So what is the prize? I can guarantee you I won't win the race Sunday, and yet, I'll be a winner, because I'm running. The prize is knowing we please God in whatever it is we are doing. I'm running on Sunday in Harrisburg to please the Lord. Whatever my time (I'm hoping for around 4 hours), I will finish with an attitude of gratitude for God giving me the ability to experience the childlike freedom that comes with running.
It's been a great 23 weeks getting ready for the race. I'm satisfied with the effort I've put in. My body is generally cooperating. I have been battling plantar fasciitis, which is a pain in the foot. It is an inflammation of the thick tissue that runs down the middle of the foot. I'm hoping it doesn't act up too much on the day of the race.
I'm thinking about running in Kenya. What will they think of this old white guy plodding around a country filled with fast lean Kenyan runners? I hope they don't laugh! I'm thinking about running in terms of the misison trip. We're leaving December 28th for three weeks. The tickets are bought....the passports have been obtained.....we are waiting on our visas to come from the Kenyan embassy? Wow. We've been raising money to give to the Cassell family (Ambassador's Fellowship) for the Light in the Darkness project, which involves obtaining machines powered by human effort to charge batteries so villages can have power for water pumps and other electrical needs. Over $1,000 has already come in. Praise the Lord!
Keep us in your prayers. Oh, by the way, a very good friend of Jesse, Brandon Wilcox, who is a student at Lancaster Bible College will be joining us on the trip. He's got a loving spirit and a desire to serve the Lord. We are so excited he will be joining us. Pray that we will stay focused on what God desires, and that we will soak in everything He wants us to learn so we can more effectively serve in the Kingdom of God.
Update Training Miles Walking Running
Weeks 1 to 20 987 931
Weeks 21 to23 (includes Race) 162 150
Total 1,149 1,081 = 2,230 miles
Average miles per week over 23 weeks = 97 miles per week. The best I've ever done.
Make sure you continue to visit the Website to see future posts, and we will be including pictures and sharing stories from Kenya as well.
Thanks for all your support and prayers - Mark and the rest of the Family (Cynthia, Jesse, Maria & Brandon too!)
Friday, November 9, 2012
Thursday, October 18, 2012
A Window to Mark's Training
Update on Miles! Walking Running
Weeks 1-17 807 729
Weeks 18-20 180 202
Total 987 931
Sunday, October 14, 2012
A Partnership that Inspires!
The Olympics were inspired me as I trained for the marathon in Harrisburg, and as I prepared myself for the trip to Kenya. The 10,000 meter run was particularly inspiring. Mo Farra (England) and Galen Rupp (US) trained together, and the ultimately came in 1st and 2nd in the race. It was a great achievement, and they were able to accomplish it because they focused on doing it together. They found strength in their training partnership. Isn't that what God wants from us as believers. He wants us to hold each other up, and gain courage to run the race to its finish!
Saturday, September 15, 2012
The Peace that Passes All Understanding
Greetings - It's been awhile....seven weeks to be exact....since my last post. Why the silence? I wasn't sure until the other day. Cynthia e-mailed me and asked me the same question, and I had a little conversation with the Lord.
However, I need to back up a bit. On Thursday, September 13th, I was leading the Yokefellows Bible Study at the SCI-Greensburg prison. We were focusing on Psalm 139, and particularly versus 23 and 24. I take time every year to go over Psalm 139 with the guys. Psalm 139: 23 and 24 goes as follows:
"Search me, O God, and know my heart, Try me and know my anxious thoughts,
See if there is any hurtful way in me, and lead me in the way everylasting.
The part that jumped out at me was....Try me and know my anxious thoughts. God showed me that I was anxious about the trip to Kenya. Just around the time of my last post there were reports of terrorists coming into Kenya and bombing church services. There were 15 people killed in two attacks. The reports seemed to indicate that further violence was likely. These are terrorist groups coming from Somalia into Kenya. We intend to travel to Nairobi and be in the outlying areas, which is not too far from the border with Somolia. Also, we are only about half-way to our financial goals, and there was some anxiety about raising the necessary support to be able to go. Finally, I think I'm a little fearful of how this trip will upset my apple cart. I kind have grown comfortable with how things work in my life. Yes, I'm very involved at Bethany, and I have great opportunities to minister in the prison, but I know the routine, and I don't know how much change this trip will mean for my family and myself. I think these factors caused me to step back.
