Here we are with just FOUR days left until the Georgia Half Marathon on Sunday!
I finished my distance training this week with a 12-mile run on Monday and now I’m in what’s known as “taper week”. I never knew I could run that far! During this week, we back off all the training and only do a few short (2-4 mile) runs leading up to the race.
However, I don’t want to back off telling everyone about the need the families of Uganda have for clean, safe water – that’s why I’m running! For those families in Uganda and other parts of Africa, clean, life-sustaining water is not always available. Their lack of access to clean water puts adults and children at risk of disease that can often lead to death.
God has put the desire in my heart to help make a difference. That’s why I joined Team Samaritan’s Purse. Team SP is a group of people who raise money by competing in athletic events to help needy people across the world. Team SP has set a goal of raising $100,000 at official events in Atlanta and Cincinnati this year for clean water projects in Uganda.
You can still become part of the team! There is still time to contribute and help as we “run for the finish line” on Sunday. Won’t you consider contributing at: http://www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/michael-ogles/michaelogles. You can donate online through this website with a credit card. It is simple, fast, and totally secure. FirstGiving will send your donations directly to Samaritan’s Purse, a well respected nonprofit already at work in Uganda. You will receive an email with a printable record of your tax-deductible donation. You can read about their work at: http://www.samaritanspurse.org/index.php/articles/running_water_to_uganda/#
I know not everyone reading this may be able to give, so I’m asking everyone to do something you can; pray. Pray for safety for those running on Sunday. Pray for God to be honored through our efforts. Pray for the efforts of Samaritan’s Purse. Most of all, pray that those they help might come to know the One that can give them the Living Water of eternal life.
Thanks for your time. Let’s run!
