#109: On a Medical Mission of Faith, Raising $$ by Running Across Georgia

Run Across Georgia, a 277.2 mile trek from Tybee Island to Columbus by teams (and 3 solo runners), just kicked off for Memorial Day Weekend, and one of the 2 beneficiaries of this event is MercyMed of Columbus. Their chief development officer joined me to talk about the non-profit ministry's Godly mission, bridging the health care gap, how this running event will help, plus how faith and fitness mix. After talking about what Run Across GA is all about, (3:40) Billy Holbrook gives us some perspective about how MercyMed of Columbus aims to demonstrate the love of Christ by meeting physical, spiritual, emotional needs at their safety net clinic for the uninsured and underinsured. (6:04) Does faith exclude anyone there? And how does Christianity play a role in how MercyMed started, how they care for others now? It's as simple as providing something practical. (12:00) Billy started in private sector corporate world for 10 years. Hear his story about how his own diverse church led to him to a job at MercyMed nearly 8 years ago, where he and other staff members are working for less pay so they can give access to physical therapy, dentistry, primary care - all for the sake of the Gospel. (17:06) The Lord calls you to serve where you are! A big part of his job is ministering to donors. (21:16) Billy calls the big community event "Run Across Georgia" a call to action, with people using their talents for their cause. (27:12) He also explains how MercyMed mixes physical activity and faith, including at their garden and at free fitness classes. (34:02) This development director also shares some "goosebump moments" and how it's a family ministry that includes his wife and 3 kids. (39:045) Billy gave the closing prayer. Go to https://mercymedcolumbus.com/ to learn more about MercyMed of Columbus. Run Across GA is going on now: https://www.project42running.com/run-across-georgia-2022. And here is how you can donate to my son's team or any of those running across Georgia, with all proceeds going to MercyMed and military cause House of Heroes: https://raceroster.com/events/2022/54892/run-across-georgia-2022/pledge/team/7 Thanks for listening! And tell your friends about the #RunTheRace podcast. Subscribe to it! For more info, go to www.wtvm.com/podcast/.