Well, I realize I need to trust God on this. He led us to this trip. We have been praying about it for several years now. I know we are to go. I need to allow God to take these anxieties, and watch Him work in all the details and in my heart as well. So pray for Cynthia, Jesse, Maria, and Me! I probably need the most - smile. Pray that I don't hold back....that I trust the Lord completely....that the final details come together for the trip.....and that the peace that passes all understanding is spread across our hearts
Update on the running challenge leading up to the trip:
First 10 weeks Walking - 436 miles Running - 365 miles
Last 7 wekks Walking - 371 miles Running - 364 miles
Total for 17 weeks Walking - 807 miles Running - 729 miles
Harrisburg Marathon - Sunday, November 11th!
Blessing - Mark
However, I need to back up a bit. On Thursday, September 13th, I was leading the Yokefellows Bible Study at the SCI-Greensburg prison. We were focusing on Psalm 139, and particularly versus 23 and 24. I take time every year to go over Psalm 139 with the guys. Psalm 139: 23 and 24 goes as follows:
"Search me, O God, and know my heart, Try me and know my anxious thoughts,
See if there is any hurtful way in me, and lead me in the way everylasting.
The part that jumped out at me was....Try me and know my anxious thoughts. God showed me that I was anxious about the trip to Kenya. Just around the time of my last post there were reports of terrorists coming into Kenya and bombing church services. There were 15 people killed in two attacks. The reports seemed to indicate that further violence was likely. These are terrorist groups coming from Somalia into Kenya. We intend to travel to Nairobi and be in the outlying areas, which is not too far from the border with Somolia. Also, we are only about half-way to our financial goals, and there was some anxiety about raising the necessary support to be able to go. Finally, I think I'm a little fearful of how this trip will upset my apple cart. I kind have grown comfortable with how things work in my life. Yes, I'm very involved at Bethany, and I have great opportunities to minister in the prison, but I know the routine, and I don't know how much change this trip will mean for my family and myself. I think these factors caused me to step back.
Well, I realize I need to trust God on this. He led us to this trip. We have been praying about it for several years now. I know we are to go. I need to allow God to take these anxieties, and watch Him work in all the details and in my heart as well. So pray for Cynthia, Jesse, Maria, and Me! I probably need the most - smile. Pray that I don't hold back....that I trust the Lord completely....that the final details come together for the trip.....and that the peace that passes all understanding is spread across our hearts
Update on the running challenge leading up to the trip:
First 10 weeks Walking - 436 miles Running - 365 miles
Last 7 wekks Walking - 371 miles Running - 364 miles
Total for 17 weeks Walking - 807 miles Running - 729 miles
Harrisburg Marathon - Sunday, November 11th!
Blessing - Mark
Saturday, July 28, 2012
Focusing on the Prize
The Olympics started yesterday in London. Thousands of athletes have tirelessly trained to win a medal. Some of those athletes will also be albe to market themselves and obtain a monetary gain, especially if you are an athlete in a glamour sport such as swimming, gymnastics or track and field.
On the other hand, Christians are called to "fix your eyes on Jesus." Our prize is pleasing our Lord. We train to glorify Him, and we do this chiefly through serving others with a selfless love. He called us to this through his example with his disciples when he washed their feet just prior to the Last Supper. There is no applause for this. There is no monetary reward. The person we serve may not even express their appreciation. In fact, those we serve may even be our enemy. I think Jesus said something about loving them as well!
But Lord, I really like the applause. I really like the money. My flesh wants to go in the opposite direction of what you have called me to. Now I'm not saying there is anything wrong with wanting to be an olympic athlete. As a Christian, the real question is whether you are doing it to glorify yourself or the Lord.
Karen Zando is a long term Campus Crusade ministry worker that we support, and she is serving as a Chaplain for the Olympics in London. She is meeting with the athletes and holding Bible studies and leading worship services. She is also working to make the Word available to athletes who are unbelievers. She shares that this is an exciting time where many people from all over the world gather in one place for this great international event, and that this gives Christians the opportunity to serve their neighbor through presenting the life-giving Gospel. Her eyes are fixed on Jesus. Let's pray Karen will have many opportunities to present the Gospel to unbelievers at the Olympics.
I'm sure in Kenya the Cassell family continues to keep their eyes fixed on Jesus. Of course, Kenya is crazy for their runners, and the nation will be focused on what their athletes will do in track and field. Let's pray that the Cassell family will find creative opportunities to share the Gospel through the connection between running the race for Jesus as opposed to just getting a gold medal.
