"I'd rather be seen on my bicycle than on a park run" - Quote from the dark side

Tuesday 22 November 2011

Charity Announcement

Hi all! Sorry for being so absent but things are really crazy on my side. Good news is that running and everything else in my life is going well and strong.


I have joined the Sudan4Jesus team for the 2012 Comrades Marathon. Joining a religious charity was not planned but literally shown to me as being where I was needed. I've never been ashamed to tell people I'm a devoted Christian and it is time to give back in the way I love to what matters in my life.



To me this is a leap of faith and doing so publicly is also part of what I need to do. I know some people won't like this and that's just to bad for them. I'm not changing and this blog is not changing but I will certainly give the space and time required to this journey. Sudan is probably one of the worst places for anyone to live on our planet. If I can make a difference I will.


I'm running the RAC Tough One (32km/20miler) this coming Sunday. It is one of the harder races around but I'm really looking forward to it. I will be running in my new club vest for the first time. The club t-shirt I've been running in is just to warm for summer racing. Even if I don't run good I will at least look good!



Happy running everyone!

25 comments:

Giorgio said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Giorgio said...

Great to hearing from you, Johann!
Glad all things are going well and congrats on the Sudan4Jesus team social cause.
Good luck on the RAC Tough One!

Staci said...

Good for you, I know it can be toug to put yourself else there. I am glad you brought the caus to my attention too.
Pleased you're letting me know about your change of clothing - I might not have reconsider you on Sunday.
Take it easy this week and have a good race on Sunday.

Sudan4Jesus said...

So excited that we and a bunch of other people, passionate about running and NOT shy to partner with Jesus, can do this together Johan. We've seen where the funds raised with the two previous efforts have helped so far. It's great to be able to make a constructive difference in someone else' life. It started with a team of 2 last year raising R35,000. This year's team of 20 raised R115,000 for charity. We're aiming to build a team of 50 for next year. So far we're over half way mark, which means that there's place in the team for at least 20 more! It's a journey of faith, but very likely as much fun as that could ever be!

Jennifer said...

What an excellent project to get involved in Johann! Proud of you!

Have a great race this weekend and have fun. BTW cool looking race vest!

HappyTrails said...

This is awesome Johann - what a great way to apply your love of running! We will be most interested to read about the cause.

Abby @ Have Dental Floss, Will Travel said...

First, I'm glad to hear that you're running Comrades again (I may have missed that announcement earlier)!

And I like the idea of running a rase with a charity, especially one you feel so committed to. My first couple marathons were fundraisers and I think when I do another I'll recommit to that, although to an organization that's closer to my heart than the first two).

Amy said...

Kudos to you for putting your shoulders under a deserving charity, Johann, and as far as being open about what you believe in, it is your blog and your life and you have every right to speak openly about what is important to you. More power to you!

I ran the Brussels 20K for charity two years ago and I loved feeling I was part of something bigger than myself.

Christi said...

You are doing a great thing! Congrats!

I hope you have a great race this weekend.

Ewa said...

Johann, there are very few people I know, who live what they preach. I am privileged to know you, even if only virtually. You are an inspiration.
Good luck this Sunday. Hope you will find the time to write a race report complete with pictures.
Glad to see you back in the blog world.

Amy said...

Good luck with your new team, journey and race this Sunday. Lots of positive steps for you!

Char said...

The Sudan has been one of the most troubled nations on earth for such a long time. I've been hearing stories of it since way back when I was a child and I'm fairly sure that it was in the Sudan that my great Aunt was a missionary. It's such a great cause to be running for.

Jim ... 50after40 said...

Awesome cause Johann! I always knew you were a great runner ... and always felt you were a great person too! This post proved it! Great way to share your faith unashamed. Congrats.

Mark said...

Hey Johann! Glad to hear about your faith!! Romans 1:16-17!! God bless!

ajh said...

Good to hear from you. Have fun in the race! Can't wait to hear about it.

Robin said...

That's awesome... all the best in your journey! Can't wait to hear all about it. Good luck on Sunday.

Andrew Opala said...

Awesome. Charity running is fun. Plus you get to meet a whole bunch of people you never knew would be involved in such things.

Kate Geisen said...

This is really cool. I bet it adds a whole new dimension to your love of racing, too. Can't wait to hear more about your experiences!

Raina said...

I am really excited for this journey you are on! What an amazing adventure that God has you on.

Glad all is going well for you right now, racing and otherwise.

Have a great race! Be safe and have fun.

Lindsay said...

I always enjoy "finding" other Christians in the blog world. More reason to come visit you one day! :) Now I know why God was looking out for you that day at the mall. Good luck in your Tough race!!

Jill said...

That's a great charity to give to, Johann! Good for you!

Good luck in your tough race this weekend....you will be tougher, and yes, you're going to look good!!! :)

Um...are you getting married???? Did I miss something? Yes, I think a belated honeymoon up in Leadville would be a perfect honeymoon! :)

Lauren said...

I concur with your followers. Great cause AND you are pretty dang special for putting it out there even though a cause like this may not be "politically correct." Good luck. Love the new shirt. Can't wait to read more.

Black Knight said...

Glad that the things go well. Good luck on sunday for the RAC Tough One.
You will run the Comrades Marathon for a great cause, bravo.
Enjoy your new club vest.
A secret (not to tell my President): I never wear the official vest of my running club.

Laura said...

Great cause...congrats to you!

Christina said...

That's very exciting that you are working with a charity. I donate to charities but don't actively get involved. I think there are more benefits from a personal, spiritual level when someone gives their time instead of money and I'm excited to hear what the small (and big) changes and accomplishments the charity makes. They are lucky to have you.