When you run a race as gruelling as the Comrades Marathon, it is important to know why you are doing it.
According to Marina Stebbing of the Bible Society, the group of athletes who run for Bibles are more than convinced of their “why”.
“Their purpose is to help spread the Word of God to those who are least likely to receive it,” said Stebbing.
She said by supporting the Bible Society of South Africa, these runners who compete in the Comrades will also be able to ensure that people who cannot afford a Bible will receive a Bible of their very own.
One athlete who has run for Bibles for the last 14 years is Comrades legend Louis Massyn (67).
“I ran my very first Comrades in 1973 and it all began with a sermon. I was in the Anglican Church in Odendaalsrus when the bishop of Bloemfontein compared the sermon’s passage of scripture to the Comrades Marathon.
“As a 22-year-old man, I decided to run the next Comrades race then and there,” says Louis, who aims to complete his 47th consecutive Comrades in 2019.
That Comrades in 1973 was also the first race that Louis ever ran in his life.
Louis still combines his love for the Bible with his love of running today.
It is easy to become part of the Run4Bibles team.
Sign up online at www.biblesociety.co.za or contact Stebbing on 011 970 4010 and receive your personal Active for Bibles donor number.
“Ask your family, friends, church, club members or anyone really to sponsor you during your running events. Share your Active for Bibles campaign on social media and make every step count for Bible distribution,” said Stebbing.
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