an indelible Legacy.
From authoring a children’s book to creating a guide for introverts, extroverts, and ‘Jesus freaks’ on how to share their faith, Rick and Jane have made it their mission to inspire and guide others on their spiritual journeys. Their upcoming book, “Until the Whole World Knows,” is set to inspire many more.
The transformative journey of Rick and Jane serves as a testament to their unwavering faith. From the lessons learned on the road to their impactful writing, they have left an incredible legacy that inspires many.
As Rick shared during the podcast, their journey has significantly influenced their perspective and empathy. They’ve learned to see people not as they are in the moment but as what they could become, recognizing the potential in every individual if God is a part of their life.
The journey of Rick and Jane is a powerful testament to the transformative power of faith and compassion in action. It’s a poignant reminder that everyone has a place at the Lord’s table and that our commitment to God can lead us down extraordinary paths.

You can hear the Apple podcast episode in its entirety:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/becoming-bridge-builders/id1527559732?i=1000631455936

or on Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/episode/259yRSY5EjEDwxEI9oMpBb?si=IyXIHtZ2R-K9E5OS-Mg8pg

Originally Published on https://www.becomingbridgebuilders.org/blog

Rev. Dr. B. Keith Haney Rev. Dr. B. Keith Haney

Rev. Dr. Byrene Haney is a dedicated and experienced pastor with over 31 years of service in multi-ethnic urban congregations. He holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Computer Science from Southern University, Baton Rouge, LA, and a Master of Divinity from Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, MO. And a Doctorate of Education from Concordia Univerisity, Irvine, CA. Throughout his career, he has served in various roles, including Senior Pastor at Gospel Lutheran Church in Milwaukee, WI, and Mission Facilitator for the Northern Illinois District of the LCMS.

Currently, Rev. Dr. Haney serves as Assistant to the President in the Iowa District West, where he assists congregations with strategic planning, visioning, outreach, and fostering a culture of generosity and human care. His commitment to connecting faith with community needs and crises has significantly impacted the congregations he serves.