"I can do everything through Him who strengthens me," Denise and Clarence say, referring to the biblical text of the apostle Paul in Philippians 4:13.
Denise and Clarence began jogging on Sunday mornings and sometimes during the week as well. After a while they were prepared to run 10 km races and the semi-marathon.
Realizing the benefits of exercise on the immune system as well as stress reduction they invited people to form a group of runners more than a year ago. They wanted to motivate people to pay attention to their health. Many answered the call and the group started growing until now it has become the essential meeting place for Sunday mornings.
In addition to health benefits, Denise and Clarence wished to give glory to God by evangelizing on the run. They begin the session with a meditation, followed by a prayer hand in hand, wearing their T-shirts with the logo "RUNNER FOR CHRIST". They distribute brochures on health and the Bible.
"The runners, the passers-by and the pedestrians we meet are impressed by our actions and are delighted to discover our message and our intentions. We regularly have encouragement, questions, congratulations from people who read the message of our t-shirts, " says Denise.
There is a standing invitation for all: “Get out your sportswear, put on your sneakers and come to the appointment with the RUNNERS FOR CHRIST every Sunday at 9:00 o’clock, Place du Château de Vincennes. No special preparation is needed except a doctor’s recommendation to participate in sports. Each participant runs at his own pace, warm-up exercises are done together, and the session ends with stretching exercises and thanks to the Lord.
This year Denise participated in the 43rd Paris Marathon on April 14. She was interviewed by a TV crew as she was warming up. She had started training for the event at the end of 2018, and was looking forward to completing her first marathon race in under 4 hours.
May the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you (Numbers 6:25) as you Run for Christ!
The video of the interview can be seen on (beginning at 0:53) http://dl.yacast.fr/extractions/mediaarchiver/extractions/10542/378449_7.mp4?name=Duplex_marathon_Denise_1_1204_mp4-750.mp4
Reported by Corine Timofté, Women’s Ministries Director, Franco-Belgian Union
Photos: dl.yacast.fr