It’s here! Marathon Mania! Thanks to each of you who are volunteering your time and energy to make this year’s Second Wind Outreach a “wonder full” event and opportunity. This is our chance once again to let our light shine bright for Jesus as we welcome people onto our church property and into this beautiful facility. We will literally be the hands and feet of Jesus this weekend – greeting people, cooking, serving, cleaning, directing and caring for the needs of others. In the words of Jesus, “I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.” (Matt. 25:40). I know you will do all you can to love people closer to Jesus this Saturday and Sunday!

I couldn’t believe the great crew that gathered and worked last night setting up Harris Hall for the Pancake Breakfast, putting signage all around the building, filling up dozens of helium balloons and creating incredible table decorations, etc. First Church is not afraid of work and it shows! I can hardly wait for the weekend!

As part of this excitement, Kirk, Mary and Laura cooked and served pancakes outside today while being interviewed by Fox News – I missed it, but the pancakes and sausage sure looked and smelled good! I even got up at 5:00am this morning (I couldn’t believe it was a real time!) and was with Ali and Kent on their morning show at KFOR Channel 4 - for about two minutes – discussing our Second Wind Outreach. Several commented that I looked tired… did I mention 5:00am?! I was hoping the Second Wind T-shirt would wake me up!

Be sure to join the fun! We’ll have a booth at the Expo Center tomorrow and Saturday, and “Sunday morning worship” this week on Saturday evening at 7:00pm. We may even have a special guest appearance – you never know… Then Sunday morning we’ll start cooking at 4:00am and begin to serve pancakes from 5:30-11:00am. We’ll lead a brief Sunday morning devotional from 5:25-5:40am over the PA system located at the Survivor Tree. I’m going to attempt to run the 5K myself this year, so keep me in your prayers and keep EMSA posted!

Yours in Christ,
Mark

P.S. Happy Birthday, Son! I’m proud of you - Love, Dad