Running For Haiti

Back in December when I got the treadmill and started running, I had this thought that I should somehow tie my running into raising money and awareness for those living in poverty.

Then I started training for a 1/2 marathon and my training became a spiritual exercise.

"and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us..." Hebrews 12:1

"run in such a way as to get the prize..." ICorinthians 9:24

Then last weekend I read a book called Take Your Best Shot by Austin Gutwein. Austin was 9 years old when he felt God calling him to help children living in poverty. Being 9, he wasn't sure what to do, but decided that since he liked basketball, he would shoot free-throws to raise money. Over the years, Austin has raised over 1 million dollars through his Hoops of Hope program

And then this week, on several occasions, I was reminded that we must not forget those in Haiti who are desperately trying to overcome the devastation as they pick up the pieces and begin to rebuild. I was trying to think of how I can use something I'm already doing to raise awareness and money, and that's when the my original idea came back to me.

I'm asking for your help. I'll do the running...you'll do the motivating, encouraging and giving. My goal is to hit 9 miles by the end of February. If I do this, would you make a minimum donation of $10 to Compassion's Help Haiti fund?

Maybe you have already made a donation to Haiti...I'm asking you to make another one. This is an idea that I had earlier this week and prayed about all week. I really didn't want to make another plea for money from you, but I feel I need to be obedient in this and see where it leads.

It will help me immensely to know what's at stake when I run, so either leave me a comment or email me to let me know you are in. And feel free to spread the word and get others involved. I'm not on facebook so my audience is limited to my very small group of readers.

Thanks!