Since First Church sits between the start and finish line of the Oklahoma Memorial Marathon, it opens its doors each April with a pancake breakfast, restroom facilities, course marshals, kids play area, and a place to just rest and watch the race. The night before the race the church invites the runners to a service of blessing, as well hosting a short prayer service the morning of the race under the Survivor Tree at the OKC National Memorial. First Church's Second Wind Outreach has become an annual ministry to thousands of people from all over the world.
As most of you know, I'm involved with an organization in Dallas called Finish Strong Dallas. The sole purpose is to encourage runners as they finish their last mile at the Dallas White Rock Marathon each year (and pass out some water!). Our group formed because the downtown Dallas churches have turned their backs on the runners... even though the marathon goes right past their front doors. We have met a lot of resistance from these churches, so it's refreshing to know that I'll be running in a marathon where one church "gets it." I hope you enjoy the video.
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