 |
| Chris Gillespie & Ed Pierson at the Finish Line 2010 Bass Pro Shops Outdoor Fitness Festival |
I've been blessed with so many wonderful opportunities in my life. God has allowed me to be a part of things that glorify Him that are beyond measure. He has directed my path to places that I never thought I could go. He has chosen me to do things that I never thought I could do. I am humbled by His goodness and grace!
As I write this, many thoughts are running through my mind. We have a major event coming up in May and the days are clicking away really, really fast! My training for GRACERUNNER JOURNEY is going well as I continue to build my mileage toward our quest to complete 413 miles in 10 days to the glory of God! Please pray for me as I increase my mileage and as the training hits a level of intensity that I cannot comprehend before our taper starts about May 1. Your prayers mean so much to me and your words of encouragement keep me focused and moving forward.
It would be less than truthful for me to say that I'm not worried about funding for our event. I know that God will provide for the things we need. I also know that it is my job to try to raise the needed funds. We really need help in this area -- fundraising has not gone as well as it should be going. I know that some people will wait until the last minute or donate an amount per mile after I complete the journey on May 21. However, the significance of fundraising finally hit me last night when a contributor asked me, "With all the good that TEAM 413 is doing, why in the world will more people not help you with contributions?" I had NO answer because I have no idea! I lay awake most of the night thinking about that simple question. "Why?"
Today has been a real struggle for me because I couldn't get that question out of my mind and off of my heart. I asked friends their opinion and some told me that it was because of folks financial situation right now. Others told me that some people are so apathetic that they don't want to give their time and money even if it is for a good cause. Others told me to hang in there and that it would come in God's timing.
One person's response troubled me. They wrote to me to let me know that someone told them that all TEAM 413 does is sell the shirts that are a catalyst for conversations during a race. My response to this is that person has no concept of what we are doing because they don't follow us very well. If they did follow us, they would know that we spend countless hours talking to folks at events all across the country -- answering emails about the ministry -- sharing Christ with people at speaking events from coast to coast -- and so much more. The depth of this ministry is deeper than anyone can imagine and our reach is across the worldwide running community. People are accepting Christ through the witness of the wonderful people who make up TEAM 413. Just a shirt? I don't think so!
The second question that my friend has been asked is, "Why is TEAM 413 doing a fundraiser that involves giving to other non-profits?" Well, that answer is easy....We want to give back to people who need our help. We want to expand our ministry to unique causes and expose those causes to the people within our ministry. Jesus taught us to enlarge our territory to His glory! That's exactly what we are doing because we are commanded to do so. So, if helping others keep someone from giving to TEAM 413 or GRACERUNNER JOURNEY, that's just the way it will have to be. That's not my problem. That's something that a person needs to take up with God.
If you are interested in being a part of a ministry that is making a difference one person at a time while sharing common ground out on the roads of life, TEAM 413 is your ministry! If you want to be a part of something that is much bigger than yourself and that has the potential to affect millions of people in the endurance-athlete community one person at a time, TEAM 413 is your ministry. And, lastly if you want to be a part of an "outside of the box ministry" that believes that Jesus Christ is the way, the truth, and the life -- TEAM 413 may just be a great spot for you to serve.
To give to TEAM 413, please visit the following link:
God bless all of you! We need your help!
Under HIS Grace...
Chris
Wonderful inspiring ministry!
ReplyDelete