With just a few days left, we've reached our goal of $2600 (a big thanks to so many friends and family supporting us!), but we know that we can go above and beyond!
This coming weekend, 20 runners will sweat it out on the City of Bridges, running various legs and distances of the Pittsburgh Marathon. Our ages range from 6 to 60. We are students, moms, and grandmothers. We are nurses, counselors, and teachers. Most importantly, we just want to do something about modern day slavery. This is our something.
Incredible friends of ours - Brent and Courtney Orrange - are moving their family to Sierra Leone in West Africa, this year. They have been asked to help set up an aftercare facility for women and children rescued from human trafficking.
The women & children in the program have survived forced prostitution, abuse & forced labor and need a safe place where they can heal and restore. This program will be a haven for them. A place where they can receive counseling, healing, restoration, family therapy & get plugged into resources within their community.
In addition, Brent and Courtney have been asked to join an anti-trafficking group in the capital, Freetown, and serve as mentors to the leadership team as they start this new program. They will be supporting Sierra Leonean leaders as they create solutions to human trafficking in their country.
We believe with OUR WHOLE HEARTS that God is going to do a great work in Sierra Leone AND that He will use our dear friends to help women and children heal. We are running to support this amazing family. We are running so that they may restore love and value and dignity to those who have had it taken away. We are running to bring beauty from ashes.
Will you help US help THEM?
The Orrange family has saved $8,000 towards moving costs but still needs $12,000 to cover one-time expenses such as a water purification system for their home, education costs for their children, pre-departure training, a used vehicle, and the cost of shipping some of their things there.
We would LOVE to blow this family away with our love, prayer, and support with every mile that we run. Our goal is to raise $2600 - that's $100/a mile. Anything over and above will help this family reach their need of $12,000.
We are so grateful for any amount you can give, however you can pray, and whatever you can do to bring hope to the broken. Thank you for running along with us towards the rescue and healing of lives. We couldn’t be more thankful.
See you at the Finish Line!
With Much Gratitude,
Our Pittsburgh Marathon Relay Team Runners: Mary McDonald, Seth Young, Christin Oesterling, Aprille Oesterling, Michelle Seaman, Charlie Johnson, Kathleen Curren, Jessica McCall, Shelle Lee, Rachel Hunter, Wade Henderson, Adrienne Kneiss, Amy Gerwig, Laura Patterson, Kristin Charles
Our Half Marathoners (Wow!): Sarah Dublin and Tyler Harbison (running for Aaron Kneiss)
Our Kids Marathoners: Selah Charles, Elianna Seaman, and Caden Seaman
**Donating through FirstGIving is simple, fast and secure. It is also the most efficient way to support the team's fundraising efforts. All monies raised will be sent to Trailhead Church and earmarked for the Orrange Family **