24-hour run supports clean drinking water

By July 16, 2012

USA (MNN) — If you’re a runner, what’s the average amount of time you normally go? 10 minutes? 30 minutes? 2 hours?

How about running for 24 hours straight?

That’s exactly what Roy Wiegand, 47, did to raise support for clean drinking water in Ethiopia. All proceeds went to Lifewater International.

On Monday, July 09, at 6 p.m. Wiegand began his run in Arcadia, California. He ran through the night with the goal to end at 6 p.m. Tuesday at Pasadena’s Rose Bowl.

This is Wiegand’s third year fundraising for Lifewater International. Last year, he ran 100 miles in a span of 18 hours, raising $2,000.

He hoped to top last year by raising at least $2,500 to donate to Lifewater through his extreme mission. He beat that goal and gained $3,000 of support.

Wiegand explains why he chose to support clean drinking water: “Lifewater goes to these areas and digs the well, then teaches the locals how to operate, maintain and repair the well after the project is finished. Fresh, clean water has a dramatic effect, because the locals also learn about proper hygiene and sanitation. This, in turn greatly, reduces the spread of disease.”

Along with meeting the physical needs, Lifewater is a holistic ministry and meets the communities’ spiritual needs by sharing about Christ’s living water.

On their Web site, LifeWater International writes, “[We] work to help communities experience improved physical health as well as restored relationships with others and with God.”

Pray for the Ethiopian community who will benefit from this clean drinking water. Pray for their spiritual thirst to be quenched as well as their physical thirst, that many might come to eternal life in Christ.

Even though the run is over, it’s not too late to donate toward Wiegand’s cause through Lifewater. Click here.

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