Mark Wilkerson’s Blog

26 days to go

April 10, 2011

Wilkerson Here:   Luke 12:48 b “From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.”  I have been give much.  Wonderful wife, believing children, good work and pay, some really great friends and for now good health.  I have always tried to overcome my lack of talent by working harder.  As I have grown there is not one work I can do to earn the love God has shown to me.  Therefore, I am content not work as though something is being asked of me, rather working to honor how good the Lord has been to me. 

Not long till the race.  Please remind everyone to pledge ASAP.  Thanks

Training:  Rode the bike 15 miles today in an incredible wind going out.  So slow and hard.  On the turn around, boy did I fly.  Trouble was, the last 2 miles was back into the wind.  Relate it to working hard and getting used to it, then turning and it is now easier.  Twice as hard to start back with the hard work all over again after enjoying the wind at my back.  Training is a consistent and steady thing.  Can’t be done in spurts.  Hurts to much.

27 days to go

April 9, 2011

Wilkerson Here:  Our friend Courtney Pierce is in the US for some rest.  Thought I would give you some info on the great work she does in Haiti.  She is awesome and her work is worthy of our support.  You can go to the NWHCM website and look under “about us”, and then “staff”, to read about Courtney and all the people who are giving their lives while we give our money.

An estimated 5 to 10 percent of babies in Haiti are born with a serious mental or physical handicap each year.  Many of them never get a chance at life.  Some are abandoned by parents who cannot or will not care for them.  Many others die as children from poor medical care.  Ralph was one of those children.  He was born with permanent brain damage and, despite his parents’ best efforts, Ralph died as a baby.  It was for children like Ralph that the Miriam center was conceived.  A generous donor couple, moved by the death of their own daughter to do something for special-needs children in Haiti, worked with Northwest Haiti Christian Mission in 2001 to build the orphanage that is today the Miriam Center.  The only orphanage of its kind in Northwest Haiti, the Miriam Center is a place where disabled children survive and thrive. 

Quick Facts on Disability in Haiti

• Disabled children in Haiti are far more likely to die before age 5.
• Cerebral palsy and autism are two of the most common disabilities in Haiti.
• Disabilities in Haiti are often perceived as spiritual in nature, not medical.  Because disability is seen to be caused by a curse or bad behavior, special-needs children are often isolated or ostracized.
• There are virtually no government or social rehabilitation services for the disabled in rural Haiti.

Our work together to raise money for medical needs help all the people, especially the handicapped. 

Training:  Went for a swim again today.  Probably did about 30 lengths.  Worked on some form and breathing.  Sore from so much yesterday.  Ran 3 miles with JJ and Luci this afternoon.  She really likes the run and goes to sleep.  Me, I like being with my girls.  We run together as 3 generations.  Special!

28 days to go

April 8, 2011

Wilkerson Here:  Proverbs 11:25  A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.  It has been a delightful day weather wise.  Always good to see spring arrive in our part of the world.  Still some troubling weather ahead but the season has begun.  As it is with our lives, some bright and getting brighter and some stormy and rough.  I hope I find it in myself to follow the proverb above no matter the state of my life.  Refreshment is always welcome in my life. 

Training:  Since last blog, logged almost a half mile swim and a 4 mile run.  Took Luci in the most amazing stroller you have seen.  It is appropriately call the Chariot.  You can’t even tell you are pushing anything (except uphills).  She sleeps if you don’t go to slow.  If you do and she cries, then people look at you like “what are you doing to that baby”.  Thanks goodness her mother was running with me!

29 days to go

Wilkerson Here:  A day late so I will hit this twice today.  If I was writing this yesterday here’s what was on  my mind.  Returned yesterday to see Luci my new granddaughter.  Life is given to each of us as individuals and to some of us we are given additional life for which we bear some or all the responsibility.  Babies and small children are a trusting sort and will open their mouths and take in what ever we give.  Their minds are the same.  I believe there are those outside our families for whom we bear some responsibility.  The poor, needy and helpless.  With our children and family we can have a direct response, with others we can only offer part of our resources.  We don’t have to be the one who feeds or cares for others, we must have the faith it will be done and make sure it can be done.  As I can see and touch Luci, I can close my eyes and see the children, adults and elderly of Haiti for whom we all are engaged to help.  Close your eyes and imagine the smiles your contribution bring with clean water, food and needed medical help.  Thanks for doing your part and I hope your soul rests in a moment of satisfaction.   

Training:  So happy to be in familiar territory.  Weather is going to be bad all weekend so couldn’t wait to get out in the sunshine even though I was dead on my feet.  Don’t sleep well on planes.  Biked 15 miles on the road bike and it was great.  Big hill on the way back and got up to 32 miles per hour.  People in cars always look surprised.  Hard to run after a long air flight so will save that for later today.  One week till my first 3 event race.

30 days to go

April 6, 2011

Wilkerson Here:  We will get on a plane today and travel back to the USA.  We are very privileged to fly to safety and comfort.  The Haitians are in circumstances they cannot leave.  Conditions s0 hard that many don’t survive and those that do have a quality of life that compels some to crowd in small boats hoping it will just float to a better place, the USA.   We truly live in a land the rest of the world desires.  Lord, thank you for the abundance you have given to our country.  Help us to appreciate and cherish this gift and to give you honor for your oversight.  We ask you to keep the fire in our hearts of your generosity and that it will spark in us your heart for the poor.  Be with your children in Haiti and the other parts of the world and give us success as we use our resources to offer them the mercy we can share.  In Your Name we ask,  Amen 

Training:  Travel day so no work today.  Need a rest anyway.  Land mid day tomorrow and will get a much needed, wanted bike ride and swim.  Then probably an early night to catch up on a long plane ride.