Team 413

Several years ago I stumbled across a Facebook post that captured my attention.  It was all about my favorite Bible verse:  Philippians 4:13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength. (NIV).  The page? 

TEAM 413 - GRACERUNNERS MINISTRIES

I clicked on "like" and began getting daily quotes that I gladly shared.  This was, as I discovered, a ministry that reached out to people like me - endurance athletes.  I had found, or rather, God had placed before me a group of people with similar goals and interests and I was excited to share and be a part of their ministry.  

A large part of their ministry is going to race Expos where they sell their TEAM 413 t-shirts and share their faith.  On my next Disney race expo day I made a point of going to their booth to buy my shirt so I could wear it proudly.  Chis Gillespie was there and I met and spoke to him for a few minutes not knowing what lay ahead.  

From their Facebook page, here is a little more information:

Mission:  Our mission is to... Share the love of Christ in the athletic world through words and actions; Promote the physical, mental, and spiritual well being of the athlete; Minister to runners in road races across the country as we run "side by side!"

Overview and description: TEAM 413 exists to share the love of Christ in the athletic arena, promote the physical, mental, and spiritual health of the athlete, and compete in road races across the country.  Our mission is to... Share the love of Christ in the athletic world through words and actions; Promote the physical, mental, and spiritual well being of the athlete; Minister to runners in road races across the country as we run "side by side".  We believe that the truth of "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" in Philippians 4:13 is our call to serve Christ in ALL we do.  From one t-shirt to a worldwide ministry ---Chris Gillespie, founder and executive director, calls TEAM 413 a miracle of God's grace.  In 2003 Gillespie founded TEAM 413 inspired by God's calling in his life.  Even though he is the Director of Athletic Training Education at Samford University in Birmingham, Alabana ---TEAM 413 is a passion --- a labor of love for runners and other endurance athletes from all over the world.  Whether challenging others to walk a lap around a track or run a mile, change an attitude or improve a relationship, Gillespie shares a message of confidence, perseverance, courage, and strength.  His goal is to exhibit in his own life and to part to others the truth of Philippians 4:13 -- "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."  

Like any other ministry, they need money to operate and they do that through fundraising.  Team 413 Gracerunner Journey 2015 has just begun and I am proud to be a part of it.  Before writing this blog and before promoting and asking for donations I wanted to know a little more about where the money went.  I did what most people do, I asked a question on the Facebook post.  The following day, much to my surprise, I received a call from Chis Gillespie, founder and executive director who gave me more information that I had anticipated and I am thankful for his call.

This is what I learned:  100% of the donations from this fundraiser will go to expand the ministry.  The mission field is endurance athletes.  It will pay for entry fees to race expos (Disney costs $3,000!).  It pays for daily operations (no one involved gets a salary).  It goes towards other mission efforts such as supporting young runners by buying uniforms.  Chris told me the money raised is for the "potential for eternity".  

I liked his answers.  I appreciated his phone call.  I loved his passion for Christ and the ministry laid before him. 

If what you read touches your heart, won't you please pray and then if God moves you to do so, click on the caption under the picture and donate and/or join my team to help raise the needed funds for this awesome ministry.  In Disney races alone, there are upwards of 15 thousand people who can be reached for Christ.  Chris told me this story, and it's not a direct quote:  He was at a race, wearing his TEAM 413 t-shirt.  A man tapped him on the shoulder and they began to talk.  They prayed together.  By the time they crossed the finish line - together - the man had accepted Christ.  One t-shirt, one soul saved.

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  TEAM #RUNERGY