Running to God
for the Advancement of Prayer

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and other marathon runners running for prayer

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Dear Colleagues in Ministry,

Sometimes while running and fitness training, I pray.  Once again I am preparing for the NYC Marathon to be held on November 1.  While training recently, I felt inspired to use the NYC Marathon to help raise funds for Concerts of Prayer at this, perhaps, the greatest of all the marathons.  Feeling the need for a motivational reason to run, I felt: 'Why not run for something I feel passionate about - PRAYER!'  I thought it kinda odd since prayer normally takes place sitting, kneeling, or standing.  Then, I remembered how often in my Christian experience I literally had to run for prayer, just out of my need in that moment.  

 

In addition, I was reminded how at this time Concerts of Prayer Greater New York is facing its greatest financial challenge ever.  So, why not?  Why not go out and get sponsors for my run so as to bless this ministry that has blessed so many others over its 20 plus years.  Thus was the birth of "RUNNING TO GOD FOR THE ADVANCEMENT OF PRAYER!" 

 

One thing leading to another (which is easy to do while running 8 plus miles in 91 degrees), I then thought, 'let me also invite other runners that may be running the NYC Marathon in '09 to join me in this effort.'  Being that the marathon is 26.2 miles long, my goal is that 50 runners would commit to help me raise $26,200 (or more!) corporately.  That equates to 50 runners each raising $524 worth of sponsor funding.  

 

I am asking you to assist me by:

  1. Putting me in touch with Marathoners in your church  that are running the ING NYC Marathon on November 1, runners whom you feel would join "RUN FOR PRAYER," solicit sponsors and also pray for the city while running; and
  2. I am asking that you also support their efforts through advocacy and by taking up a special offering in support of the runner (perhaps letting them tell their "run" story before the congregation).

This is how the media describes the ING NYC Marathon:

 

"The race attracts many world-class professional athletes, not only for the more than $600,000 in prize money, but also for the chance to excel in the media capital of the world before two million cheering spectators and 315 million worldwide television viewers. As any one of the more than 700,000 past participants will attest, crossing the finish line in Central Park is one of the great thrills of a lifetime."

 

This is what I would like to say to those who decide to join me and "RUN FOR PRAYER":

 

"Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize (Jesus is the Only prize)."

1 Corinthians 9:24

 

Thank you for your friendship, prayers and consideration of this effort!  Feel free to respond to me at the following: CORTIZ@COPGNY.ORG , or call my cell phone at (917) 579-7752.  

 

Solo Dios!

 

Rev. Carlos Ortiz

Director of Regional Prayer Ministries

Concerts of Prayer Greater New York