Our trip was almost over. We had one more stop before a nice team dinner - the kind you dress up for, even in third world countries.  Our van pulled into a local hospital where we understood we would put on a program for "the children", activities that included singing, playing sports, and making crafts out of popsicle sticks.

We climbed eleven flights of stairs and walked down a long, dark hallway - into the orphan ward. There would be no program. No Noah. No ark. No Adam, and no fig leaves.

The orphan ward housed a dozen orphans that were all under the age of three. Our task was simple: love the orphan. Love the unloved ones.  Love and care for those that had been left uncared for.  We were late for dinner.

I have been running for a few years but have never run for a "cause". I can't think of a better cause to support than World Vision.  World Vision works to tackle the root causes of poverty by working with children, families, and their communities to provide things like clean water, health care, nutritious food, education, and economic opportunities.

The Bible is not unclear on what true religion is, nor is it unclear on why we are to care for the orphan, widow, those in need, and the "least of these".

I will be running the Raleigh City of Oaks 1/2 Marathon on November 1st.  I've started Team Heart of the Oaks - a team of runners whose heart is to run 13.1 miles to help those in the worst living conditions. I'm asking if would consider supporting my efforts through Team World Vision by making a one-time tax-deductible donation.

You may never be able to travel thousands of miles to walk down that dark hallway, or to play soccer in the mountain slums of Gautemala, or make percussion instruments out of paper plates, yarn, and lima beans.  But you can help. We can close the gap one mile at a time.

Join me and team Heart of the Oaks.