Last time I told you about Jerry Schemmel and the Race Across America.
After two years of training and preparation, Jerry and his team were ready for anything. Anything except 116° temps in the California desert.
At checkpoint #3, race docs diagnosed heat stroke and told Jerry he couldn’t continue. I can’t imagine the disappointment and heartbreak. Knowing Jerry, He feels like he let down the circle of supporters who surrounded him and donated to Team KPease.
Of course, none of us feels let down at all. We’re just amazed by his commitment and honored by his friendship.
We know he gave it everything he had and trusted God for the outcome. He didn’t get the outcome he wanted – doesn’t mean God isn’t at work.
Jerry didn’t get the outcome he wanted on July 19, 1989, either. On that day his best friend died in the fiery crash of UAL Flight 232 in Sioux City, Iowa. Jerry survived, then walked back into the smoldering wreckage to rescue a crying baby.
I don’t know how it works. All I know is do our best, trust God for the outcome, and lean on Jesus when it’s hard.
Jerry will turn this heartbreak into inspiration. It won’t be easy.
Godspeed, my friend. Godspeed.