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OVERVIEW:
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.
I'm running the Chicago Marathon with Team World Vision to raise money for clean water initiatives in Zambia. In Zambia, the life expectancy is 40 years old, and only 40% of the population has access to a clean water source. With the help of your fundraising efforts, World Vision will be able to work with the communities in Musele and Mbala to:
· Provide access to clean water by constructing 100 wells
· Train men and women to take ownership in maintaining the wells
· Provide improved sanitation by building 1,500 latrines
· Partner with Zambia's Ministry of Health to increase awareness of water and sanitation safety in schools and communities.
By partnering with me and Team World Vision, you are helping make a huge impact in Zambia for children and communities who lack clean water - one of life's most basic resources.
Thank you for taking the time to get informed and get involved. Together, we can make a lasting difference in the lives of kids and families who are truly in need.
Blessings,
Jason Platt
(773) 283-3451
pastorjasonplatt@juno.com
You can support my efforts through Team World Vision:
Click on the SPONSOR ME NOW button to make a one time donation.
or
Click on the SPONSOR A CHILD button below to change the life of a child for $35 per month, and be changed through your relationship with that child.
My Personal Philosophy for Running & Making a Difference in Africa:
"Slow and Steady Wins the Race." So advertises a major investment firm who explains, "We've learned that in life and investing, chasing the speedy and the glamorous, the trendy or hot is not the surest way to reach a goal. Like the fabled tortoise, ...we value patience and persistence over the fleeting and the flashy."
Since you've found your way to this page, you probably already know that I'm participating in the 31st running of the LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon this October. Similar to that fabled tortoise, I've learned in life, ministry, and marathon training that "Slow and Steady Finishes the Race." Forward Progress; Focus on the Finish -- that's my running mantra not only for the race but all of life as well. I'm not out to win, beat my buddies, or even post a competetive time. I may be slow, but I'm steady. And by God's grace, I'll finish the race for His glory and the good of those in need!
I'm running with Team World Vision Chicago to raise awareness and funds in support of World Vision's community development and relief work in Africa. The needs are far more overwhelming than the 26.2 miles looming before me and the other marathoners, but together we can make slow and steady forward progress toward the finish line before us.
In Africa, an entire generation is dying. Mothers. Fathers. Teachers. Farmers. Working men and women. Even pastors.
15 million children have been orphaned due to AIDS (That's around the same as the total number of high school students in the U.S.)
6,000 people die everyday of the disease.
In 2005 more than 2.8 million people died becuase because of AIDS - That's equal to a plague killing off the entire population of Chicago.
Every day more than 29,000 children die, mostly due to preventable/treatable diseases and lack of clean water.
But this is not a hopeless situation. Not if people like us are willing to stand up and use their One and Only Life to Do Something about it.
World Vision is a Christian Humanitarian Relief and Development organization dedicated to helping children and their communities reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty. Through Team World Vision I am participating in the Chicago Marathon to raise awareness of current needs in Africa while raising funds to assist World Vision in their efforts in the region. The suffering is immense and the issues are complex, but I am confident that together we can make a meaningful difference!
I greatly appreciate all your encouragement and support throughout the training process. Thanks for giving to those in need.
Isaiah 40:31 "Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."
Hebrews 12:1 "...let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us."
2 Timothy 4:7 "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith."
Link to Totals for 2007: Thanks to all who gave!
http://www.firstgiving.com/jasonplatt.217246
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