World Vision Canada #6KforWater

On Saturday, May 26 at 9:30 AM, I finished running the World Vision Canada Global #6KforWater in approximately 01:30:00, praise God! Actually, I was one of the few who ran double that which made it a 12K. I basically ran around the whole of Downsview Park four times! It's funny because I'm used to running on just one path in one direction without a repetition of views at an average start time of 7 or 8 in the morning. Having a later morning race meant really hot weather hence the rolled up sleeves and muay thai shorts.

http://www.instagram.com/juliusnaredo

All the children on the promos and on our race bibs walk on average 6 km a day with jerry cans only to get dirty water. This takes them away from their education, development opportunities and relationships. It also gets them sick and in a lot of cases, die from waterborne diseases. Before the race, all the participants (church teams, sponsors, partnered organizations, etc.) prayed for Jesus' Love, healing and provision for these kids and their families of these under-resourced communities. The back of our race shirts said, "Every step I take is one they won't have to."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BHbXipfKKgE

It was really cool to be one of the few to receive a medal with an orange lanyard signifying that I ran the 12K! The staff with their Volunteer Child Sponsorship Ambassadors were very helpful, relational and inspiring! The problem-solved pictured stories along the path motivated me even more. I also kept tapping my bib to remind myself to pray for Samantha, for her family and for her community to have new hearts and transformed lives for Jesus. We trust that Jesus will reveal His perfect Love through His provision in life-giving and life-saving water. I had to keep running!

I am proud to say that after the race, Chantelle and I decided to continue our relationship with this beautiful girl on my race bib! Her name is Samantha from Ecuador who is 9 years old. We can't wait to receive updates on her life!

People have been sponsoring me as a missionary with UrbanPromise Toronto on a regular basis for several years now. It definitely has a multiplying impact in supporting my wife, my family and in God's calling on my life -- to love God, love others and make disciples. Chantelle and I felt called to do something similar by supporting World Vision Canada through child sponsorship.

In my interest of what a Volunteer Child Sponsorship Ambassador is, I received this bag for free and it said, "I wanted to change a child's life, but the child changed mine." I look forward to 'God's Plan' in our married life and having Jesus transform a part of it through Samantha and Lord-willing many others. We have recently been learning in our devos about walking in step with the Holy Spirit and praying for His fruit in our married life.

Please continue to pray for Chantelle and I as we share Jesus' Love in this way!

If you would like to learn more about World Vision Canada, how you can advocate for them or sponsor a child, please visit my home page.