Training Update
Weeks 1-9: Walking Miles - 386 Running Miles - 313
Week 10: Walking Miles - 50 Running Miles - 52
Total: Walking Miles - 436 Running Miles - 365 = 801
Pray that this blog gets out to other believers so they may be encouraged.
On the other hand, Christians are called to "fix your eyes on Jesus." Our prize is pleasing our Lord. We train to glorify Him, and we do this chiefly through serving others with a selfless love. He called us to this through his example with his disciples when he washed their feet just prior to the Last Supper. There is no applause for this. There is no monetary reward. The person we serve may not even express their appreciation. In fact, those we serve may even be our enemy. I think Jesus said something about loving them as well!
But Lord, I really like the applause. I really like the money. My flesh wants to go in the opposite direction of what you have called me to. Now I'm not saying there is anything wrong with wanting to be an olympic athlete. As a Christian, the real question is whether you are doing it to glorify yourself or the Lord.
Karen Zando is a long term Campus Crusade ministry worker that we support, and she is serving as a Chaplain for the Olympics in London. She is meeting with the athletes and holding Bible studies and leading worship services. She is also working to make the Word available to athletes who are unbelievers. She shares that this is an exciting time where many people from all over the world gather in one place for this great international event, and that this gives Christians the opportunity to serve their neighbor through presenting the life-giving Gospel. Her eyes are fixed on Jesus. Let's pray Karen will have many opportunities to present the Gospel to unbelievers at the Olympics.
I'm sure in Kenya the Cassell family continues to keep their eyes fixed on Jesus. Of course, Kenya is crazy for their runners, and the nation will be focused on what their athletes will do in track and field. Let's pray that the Cassell family will find creative opportunities to share the Gospel through the connection between running the race for Jesus as opposed to just getting a gold medal.
Training Update
Weeks 1-9: Walking Miles - 386 Running Miles - 313
Week 10: Walking Miles - 50 Running Miles - 52
Total: Walking Miles - 436 Running Miles - 365 = 801
Pray that this blog gets out to other believers so they may be encouraged.
Saturday, July 21, 2012
Focusing on the Extraoridnary & the Ordinary
The Extraordinary - This week has been challenging, amazing, fulfilling, sad and hopeful. My Aunt Miriam on my dad's side of the family died on Monday. She is the last close living relative on my dad's side. I had served as her encourager and power of attorney for the last 12 years. She is home with the Lord, and I know she has been wanting to go home to him for some time now. I am sad to say goodbye, but I am glad to know she is with our Father in heavan. It was a very interesting 12 years. At times she would be very demanding, and other times very tender. There were times I did not want to have to carry the responsibility for her, but after it is all said and done, I am thankful God led me through this experience with her. I learned a lot about love, and I learned a lot about the challenges of aging. I know that I want to live my life in such a way that I may finish this race of life strong. I hope I can be like Moses and be strong of mind and body and sight, and simply lay down and go home to be with God!
The Ordinary - This week I have seen a number of young adults, who grew up around me. Some of them often played in my back yard. You wonder what kind of impact you are having on the lives of others. My encounters this week led to conversations where they shared stories and remembered times where they played and spent time with ouf family. It seemed to mean a lot to them. Playing cards in the back yard; having fun on the swings and sliding board; even going around the neighborhood collecting garbage. I all seemed to have meaning to them. I pray that these young folks will look for God, and that they will sense their need for Him and follow Jesus. Also, Maria is practicing her parrallel parking as she prepares to take her driver's test. Just an ordinary, mundane event, but in a way, very special and extraordinary. Isn't it great seeing your children become adults and move towards independence. It's hard to believe she turned 18 and has graduated. Ordinary stuff that causes me to feeling extaordinary feelings!
Update on Training - Well, I'nm in week nine. Here are the updated figures!
Walking Miles Running Miles
Weeks 1-8 331 266
Week 9 55 47
Total 386 313 = 699
So let the extaoridanry and the ordinary encourage you, and look for God in it all. Let's all pray for comfort and healing for those families in Colorado that lost loved ones at the Batman movie.
Thank you, God, that you are there in the midst of unspeakable tragedy and confusion. We look to you for our help in times of need.
The Ordinary - This week I have seen a number of young adults, who grew up around me. Some of them often played in my back yard. You wonder what kind of impact you are having on the lives of others. My encounters this week led to conversations where they shared stories and remembered times where they played and spent time with ouf family. It seemed to mean a lot to them. Playing cards in the back yard; having fun on the swings and sliding board; even going around the neighborhood collecting garbage. I all seemed to have meaning to them. I pray that these young folks will look for God, and that they will sense their need for Him and follow Jesus. Also, Maria is practicing her parrallel parking as she prepares to take her driver's test. Just an ordinary, mundane event, but in a way, very special and extraordinary. Isn't it great seeing your children become adults and move towards independence. It's hard to believe she turned 18 and has graduated. Ordinary stuff that causes me to feeling extaordinary feelings!
