The purpose of this blog is simply “tell the story” of how running, relationships, and striving to serve my Maker have blessed my life more abundantly than I could have ever imagined. I would like to feature the special moments and amazing people that have enriched and inspired me. I suppose some will be drawn to this for information about races or running tips. Others may want to learn more of Run4Water and the clean water ministry. More than anything I hope these simple words can in some small way   enrich your life and inspire you to “be the good”!

Following his footsteps:

I have enjoyed running for as long as I can remember. I must credit my father for introducing me to self discipline (essential for the true runner). I often remember phrases like “son, you finish what you start” or something similar to one of my favorite quotes “if you are carrying all the feathers you can carry you can always carry one more”.

My father, either through example or the DNA he contributed (probably some of both), is my ultimate inspiration. Often times in a ultra marathon when the voices of defeat become deafening my father’s voice of strength and perseverance speaks louder. I am eternally grateful for his example of humility, strength and kind spirit. I only hope and pray that the virtues I have witnessed in his life will one day be evident in mine.

Water brings Life! Water: two parts hydrogen, one part oxygen - the most basic/abundant molecule on Earth. Since creation there is essentially the same amount of water on the planet. With each cycle, pure, clean life-sustaining water falls from the heavens.

Since our ministry is based on relationships and meeting the needs of God's children, we engage in a variety of projects, but water needs will always be a primary focus.

Most reading this find it challenging to relate to a life where water is not avaliable. Yes, every now and then we are told we can't water our lawns or wash our cars, but have you ever truly feared that your physical life was in jeopardy from either a lack of water or from the pathogens in your water?

This past week our team arrived in Ojoche Nicaragua to install tin on leaking houses, help establish a small pharmacy with basic medical supplies, and share God's story with seeds and irrigation. Within an hour of our arrival the town's last reliable well had dried up! Water was the talk of the 350 soul town. Everyone we spoke to expressed concern and fear about the lack of water. We visited a few homes that have attempted to dig their own personal wells. Some had dried while others were getting less than a bucket of water a day. "Strictly for drinking" was a common phrase.

Our focus shifted to the water needs, all else was trumped. A deep well, 260 ft, had been dug a half mile and within 30 hours of arriving the water flowed. We were able to install 2,500 ft of pipe from the well to a 300 gallon holding tank in a convenient area in town. I will never forget the cheers, tears, and faces of the people coming to get the life giving water. Water brings life!