‘Let my people run!’

Members of the TWR family gathered to complete a special 5K run in honor and support of the victims of the earthquakes in Türkiye and Syria. [ Image by TWR ] 

Global ministry brings with it many opportunities for the blessings and burdens of happenings around the world. In times like these when war, natural disasters and other major worldwide challenges occur, there is a longing to help make a positive difference.  

Combining a love for running and a desire to benefit those in Türkiye and Syria affected by massive earthquakes, a TWR European ministry director who goes by the pseudonym John for security reasons quickly assembled a team of friends to run a 5K race to accomplish that goal.  

The 7.8 magnitude earthquake on Feb. 6, 2023, was the most powerful temblor in Türkiye since 1939. It took more than 56,000 lives, left at least 125,000 injured and affected some 2.5 million people (nearly twice the population of Hawaii), according to Reuters news.  

John’s goals were simple: He felt compelled to build and encourage camaraderie among his team, and he wanted to benefit refugees near the earthquake-devastated areas. The momentum had started. 

John’s empathy manifested itself in a race invitation that spanned the world. An avid Christian and runner, John wanted to use his favorite sport as a common ground to raise awareness about those who were suffering. A newly created Start a Campaign tool on the TWR website made it possible to give people an opportunity to participate by giving online.  

Relief for Devastated Türkiye and Syria 

Recently, TWR's U.S. Marketing and Communications team had the opportunity to interview John about the 5K run to benefit Türkiye and Syria.  

John grew up in a country where few people followed Jesus. Nevertheless, when he was a teenager, he became spiritually hungry. A friend gave him a Bible.  

“God touched my heart when I read the Bible,” he said with a smile. “My friend asked me to read the Book of Luke.”  

That reading led him to accept Jesus and his saving grace.  

When it came to discussing the recent 5K event, John spoke passionately about his heart for the hurting and lost people of Türkiye and Syria. 

“The Scripture verses in Matthew 25 – ‘For I was hungry, and you gave me something to eat. I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink. I was a stranger and you invited me in. … Truly, I tell you, whatever you do for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me’ – these scriptures inspired the simple motto for the run: ‘Do for one what you wish you could do for everyone.'” 

A gregarious and joyful person, John was committed to doing something to help others all while building camaraderie with his team, some of whom were weary from helping serve during a visit to the countries devastated by the earthquake.   

When John brought his vision of the 5K to life, he recalled the new TWR campaign link tool and thought it would be perfect for raising funds. He set up the race-team link and said, “Let my people run!” TWR global staff and team members joined in with support for the cause, bringing runners from several European countries and several states in the Americas.  

Soon the runners called the group “The TWR Dream Team.” Prior to the race, the runners communicated through a virtual running group on WhatsApp. In the app, runners were encouraged to share videos and photos of their run day wherever in the world they were.  

“I am so grateful for each person on our international team,” John said. “Soli Deo gloria!” That means “to God alone be glory.”  

Team Camaraderie  

As race day approached, the once-weary ministry team found common ground in the 5K group goal. They were excited and strengthened with much anticipation for race day. 

The morning of the race brought high spirits and abundant energy. The team running together met up to secure race packets and take photos. The WhatsApp feed was buzzing with team spirit, and everyone began sharing the geographical locations from which they were running. As miles were run, prayers were lifted for Türkiye and Syria.  

Fellow runner Philipp Ruesch, director of Human Resources for Europe, shared this encouraging feedback: "It was a fantastic experience to join this event remotely and be a part in kingdom building by running. I'm looking forward to the next TWR race." 

TWR donor Rebecca Carter in North Carolina, U.S.A. and shared, “Joining other walkers and runners throughout the world to raise money to help the victims of those earthquakes was a privilege. I love to run and was especially grateful to be able to do this special event to help others in need.”  

Branko Bjelajac, a TWR vice president based in Slovakia, participated with his wife. “I want to do something like this again next year,” he said.  

With participants in five countries and two continents, positive responses came in from across the globe. A likely tradition was established for a global event to benefit those in need for years to come.  

John was happy his goals were met.

“(Not only was this) an event that would help to team build, but through the Türkiye tragedy, we also wanted to remind everyone there are still many needs. And we got to use the new TWR campaign tool to do it.” 

A TWR Campaign Tool  

The campaign tool John used was simple to activate and share.  

“It gave me a way to make a difference.” he said.  

Participants registered with ease, especially considering the idea came just two weeks before the race. John was happy to have 17 participants in the 5K and US$1,110 raised. He sees the potential for a similar event next year to be even more successful.  

At a recent TWR staff meeting in North Carolina, John acted on behalf of the TWR Dream Team as he presented the “exclusive original” medal he received for completing the race to TWR President Lauren Libby. Libby promised to keep it close by in his TWR office.  

If you are interested in sharing TWR’s vision of speaking hope to the world through mass media, start your own campaign today. Just visit twr.org/give to find the project or staff member God leads you to support and click the Start a Campaign button to begin your journey. 

Images: (top, right) The team were also joined by fellow runners and members of their community. [ Image by TWR ], (middle, left) Fellow runner and Director of Human Resources for TWR Europe, Philipp Ruesch, joined the challenge from in Switzerland. [ Image courtesy of Philipp Ruesch ], (bottom, right) At a recent TWR staff meeting in North Carolina, John presented TWR President Lauren Libby with his “exclusive original” medal from completing the race on behalf of the TWR Dream Team. [ Image by TWR ]