As we work to shorten the walk for The Next Million people in Africa, it’s only fitting that one of our supporters would run the distance for them. Meet Bradford Zinnecker. He’s running 1,200 miles in 2015 to help bring clean water to people across Africa. He’s aiming to raise $2.50 per mile for a total of $3,000. Brad set out to run the same distance in 2014 but fell 48 miles short of that goal due to an injury and bad sinus infection. We are still impressed. And, we are even more grateful that he’s running this year’s 1,200 for Africa.

Here’s an excerpt from Brad’s blog:

Goals for 2015: 1,200 miles, again. January is not starting off so well. (It’s been bitter cold here all week in subarctic Iowa). But, this number is totally attainable. In addition, I am counting my miles this year toward the miles run by #teamhumanrace in the Earthathon Relay. In this online running event, runners from all around the world are teaming up to see who can run the first 25,000 mile lap around the globe while we also encourage each other to corporately run 10 laps and 250,000 miles during 2015!

I’m not just running these 1,200 miles for myself, however. I’m running for Blood:Water, an organization that the rock group Jars of Clay helped found. This charity’s desire is to seek to end both the water and HIV/AIDS crises in Africa. I am seeking to raise $3,000. My page is called Fartlek for Africa. And no, that’s not potty talk! If you don’t know what a fartlek is, then check out my page for a link to the definition. I assume most of the runners out there probably already know what Fartlek means! I did create a new word, however, I am fartleking for Africa! (Or is that fartlekking with 2 k’s)?

Let me close by saying thanks be to God for the ability I have to run and do all that I have, can, and will. I love this passage from Isaiah 40:28-31.

“Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”

May 2015 be a great year, a blessed year for each and everyone of you! Now go out and run!  Thanks to all who made 2014 such a great year!

-Bradford Zinnecker

Even if you don’t like to run, you can use your own talents to help Africa. Maybe you’re good at drawing or music or soccer. Whatever your talents, you can use them to make a difference. Sign up at Be the Movement today. Also, stay up to speed with Brad’s journey. He posts the latest on Twitter @zbultra.