At the age of 16, I couldn’t wait to hear the gun sound off, and, in the midst of adrenaline rush, each 5K race begin. Running side-by-side through the messy mud and trails, my teammates and I would cheer each other on as we gasped for breath. And, in the last 200 meters, I’d muster whatever I had left to cross that finish line a fraction-of-a-second sooner.
The sense of accomplishment after each race, no matter how big or how small, was a step toward building my own capacity as an athlete, and person.
All people have a God-given desire to build their own capacity--especially to support their own families with a sense of dignity and hope. Yet, many have too few opportunities to earn an income when unemployment rates of 25%, 55%, 80%, or more, are one of many symptoms in the ongoing cycle of poverty.
Yet, some people are committed to trimming their time in this race against poverty. By creating jobs and sustainable income, entrepreneurs and businesspeople around the world are restoring dignity and hope. And, by providing business training and mentoring, we're partnering as a team to overcome this obstacle together.
In less than eight hours, I’ll be soaking up the chilled rains of downtown Grand Rapids as I line up to “Run for Jobs” with Partners Worldwide-—to raise awareness and support for sustainable jobs people desire and need around the world.
Take a moment. I ask you to join me in this race against poverty. Consider sharing a gift of $10 to match the 10 kilometers I’m running this Saturday. Or, consider a gift of $62 for the 6.2 miles I plan to complete.
Click here to donate to Partners Worldwide, and write "Run for Jobs - Jackie" on the line below. Thanks for running the race against poverty!
--
Jacqueline Klamer
Partners Worldwide
www.partnersworldwide.org
0 comments:
Post a Comment