Marathon of Love
Want to be part of a feel good story? Peter Kline is a Bellevue, WA businessman. We have been friends and in a bible study together for a few years. In his 50’s Peter is also a marathon runner and has participated in super marathon runs of up to 50 miles.
Peter, and his family, have a heart to serve others in many areas including bringing foreign students into their home. This Sunday Peter will run in the Las Vegas Marathon. What is unique about that: he will be pushing a racing wheel chair for 26+ miles with either a young man who lost a leg in an auto accident or young girl with a disability. Below is Peter’s message to me:
Dear Paul…Las Vegas was my very 1st marathon 7 years ago. I didn’t run it particularly well in fact I was painfully slow and in a great deal of pain after the run. But that 1st marathon started me on a journey of running and meeting some wonderful people all around this country.
When I decided to run the Vegas marathon again this year I wanted to offer to run with someone who may not be able to run a marathon by themselves.
I got permission from the company that puts on the Rock ‘n’ Roll marathon series to push someone in a wheelchair. They offered a free registration and all the normal things that go with running a marathon; timing chip, shirt, finisher’s medal, to the person I would be pushing.
Then I started looking for a possible child who may have a desire to run with me by me pushing them the 26.2 miles of the marathon in a wheelchair. I 1st contacted the Make-a-Wish Foundation. The liked the idea but didn’t have a child who had made that their wish. I sent another offer to Children’s Hospital in Las Vegas. After several weeks they contacted me with a young man’s story and potential “running mate.”
The complete story of this all coming together can only be possible with God’s hands helping. I hope to be a part of the healing process for this young man or the young girl, and giving a messages of love, support, and new possibilities for life.
Please keep us in your prayer that whichever young person chooses to “run” with me, will have a great experience and together we will finish the race as we should finish our lives – strong.
Blessings,
Peter
At this point we are not sure which young person will enjoy the ride of their life for 26 miles. Stay tuned.
Update. 19 year old Taylor Small, with cerebal palsy will “run” with Peter during the marathon. Peter says she is excited and raring to go. Follow tomorrow.
Peter picked up the “stroller” for the 26 mile journey
2 Comments
Colin · December 1, 2012 at 10:44 am
Paul,
Thanks for posting this. Blessings on Peter and his ‘running mate’. Fortunately at this time I do not hear the Holy Spirit saying “Go thou and do likewise.”
Colin
Paul · December 2, 2012 at 5:46 pm
You need more prayer. I will run with you.
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