Running the Race, Keeping the Faith ...

​The Center of Hope – Haiti, Inc. is a ministry that our congregation has supported as a budgetary priority for over 10 years. Their mission statement is: “To foster livelihood and hope for the future of orphaned children of Haiti by providing shelter, education, nutrition, emotional security, healthcare and life skills to the children and their caregivers.” They are now undergoing a major building project to expand the school and their mission to provide more services to children who are in such desperate need. Can we even imagine their need? I cannot. But I realized what I can do is, in some small way, improve the conditions they find themselves in. When Jesus was confronted with those in need of so much, he met those needs and exceeded expectations. We are called and empowered to do the same.
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So, with these children, in mind, I will be training for and running in the 2016 Father’s Day Rockaway Beach Half Marathon on Saturday, June 18th.  It’s eight weeks away and I have already been training: two weeks in and 50 miles down! My training plan will take me (including the 13.1 miles of the race) 301.1 miles. I am asking you to take this journey with me. No, I’m not asking you to run with me, unless you want to! I’m asking for your generous support. Knowing that you are behind me will make those miles easier and motivate me to get up, because not only are these kids are worth it, but knowing that you are counting on me will be an encouragement along the way. Please support me with either a pledge per mile or at a level that you can afford. I already have one anonymous donor who is going to match my donations dollar for dollar up to $1,000.00! Also, whatever is raised for the building project nationally is being matched up to $250,000! So you can triple your donation! Also, any gift over $25.00 will get a COHH T-shirt! How great is that? My goal is to raise $2,500 online. Join me with your prayers, thoughts, and financial support to make a difference in these children’s lives. You can either mail a check to the church (put in the memo field: Tim's Run for Center of Hope - Haiti) or check out our online fundraiser at www.YouCaring.com and type in "Center of Hope Haiti."

So, on a weekend that we remember our Fathers, let us not forget these children who are Fatherless. Join me in building a school with the audacious task of fostering hope and possibility for their future and so many other children in the years to come. Won't you join me in "fighting the good fight", "finishing the race", and "keeping the faith"? (2 Timothy 4:7)
Thank you!
Tim