Founding father of Lightrider shares story of the distinctive journey ministry

Mike Manganello felt God calling him to start the bus journey useful resource Lightrider Ministries after 5 years of praying, dreaming and ready on the Lord’s steering for the perfect second to begin it.

Manganello had labored for Wandering Wheels for 15 years, a cross-country ministry linked to Taylor University from 1963 to 2017. Wandering Wheels targeted on ministering to younger individuals by means of bus and bicycle journeys. Manganello felt led to proceed the apply of intercontinental journey, specializing in the idea of double-decker buses touring throughout America at night time. 

In 1987 he co-founded Lightrider Ministries together with his Wandering Wheels coworker Bob Walker to make his dream a actuality. 

“I’ve just seen God’s hand in all of this,” stated Manganello. 

Lightrider Ministries was named for the concept of sharing the Gospel whereas providing communal night time journey.

They offered transportation for camps, excursions exploring components of America and college courses for summer time camps or J-term journeys. The Lightrider crew traveled to and hosted excursions in Nova Scotia, Los Angeles, Orlando, Chicago, Washington, D.C. and extra. It partnered with church buildings throughout a number of denominations, together with Methodist, Charismatic, Presbyterian and even some Amish.

During Lightrider’s “mobile retreat,” the main focus of the excursions was fellowship and sharing the Scriptures in an informal, partaking means with college students or adults. 

“(Our team would) have a devotional each day, and driving home we’d have a church service,” Manganello stated. “On the last day, our final devotional would be more direct about sharing our faith. By being there four days and four nights, we felt like we were being asked and earning the right to share.”

When it existed as a transcontinental ministry, Lightrider relied on volunteer work, status and personal donations, lots of which got here from Taylor connections. One notable instance was Jay Kesler, former president of Taylor University and Lightrider board member. Many previous college students and school additionally helped with Lightrider throughout their time in Upland.

Outdoor exercise was a big aspect of the ministry, with points of evangelism woven in. Cycling, wrestling, climbing and making meals collectively additionally turned a platform for the workers members to share how God labored of their lives. Though the actions themselves diversified, they at all times offered alternatives for fellowship and discipleship.

“In Georgia we had a high school athlete brave enough to ask questions. We had kids (also on the trip) listening who weren’t brave enough to ask questions but who wanted to know the answers,” stated Manganello. “The conversation went on for six to eight hours.” 

Lightrider’s cell construction got here to an finish after 2019. With the plaguing concern of sudden workers turnover, Manganello and his crew prayed for course. The resolution was to provide their buses to Eagle Wings, a neighborhood Christian bus ministry, and retire from intercontinental journey in the meanwhile.

Lightrider constructed RedBarn and GrayBarn within the early 2000s, each of that are nonetheless lively at this time. The RedBarn homes the continuing Print Shop ministry, offering a protected after-school program for native kids whereas sharing the Gospel. The GrayBarn hosts devotionals, train courses and Bible research for at-risk seniors in the neighborhood.

As of 2026, Lightrider Ministries continues to function as a neighborhood useful resource, serving the wants of kids and seniors in Upland. Its secondary focus has turn into educating individuals about America’s biblical heritage.

The in depth historical past of Lightrider Ministries is roofed within the ebook “Adventures in Christian Fellowship: An American Bus Driver’s Perspective on God and Country.” Manganello wrote the ebook based mostly on his experiences and affords free copies for anybody . They will probably be out there on the GrayBarn, at Taylor University throughout the commencement ceremony, and on the campus bookstore after May 9.

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