From Broken to Blessing: How Alton Wade Pedals Hope Through Cruising With Christ

Alton Wade, "Cruising With Christ"

There's an old Christian expression I've always loved: There's not a saint without a past or a sinner without a future. As I sat down with Alton Wade, Executive Director of Cruising With Christ, a nonprofit that provides bicycles to those in need, those words took on flesh and bone.

Alton's story begins with loss. His mother died when he was just eight years old, leaving him to be raised by extended family members in Houston, Texas. He spent his early years working at Fair Deal Auto, the family business, learning the mechanics of cars but missing the mechanics of a transformed life. Like so many of us, he was far from the Lord.

"I attended the Baptist church on Sunday and ate fried chicken with the congregation," Alton told me with a rueful smile, "and the rest of the week I followed the world."

What followed were years of trouble with the law—a revolving door of jail time, halfway houses, and broken promises. "It was all about Alton, no one else," he admitted. He learned how to play the game well. Each time he completed a "sober living" program, he would collect glowing letters of recommendation from staff who believed he had truly changed. But Alton knew better. The change was only surface deep.

Then came the moment that altered everything. Standing before a judge, Alton sobered up to a harsh reality: the charges against him could put him away for fifty years. Prison stretched before him like a life sentence, an ending written in concrete and steel.

But then, God intervened.

"God freed me!" Alton said, his voice still carrying the wonder of that moment. The judge released him without any conditions—no probation, no restrictions. He could go wherever he wanted, do anything he wanted, including returning to his old lifestyle. For the first time in years, Alton was truly free. And this time, he knew God had a different plan for his life.

A pastor in Houston offered him a job, a logical next step. But Alton felt God's call leading him elsewhere—to Kerrville, Texas, a place where he would step into a role he never imagined: House Manager of a Christian sober living house.

Today, Alton has responsibility for up to seven residents who are expected to attend church weekly and participate in house Bible studies at least twice per week. But his role goes far beyond managing schedules and enforcing rules. "I expect each resident to become the man God wants them to be," Alton explained. He doesn't just facilitate programs; he facilitates transformation. As someone who has walked the same dark roads his residents now travel, Alton is a uniquely qualified role model who shines the light of Christ to all who know him.

It was during this season of ministry that Cruising With Christ was born—and the origin story is pure grace.

"A manager from another sober house called and asked if I had a bicycle," Alton recalled. "He said he was willing to pay $80 for the bike." Ever resourceful, Alton immediately found a bike online for $40. The old Alton, the one who played the game and looked out for number one, saw an easy profit. "I admit I considered flipping it," he said honestly.

But the Lord had other plans. Instead of pocketing the difference, Alton delivered the bike to the man who needed it—no charge. In that simple act of obedience, a ministry was born. Alton knew instantly that God wanted him to give bicycles to those who need them.

Cruising With Christ, Kerrville, TX

He created a flyer with a simple message: "Have a Bike? Bless Someone in Need!" He made copies and started handing them out around town. A local newspaper caught wind of his efforts and published an article. Soon, bicycles started arriving—some in good condition, others in need of major restoration. But Alton tackles each one with the same motivation: love for God and love for his neighbors in need.

For many of us, a bicycle is a convenience or a hobby. But for those Alton serves—men and women rebuilding their lives, individuals without transportation, people working their way back from rock bottom—a bicycle represents mobility, dignity, and hope. It's transportation to a job interview, a way to get to church, a tool for independence. In Alton's hands, a simple bicycle becomes an instrument of grace.

As Christmas approaches, Alton is seeking new bicycle donations to bless even more people during this season of giving. Faith in Action Ministry is proud to support his cause and share his story with you.

New Bikes Ready for Christmas Donation!! Cruising With Christ, Alton Wade

Alton Wade's journey from brokenness to blessing reminds us that God wastes nothing—not our pain, not our past, not even our mistakes. He redeems it all and uses it for His glory. What the enemy meant for destruction, God has transformed into a ministry that rolls forward on two wheels, carrying hope to those who need it most.

If you have a need for a bicycle, or if you'd like to donate one, contact Alton at 830-334-0227 or 713-456-0187. Better yet, if you have a bicycle gathering dust in your garage, consider this: it might be exactly what God wants to use to bless someone in need.

After all, there's not a saint without a past—or a bicycle without a purpose.