Run for the World

Today all the missionaries on the team at Lake Tanganyika participated in the Run for the World event.  All over the world groups of believers came together to run a 5K to raise awareness for and be in prayer about fatherlessness in our communities and nations.  We have heard some pretty staggering statistics recently about the devastation that arises when fathers are not present in their children’s lives.  Kids who grow up without a dad are more likely to be involved in drug and alcohol use, gangs, and other delinquent behaviors.  There is a great need all around the world for men to rise to the challenge of fatherhood and be the kind of father their kids need. 

Our whole team!

During our recent day of prayer our team spent quite a bit of time praying over this issue; praying that God would turn mens’ hearts back to Him, and in turn back to their children.  We are praying that these fathers would be reconciled to their families and would begin to lead them in ways that are pleasing to God. 

This morning at 5AM a group of 40 of us on the team ran all over Mpulungu as we prayed for the families and fathers and prayed for the people here to see God as their heavenly Father.  It was really cool to be part of this global event!  I always love prayer walks (or in this case a prayer run), because you can be pray for specific people and families as you pass by them on the road.  There is something really powerful in that kind of prayer. 

Our route turned out to be closer to 6.5 kilometers, and not only was it good to be in prayer, but it felt good to be running again after not having the chance to for so long.  Susanna and I ran together the whole way and encouraged each other along the way.  Only about ½ a mile of the route was on pavement, and the rest of the time we ran on dirt roads with rocks jutting out here and there.  Despite the perils of the road, we were able to make it through the whole route without falling.  We attracted a lot of attention from the people in the villages though, as I doubt they see too many white girls running that early in the morning.

We felt pretty tough after running 4 miles!