July 5: Faith-Filled Runners

Currently stationed at Scott Air Force Base near St, Louis, Missouri, Lieut. Col. Pat Castle wanted to combine his love of athletics with pro-life work.  In conjunction with his friend, Rich Reich from Patrick Air Force Base in Florida, he founded LIFE Runners (LIFE stands for “Living In Faith Exchange”).

The group’s 154 members, located in the U.S. and abroad, participate in one half or full marathon a year.  Money raised supports women experiencing unplanned pregnancies.

In addition, LIFE Runners also serves as a self-help group of sorts. Members support one another through grueling marathon training.  As Castle explained to National Review columnist Kathryn Jean Lopez, “Training for marathons requires great discipline…and affords quiet time for prayer.”

Inspired by Castle’s enthusiasm, Lopez observes, “Any of us, runners or not, can work harder to apply what we say we believe in practical ways.  People who say they support life can challenge themselves to make that a daily and real activism—looking for ways to support women and children and families.”

Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you.  (Jeremiah 1:5)

Guide us, Creator, to find ways to support the value of life.