Update on Training - Well, I'nm in week nine. Here are the updated figures!
Walking Miles Running Miles
Weeks 1-8 331 266
Week 9 55 47
Total 386 313 = 699
So let the extaoridanry and the ordinary encourage you, and look for God in it all. Let's all pray for comfort and healing for those families in Colorado that lost loved ones at the Batman movie.
Thank you, God, that you are there in the midst of unspeakable tragedy and confusion. We look to you for our help in times of need.
Thursday, July 12, 2012
Running to Overcoming Discouragement
It has continued to be hot out there! Discouragement tries to set up shop. There is a temptation to focus on the tiredness in your bones and the soar muscles that greet you in the morning. But then you hear a great message from your Pastor, and just in time to spur me on. Pastor Glaze preached on overcoming discouragement this past week. He took his message from the book of Nehemiah. There were seven keys:
1. Prayer - Make it a priority and speak to and listen to God's voice in everything that you do.
2. Determination - Set your mind on the task that God has called you to, and act with a firm resolve.
3. Awareness - Look out for those things that would sidetrack you so you can defeat them.
4. Courage - Seek God's strength, and ask Him to give you the courage to see the task to its end.
5. Trust - Believe, believe, believe that God will give you what you need when you need it!
6. Wisdom - Ask God to show you how to apply the knowledge obtained to the circumstances at hand.
7. Perseverance - When you hit the wall, drink in the nourishment that comes from the Holy Spirit and take it to the next level!
All of these points can be drawn from the well of Nehemiah chapters 4-6. I need to remember this as I keep on running for Kenya. Finally, Pastor suggested we all pray the following prayer when we are discouraged:
Father, the enemy has taken away my enthusiasm and courage. Please help me identify the cause of my discouragement and what it is doing to me. Help me to use the tools you have given me to overcome discouragement and bring you glory!
Update on Walking and Running miles: Total
Weeks 1-6 241 176 416
Week 7 45 45 90
Week 8 45 45 90 (on track to complete)
Total 331 266 597
I'm injury free and on track. Pray that I remain faithful to the goals God has given me to achieve. Also, pray for Christians in Kenya. The Kenyan military has gove after Muslim terrorist groups in Somalia, who have been committing terroristic acts in Kenya. Just two weeks ago two Christian churches were bombed, and 15 believers were killed. Pray that the senseless violence will cease. Pray that the families that have suffered tremendous loss would receive comfort through the Holy Spirit as well as other believers. We are communicating with the Cassell family to better understand this situation.
1. Prayer - Make it a priority and speak to and listen to God's voice in everything that you do.
2. Determination - Set your mind on the task that God has called you to, and act with a firm resolve.
3. Awareness - Look out for those things that would sidetrack you so you can defeat them.
4. Courage - Seek God's strength, and ask Him to give you the courage to see the task to its end.
5. Trust - Believe, believe, believe that God will give you what you need when you need it!
6. Wisdom - Ask God to show you how to apply the knowledge obtained to the circumstances at hand.
7. Perseverance - When you hit the wall, drink in the nourishment that comes from the Holy Spirit and take it to the next level!
All of these points can be drawn from the well of Nehemiah chapters 4-6. I need to remember this as I keep on running for Kenya. Finally, Pastor suggested we all pray the following prayer when we are discouraged:
Father, the enemy has taken away my enthusiasm and courage. Please help me identify the cause of my discouragement and what it is doing to me. Help me to use the tools you have given me to overcome discouragement and bring you glory!
Update on Walking and Running miles: Total
Weeks 1-6 241 176 416
Week 7 45 45 90
Week 8 45 45 90 (on track to complete)
Total 331 266 597
I'm injury free and on track. Pray that I remain faithful to the goals God has given me to achieve. Also, pray for Christians in Kenya. The Kenyan military has gove after Muslim terrorist groups in Somalia, who have been committing terroristic acts in Kenya. Just two weeks ago two Christian churches were bombed, and 15 believers were killed. Pray that the senseless violence will cease. Pray that the families that have suffered tremendous loss would receive comfort through the Holy Spirit as well as other believers. We are communicating with the Cassell family to better understand this situation.
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