Looking Toward the Finish Line

When someone mentions running a race, I am often reminded of Hebrews 12:1-2 “Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” In this verse, the writer compares the Christian life to running a race. On race day, runners choose their lightest, most out-of-the-way attire, with running shoes that are lightweight and made for speed. We would consider it ridiculous for a trained runner to run a race wearing a full suit and tie, or with heavy steel-toed boots. In the same way, in our lives we must lay aside the sins that would get in the way of our finish line: Jesus Christ! We must ask ourselves regularly, what weight am I still holding on to that is hindering my run toward my Savior? Cast those aside, and run the race with endurance!

This concept is especially on our minds as we gear up for the Race for Hope. If you haven’t yet heard, the Race for Hope is a 5k or 10k run or 5k walk that is held every year as a fundraiser for Vision of Hope and Faith Bible Seminary. This event is a great opportunity to not only support these amazing ministries, but also to proclaim to those around us that the Gospel is powerful and that our God is still in the business of transforming lives!

There are several ways that YOU can be involved in this exciting event.

First, you can pray for our ministry and the Race for Hope. Pray that through this event, we will have many opportunities to proclaim the Gospel!

Another way to be involved is to register as a participant in any of these three events. Please visit our race website to register. Each registration receives a sharp event t-shirt and a packet of goodies.

The next way you can help us with this community event is to volunteer. The commitment is only for one morning from 7 am to 10:30 or 11 am. There are a variety of ways to volunteer. Please visit our volunteer site if you’re interested in partnering with us in this way!

Finally, since this is one of our few fundraisers, you could help by sponsoring a runner on one of the teams on our  donation page. We ask each team captain to raise $1,000.00 in support and it would greatly bless them if you prayerfully considered contributing to their efforts.

We are so excited about the message of the Race for Hope, and we hope that you will considering partnering with us in this great event!

Bethany Dunn
Bethany heard about Vision of Hope while attending Word of Life Bible Institute in Florida. When she began praying about what God wanted her to do after graduating, He kept bringing Vision of Hope to her mind. Knowing that there was an internship available, Bethany applied, was accepted, and began her internship with VOH in July, 2012. Since then she has been amazed at the opportunities God has given her to learn more about His Word and how it applies to everyday life. Bethany now serves on staff at Vision of Hope.