Congratulations to the many clients, volunteers and staff members at Raleigh Rescue Mission who successfully trained for and completed Raleigh’s City of Oaks half-marathon on November 3rd!
The Mission partnered with a Christian non-profit, Up and Running Again (https://upandrunningagain.org) and a locally owned running store, Fleet Feet, to provide training expertise, encouragement and support. Together, our dedicated group ran and walked to stay healthy, improve their lives, and reach a goal.
For Maddie Lea, volunteer coach and running partner, the experience was fulfilling and inspirational. Maddie is a runner who happened to be volunteering with her church at the Mission on a day when the Executive Director of Up and Running Again was there. She says, “He and I talked, I wanted to help, we put it together, it was kind of a dream come true.”
Maddie ran all over downtown Raleigh, preparing clients for the 13.5 mile race. She says she and the other coaches had a great time providing encouragement and loved seeing lots of “Up and Running” shirts along the route on race day. When asked what she gained from the experience, Maddie replies, “I learned a lot of humility from these guys. They’ve faced a lot of adversity that I’ve never experienced. They’ve been through situations that they didn’t think they could rise above, and they are a lot more resilient than they think they are. The clients here work really hard. Their stories should be told.”
Maddie speaks thoughtfully of one client in particular. “He’s quiet, so when he talks, it’s really important. He’s very humble, very aware of others around him. We talked a lot about the ways God is moving in his life. I listened.”
Plans are already in place to continue training and running together. Maddie and others are helping the Mission evaluate what went well and what can be improved for next time. Says Maddie, “My prayer is always, “whatever you want from me God.” For all the times I told God I didn’t know why He picked me for this, to get to see those guys finish the race…. I’d do it all over again, no question.”
We are grateful to Maddie and all of the many volunteers, staff members and supporters who are coming alongside the clients at Raleigh Rescue Mission to break the cycle of homelessness and poverty. To find out how you might help or to learn more about our New Life Plan.
Hebrews 12:1 – “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus.”
