As many of you know, I took up running three years ago. That inspired me to think, “If I run, I should do a marathon,” followed by, “If I run a marathon, I should try to qualify for the Boston Marathon.” In last fall’s Chicago Marathon — my second — I made the time and got a bib to run in the Boston Marathon on April 21. Mindful of last year's tragic events, I thank the Lord for this opportunity and the good that can come from it. Specifically, the good I'm running for is the mission organization AMFA – Affordable Medicine for Africa, www.AMFA.co.za. In my last marathon, I raised $10,000 for AMFA to start the Steps to Excellence training program that has helped 180 people find employment working with Richard and Ursula Wagner in Delph, South Africa. The program has been so successful that graduates, with newly earned drivers licenses, have been hired to drive school buses, to sew seat covers, and now to produce school uniforms! My goal for the Boston Marathon is to raise $15,000 to buy necessary embroidering equipment that can help grow their uniform business and continue transforming this community of 700,000 people. We’ve raised over $3,000 already. Will you help me finish the race? Your support is vital. You can go to www.ChipRunsBoston.com and then click on “Donate” to use your charge or paypal account. If you would like to donate with a check please make check payable to AMFA and send to: C/O Chip Heady 7557 Woodland Lane Burr Ridge, IL 60527 I have 2 weeks of training left, and they'll be challenging. I had knee surgery in November, and both this and a sore Achilles have been holding me back some. Your prayers for my perseverance are coveted, and thank you for your support. To God be the Glory, Chip