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WHAT IS THE MARATHON DES SABLES?
It's a 151 mile, footrace, run over 6 days. Competitors have to carry everything they will need for the duration. Water is rationed and handed out at each checkpoint.
Mid-day temperatures can reach up to 49°C (120°F). The terrain is predominantly uneven, stony ground with 15 - 20% of the distance being in soft sand dunes.
Many people experience extremely bad blisters due to the heat, distance and rubbing. Physical fitness is important but mental endurance is probably the key.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
I work for Alpha International, a registered charity that promotes the use of the Alpha Course all over the world. Alpha is a course that gives people the opportunity to explore the meaning of life from a Christian perspective. I have personally seen many lives transformed through Alpha, and it is estimated that over 13 million people worldwide have done the course. I am responsible for Alpha for Forces which promotes Alpha in the Armed Forces internationally.
WHY AM I ENTERING?
In 2009, as part of my work, I stayed with two West African families, in Sierra Leone and Liberia. Both these countries have been decimated by recent civil wars, the impact of which is harrowingly evident.
My hosts: Pastor Joseph Francis Williams () and Pastor John Aaron Wright () have been engaged in bringing transformation to their respective countries. They are both men of modest means who are utilising whatever resources they have. They live without electricity and running water in the home, yet were beyond generous in sharing what they had with me. I was struck by their passion, determination and selfless commitment. Their example is truly inspiring and since my visits I have had a deep conviction that I need to assist them. The one resource that they both desperately need is a 4x4 vehicle. I want to raise enough to buy one for each of them as I have seen that this will greatly enhance their work.
Please read on to find out about the work and challenges faced by each of these men…
Pastor Joseph Francis Williams:
Pastor Joseph is the National Director of Alpha in and has been the driving force behind its significant development there. He organised a Global Alpha Training event for 50 Army Chaplains in Kenema, which I took part in. For those familiar with ’s history the need to reset the moral compass of the Armed Forces will be immediately apparent. Pastor Joseph regularly uses his car to conduct training in the outlying provinces. The roads are extremely bad and his car is woefully inadequate for the task. In fact, it can barely make it up the steep, rutted road, outside his home. Whilst on the return journey from Kenema the car broke down, and what should have been an 8 hour journey became two days! (Note: since first writing his car has broken down beyond repair). A 4x4 would save Pastor Joseph and his wife Fatu much time, money and hardship, thus enabling them to be even more effective in their work, which goes well beyond Alpha. Pastor Joseph was also one of the founders of a national relationship counselling service, which today helps strengthen and sustain marriages throughout the country.
Pastor John Aaron Wright:
Pastor John is the Director of Alpha for Forces in and has worked unremittingly to see Alpha introduced to the Police, Fire Service, Immigration and Armed Forces. He also runs a community church, regularly brings wheelchairs into the country for those who were maimed during the war and works for the Christian Health Association of Liberia (CHAL). During his time with CHAL he has personally trained 45,000 people to deal with the effects of past trauma in their communities. To date he has distributed 500 wheelchairs and is presently awaiting a shipment of 500 more. Notably he is working to re-habilitate ex-combatants, some of whom were as young as 9 when they were involved in the most horrific atrocities. Pastor John does not have a vehicle and to hire a 4x4 for one day costs the equivalent of one month’s wages for many people. A 4x4 would enable Pastor John to accelerate the amazing work that he is doing to help Liberians cope with the emotional and physical effects of the war.
CONCLUSION
I have witnessed first hand the tremendous personal sacrifices that Pastor Joseph and Pastor John are making to bring healing to their war ravaged nations. For example, they have both opened their homes to as many people as they can physically house - families, single mothers and orphans. They are both doing an amazing job and I want to assist them by purchasing vehicles, that will enable them to de-centralise and expand their work.
Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to Alpha for Forces and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs.
So please dig deep and donate now.
Many thanks,
Charlie
