It is interesting how God often uses the most quirky or seemingly insignificant gifts or passions to glorify his name and advance his kingdom near us and around the world.
Since college, I have used running as a way to keep in shape and, more recently, as a space for discipling Faith Church leaders. As I run with others, we catch up on life and ministry and dream big about the future.
When staff leaders and I became aware of Team World Vision, which invites individuals to run marathons and raise support for World Vision’s work, we knew it was a great fit. We were already passionate about running. And it was another connection point in a relationship with World Vision that started in late 2007 when Faith Church hosted the Step Into Africa exhibit. We were blown away by the response in attendance and child sponsorship. Our eyes and hearts were opened to the community of Karaba, Rwanda.
In 2008, we ran our first half marathon with Team World Vision in Chicago and raised more than $50,000. Each year, we continue to run with Team World Vision, and each year, we are astonished by people’s generosity. We also host annual Caregiver Kit packing events, which have blossomed into packing nearly 1,200 kits.
For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability …—2 Corinthians 8:3 (NIV)
Four years after that first half marathon, I went with a team of leaders from Faith Church to Rwanda to visit the people in Karaba, who have become so close to our hearts. We were overwhelmed by the beauty and brokenness of this small nation, which is still recovering from the 1994 genocide.
After praying for so long for the people of Karaba, we were finally able to put faces to their names. Our team took many photos and videos, so we could bring back to our church the faces of the people we have grown to love. This footage culminated with our church using World Vision U.S. President Rich Stearns’ book The Hole in Our Gospel for weekend services and small groups.
‘The Hole in Our Gospel’ is a catalyst for change
The Hole in Our Gospel functioned as yet another catalyst in our story with World Vision. New dreams were birthed by individuals and small groups as money was raised for clean water, additional child sponsorship, AIDS Caregiver Kits, and more.
We learned as a community how to use our unique gifts to impact the global cause. We now have children who run their own version of a half marathon, host bake sales, and man lemonade stands to raise money. A small group passionate about crafting also hosts an annual amazi (water) craft fair at our church.
My first trip to Rwanda has now turned into two, our church is sponsoring more than 500 children there, and we continue to raise support through Team World Vision. There is no doubt God has more in store for us than we could ever have imagined.
Faith Church is looking forward to our ongoing journey with World Vision. We continue to learn new ways of using our gifts and talents individually and together to serve the world.
