I do not run because I like it. In fact, I hate it. Hate it. The first time I ran a half marathon I had one thing in mind after crossing the finish line: I'm never doing that again. Sure, it was a great experience...but more of a "once in a life time" sort of thing. I ran my first half marathon because I wanted to do something for myself. I wanted to say I could do it. and I did. But the morning after, my muscles confirmed my decision: I'm seriously never doing that again.
I did it again.
Why I run:
I run because global poverty is a real issue to me. Not something to just read about in text books and magazines or hear about in the news. Because just "knowing" about the issues isn't enough for me; it does not change the issue. I run because in Kenya, one child dies every 15 seconds from a water-related illness. Preventable water-related illness. Because I've never truly experienced what its like to be thirsty. To get clean water I can walk 20 steps to a sink with cold clean water; instead of four miles to a river to retrieve disease containing water. I run because after going to Africa, these are no longer facts or images on the internet: they are an experience. These aren't just people, they are my brothers and sisters. I have met them. I cannot forget them or the things I experienced.
God had provided the Gospel and has blessed me with two strong legs, and a healthy functioning body. What good are any of these if I never act or use them?
"Giving money is only one way of showing charity: to give time and toil is far better and (for most of us), harder." -C.S. Lewis
More than just a run:
Participating in this event was not about the actual race itself. That's why I did not enter the race as an individual, but as a part of Team World Vision. Running this race was about making a difference; changing lives. I love to serve. I'll say it again: I love to serve. It is my passion. But even more, I believe it is a gift. Christ has given my such a passion to serve and give, and I want to use that in every way that I can. I want to take every opportunity presented. This wasn't becoming more physical fit, to be quite honest, I did not even train for this one until two weeks before the event (big mistake). It wasn't about finishing first, or close to first or being the best. It was about making a difference. Awareness. Change. For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come - 1 Timothy 4:8
I did it again.
Why I run:
I run because global poverty is a real issue to me. Not something to just read about in text books and magazines or hear about in the news. Because just "knowing" about the issues isn't enough for me; it does not change the issue. I run because in Kenya, one child dies every 15 seconds from a water-related illness. Preventable water-related illness. Because I've never truly experienced what its like to be thirsty. To get clean water I can walk 20 steps to a sink with cold clean water; instead of four miles to a river to retrieve disease containing water. I run because after going to Africa, these are no longer facts or images on the internet: they are an experience. These aren't just people, they are my brothers and sisters. I have met them. I cannot forget them or the things I experienced.
God had provided the Gospel and has blessed me with two strong legs, and a healthy functioning body. What good are any of these if I never act or use them?
"Giving money is only one way of showing charity: to give time and toil is far better and (for most of us), harder." -C.S. Lewis
More than just a run:
Participating in this event was not about the actual race itself. That's why I did not enter the race as an individual, but as a part of Team World Vision. Running this race was about making a difference; changing lives. I love to serve. I'll say it again: I love to serve. It is my passion. But even more, I believe it is a gift. Christ has given my such a passion to serve and give, and I want to use that in every way that I can. I want to take every opportunity presented. This wasn't becoming more physical fit, to be quite honest, I did not even train for this one until two weeks before the event (big mistake). It wasn't about finishing first, or close to first or being the best. It was about making a difference. Awareness. Change. For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come - 1 Timothy 4:8
Making a difference:
- In the developing world, women and children travel an average of 3.75 miles to collect water (which isn't necessarily sanitary) for their families.
- Many of these women are raped while traveling
- Many of these children are kidnapped or killed. They do not return home.
- 42,000 Children die each year, due to the consumption of dirty water
- Over 3.5 Million people die each year from water-related illnesses
- $50.00 provides clean water to one individual for a life time
Team World Vision raised $360,000 in the LA 13.1 Marathon
That's a life time of clean water for over 7,000 people!
What you can do:
We are still fundraising to save lives. If you'd like to make a difference, please check out my fundraising site: http://support.worldvision.org/goto/rebeccaraines
or
Run a marathon, change lives.
Being a part of Team World Vision is more than just putting on a jersey and setting up a fundraising page. You will meet some incredible people. You will here life changing stories. They will rock your world and leave a life-long impact. Seriously.
Please let me know if you'd like more information on:
- Where your money will go should you donate
- What the World Vision Clean Water Project does, exactly
- How you can joint Team World Vision and run a race
