Yesterday I asked a simple question: What if we were known for generosity and sacrifice?
My friend Paul Hurkman is currently involved in what I believe to be a super-human act of generosity and sacrifice. As part of the Great World Race, Paul and several other folks will run seven marathons – on seven continents – in seven days.
You read that correctly.
The first three legs were in South Africa, Antarctica, and Australia. In Antarctica, air temperatures reached 20° below zero – plus winds between 20-30 mph (explaining Paul’s somewhat unconventional running gear).
Then, because weather caused schedule delays, they had to jump on a plane, fly to Australia, and begin another marathon within about three hours of landing.
I’m sure people have different reasons for attempting this sort of craziness, but Paul’s reason is clear. As the CEO of VENTURE, an organization that supports people in some of the most difficult places on earth, Paul lives by their tagline:
We do tough things to support people in tough places.
Paul’s effort has raised more than $280,000 so far, plus an untold amount of awareness.
I don’t think I need to explain the physical and mental sacrifice required to prepare for and accomplish 7 marathons in 7 days, accompanied by all the travel required. Few of us will ever tackle something so remarkably difficult.
Paul isn’t doing this for recognition or glory. No medals or awards, at least on this side of heaven. He’s doing it because he follows Jesus’ command to love his neighbor and be generous and sacrificial.
Paul’s example causes me – and maybe you – to look in the mirror. Are we known for generosity and sacrifice?
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Paul’s Great World Race Here’s a FB link if you’d like to see more details.
You might wonder how we became friends with such an amazing man. If you’ve followed our story, you might recall a 2012 500-mile bike trip from Cincinnati to Washington DC. Paul was the leader of that group.
On that tour, Becky and I had our first serious encounter with the notions of modern-day slavery and human trafficking, which led to the beginning of the FREEDOM TOUR and our support of the kids at the Home of Hope.
Paul’s a remarkable speaker. Open YouTube, type in his name (Paul Hurkman), and listen to some of what he has to say.
Here’s a better photo, and slightly more conventional running gear, less than 24 hours later in Perth, Australia.
