Miles for Hope

It all started with what seemed like an audacious goal.

“Run a full marathon.”

I wrote those words in the front of my journal in the first few days of 2010.

At the time, I had signed up to run a half marathon in February of that year. It was going to be my first half marathon. Running a full seemed a bit crazy, but I figured, “I’ve got the whole year to do it.”

During the spring I began to consider the idea that I might not achieve the goal.

Around that same time, our church, where I serve as the Teaching Pastor, decided to set an equally audacious goal.

Raise $250,000 over the course of three years to help 1,000 orphans in Africa move from a life of hopeleness to a life where their hope might be restored.

And somewhere in my heart I knew that these two goals were connected in some way which I did not fully understand at the time.

On December 5, 2010, I completed my goal by finishing the Dallas White Rock Marathon. More importantly, through the generosity of so many, we raised over $25,000.

That’s the story of how Miles for Hope was born.

ZOE Ministry [www.zoeministry.org] is our church’s partner in this endeavor. Our three year commitment coincides with the three year empowerment program in which each of these orphans is participating.

During that time, they not only build a new home, they learn a business or trade that will allow them to care for themselves and their younger siblings. A new, self-sustaining community will be built filled with kids whose hope has been restored.
This year, 11 individuals will be seeking support for ZOE as they prepare to run a marathon this fall.

Some are veterans.

They know the great challenge that lies ahead in preparing to run 26.2 miles.

For some, it will be there first time.

For all of them, it will be a unique opportunity to invite those who care about them to care about these kids living on the other side of the world.

I would love to have you join our team by making a donation today.

I will be running two marathons this fall. On November 6th, 2011, I will be in New York City to participate in the largest marathon in the world. On the 4th of December, I will be in Dallas, Texas to participate in the White Rock Marathon.

My experience tells me that there are two things that I can look forward to on each of those days.

1. It’s going to hurt.

2. It will be an unbelievable experience that I will cherish the rest of my life.

I’m excited to run with my friends this fall. More than that though, I’m excited to run for my friends on the other side of the world.

Would you like to be a part of bringing hope to these children?