We received a good reminder this week of how much of a difference it makes in the world when someone takes the time to encourage and believe in someone else. As I look back on my life, I remember the coaches, teachers, scoutmasters, and my mom and dad who gave me so much encouragement and support that helped me to achieve great successes in life. There’s no doubt that as I left home to start college and even as I left college to continue my career, that the continued encouragement and support I receive from so many has given me the courage to trust in God, step out, and live life.

While I am so grateful for those who encouraged me I’m also reminded that there are others now, young and old, who may not have those people in their life and who God has placed in my life so that I can believe in them. Whether it’s a one time kind word or helping hand, or a more invested relationship we can change the world by taking the time to let someone know that you believe he or she has what it takes to do great things in life.

If you are looking for a place to mentor here are a few area programs:
Big Brothers Big Sisters (http://www.bbbscil.org/)
Champaign-Urbana One-to-One Mentoring Program (http://www.cu1to1.org)
Lincoln’s Challenge (http://www.ngycp.org/site/state/il/node/2264)

Who were some of the folks that believed in you along the way? Let us know in the comments below.

Here is the information to sign-up online for the 2010 marathon aid station and below are a few details on what will happen race day.

It’s quick and easy, just click this link: Illinois Marathon Volunteer Sign-up, select “Grace Community Church” for the Group Name, and enter the password: findinggrace

You will be asked to fill out a form, including shirt size for your volunteer shirt, and that’s it! You will receive a confirmation e-mail after signing up. Everyone needs to sign up individually, this lets the marathon organizers know that the aid station will be fully staffed and makes sure you get a t-shirt in the correct size : )

Some details…
The Illinois Marathon is Saturday May 1st, 2010.   We are at the same site as last year (north side of Kirby, just west of Duncan), but due to course changes our aid station is mile 19.1 (last year we were mile 15).   We should have a schedule similar to last year.  The runners have 4 more miles to reach our aid station, but the race starts a half hour earlier, so we should see our first runner at 9:15-9:30 and the last one somewhere around 12:30.  The crazy busy time will be about 10-11 and we should be cleaned up and done by 1:00. If your schedule is tight and you are able to help during the busy time (10-11), that would be great.  We will need some people to come early to setup, so let me know if you can do this (7:30-8ish).

If you have any questions, please come talk to me. That’s about it. Sign-up, it will be a blast!!

Terry