Finding Strength and Hope: Reflections on Volunteering at a Charity Marathon
Recently, I had the opportunity to volunteer at a fundraising marathon in Tokyo. While I did not participate in the race itself, I assisted at a booth situated near the finish line. The booth represented a children’s hospice located in Yokohama, one of the beneficiaries of the event’s charitable proceeds. My responsibilities included inviting participants to write messages for children with life-threatening conditions (LTC) who utilize the hospice.
A significant number of individuals visited our booth after completing either the full or half marathon. Hospice staff were there to provide more information about the facility to those interested. Many participants, understandably too exhausted from their run, chose to leave encouraging notes for the children rather than engage further. Over the course of the day, our three large message boards became filled with heartfelt expressions of support and encouragement for children living with LTC.
Messages written for the children were overwhelmingly positive. Approximately half were in Japanese, featuring phrases such as “Ganbatte (fighting!)”, “Rooting for you!”, and “You can do it!” The remainder were in English, including sentiments like “Follow your heart,” “Believe in yourself,” “Stay strong,” and “You are loved.” As a believer, I was delighted to see not many but a couple of “God bless you!” The contrast between Japanese and English messages was particularly interesting.
Looking at the messages, I was reminded of our school’s verse, “Be strong and courageous,” a sentiment echoed in many of the messages displayed. Furthermore, I also remembered this verse continues: “for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” This serves as a profound reminder that we do not face challenges alone—our loving Father is always with us. The enduring encouragement found in the Word of God, in fact, surpasses any number of supportive messages gathered on the boards.
However, when we face serious challenges, we often ask, “God, why do I have to go through this? Why did you let this happen? I keep praying to you but why not removing it from me?”
I heard one minister say, “When that happens, there is a lesson to be learned or a blessing to be received. Because God can always make our problems go away.” God allows problems to remain to teach us patience, humility, gratitude, compassion toward others. God is always working but we may not necessarily feel or see something change. That is why it takes faith to trust God. As a Christian school, we hope to teach children the wonderful unchanging everlasting truth we can always trust and be depend on.
Father God, we ask you to help us shift our eyes from ourselves to you. Though we may go through tribulations, remind us you are with us and help us seek your heart. We give everything in your hands, Amen.
