This week's Scripture and commentary

Philippians 2:14-16 Do all things without grumbling or questioning, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain.

Commentary: I view running as a good gift that comes from God (James 1:17) Used in the wrong way, running, like many of God's good gifts, can turn to sin. I make it my goal "not to run in vain" for my own glory, but to run for God's glory.

sample fundraising letter

In mid-April, I sent out a fundraising note to family and friends that I'm pasting below. If it can be helpful to you as you consider strategies for fundraising, then great! A couple of thoughts-- remember that there are now 83 of us fundraising, and many of us go to OHC. So as not to overwhelm people with overlapping fundraising asks, I recommend asking people in your close relationship circles and seeking support from family and friends outside of our church.

Remember, there is no minimum fundraising requirement, so be prayerful as you set your goal and then passionate for the world's poor as you seek to meet the goal, whether it's $100 or $1,000.

Family and friends, April 14, 2009

I am signed up to do the Chicago Marathon October 11 as part of a group called "Iowans for Africa", a sub-team of Team World Vision! We will be running and fundraising for World Vision (www.worldvision.org), one of my favorite Christian relief organizations. World Vision is doing amazing community development around the globe, and they're making progress in fighting the HIV/AIDS pandemic that is wiping out large portions of Africa. I've worked with World Vision through some of their efforts over the past years, and I've been very impressed with the leadership, integrity, and the impact of the organization. I invite you to scope out their website or feel free to ask me questions.

It's crazy marathon mania around here, with about 50 friends and neighbors currently signed up to do this marathon- beginners (that's me) and experienced runners alike. I've begun a "pre-training" workout that leads up to June when the runs begin to get longer and more serious. :0

In high school, I ran some 4 x 220's. Today, I'm running a 10 x 100.....campaign that is. I'm campaigning for $10 by 100 people to reach my $1,000 fundraising goal. This support team of 100 people will encourage me in the marathon, but most importantly will help to make a positive difference in the lives of many who live in abject poverty. Will you consider joining this $10 x 100 effort? If so, you can donate and check my progress at www.firstgiving.com/laurahoy . I'm working to accomplish this personal goal in the next two months, so that I can then turn to help do some general fundraising for the overall Team World Vision.

If you choose not to join the $10 x 100 team, please consider committing to support through prayer. Pray that I can jog more than 2 consecutive minutes without collapsing (that's about what I'm doing now!). Seriously, pray for a more just and loving world, for the 12 million AIDS orphans, for governments and systems, for organizations like World Vision who are working for transformational and sustainable community development in some of the neediest places on earth.

Thanks! I'll try to report training progress on my fundraising web page from time to time!

Laura Hoy

The Hole in our Gospel

I don't think God is going to use anything as powerful as this book I'm reading to help me both raise funds for World Vision and finish this marathon. If I had the money, I would buy you each a copy of The Hole in our Gospel by Richard Stearns, President of World Vision. It's both challenging and inspiring. As Don writes in his email to us today "we will have peaks and valleys in this training." This book will most certainly serve as a motivator through the valley times, as it brings into focus God's heart and our calling as His people to make a difference for His people. I highly recommend it to you and will more than likely begin to quote it or give reference to it on this blog.

This week's Scripture/Commentary

1 Corinthians 9: 24-26 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore, I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air.

Commentary: Throughout his letters St. Paul uses running as an analogy of a Christian life. As in the verse above, he often compares spiritual discipline to that required to run a race. Spiritual disciplines including prayer, Bible reading, and worship help us by grace to grow in Christ. Maintaining these disciplines requires a positive choice and some effort/action on our part. The same can be said for running.

How's everyone doing?

Saturday morning was a six mile group run...some did even more. I was grateful to be a part of it, and my calf felt healed up and great. Thank you, Jesus. It was fantastic to see many of you Saturday and to cheer each other on along the trail and as people came finishing into the parking lot. If you haven't come to a group run, I really encourage you to. I didn't even jog with anyone but myself for the six miles, but just the starting together, seeing each other as people looped back, and stretching and talking when we finished is really powerful. Come join in if you haven't yet. If you're worried you might bring up the tail, just know that there are a few of us who will likely wag that tail with you.

I came in at 12.5 minutes per mile, and though that may seem really slow to some, I find it a miracle that I have accomplished that in six weeks' time. I did wear a heart monitor this past Saturday and was in the red zone for the majority of my 6 miles. This was discouraging, but Don said that this should be considered normal for my beginner self and will continue to come down as my fitness improves. It will be good to check it in a few weeks to see if it has come down any.

How about you? How are you doing? Let us know!

Run after Jesus

Don made mention to a packet that is an 18 week training log with references to Scripture with a short commentary. I thought I'd post these weekly on the blog as well. The first one is:

1 Timothy 4: 7b Keep yourself in training for a godly life. Physical exercise has some value, but spiritual exercise is valuable in every way, because it promises life for both the present and the future. (TEV)

Commentary: There is a strong connection in my life between running and spirituality. I often combine the physical exercise with spiritual by praying or meditating. Running helps me appreciate the glory of God's nature. I view every run as a gift from God and an opportunity for spiritual growth.

(p.s. I am not sure who wrote the guide and commentaries...when I make that discovery I'll be sure to credit and reference them. Thanks, Don, for providing this for us.)

"Run" by LeCrae

Last summer a group called One One Six Clique came to Sullivan Park to do a Christian hip hop concert. The group came out to our acreage for a picnic one night and Nathan, our son, was all about hangin' out with these guys. The concert was awesome, and we ended up with several of their CD's. LeCrae has a bit of a Jamaican hip hop song called "Run" that I've been listening to in my ipod rotation. Enjoy! :)