June 21 was a lovely day for a walk. It was our fourth annual Walkathon. Friends and supporters of the mission joined us, for the 7.5 km (or 5 mile) prayer walk along the Meewasin Trail.
We met at the Mark Jenkins' memorial tree, where we had a brief memorial service and opening prayer, then we released the balloons representing our prayers as we walked the paved trail to the Kinsmen Park, across from the Mendel Art gallery.
There we have a favourite spot under some shady trees, where some of our people had set up a barbecue and picnic lunch for us. The smoked farmers' sausage in a bun with optional dressings went over very well. Barb and Doug Jenkins, the organizers, had brought a memorial cake.
Director, Arnold Stobbe, announced the winners and they were allowed to choose their own prizes from a display of envelopes on the table. Most of them were gift certificates. The ones who had raised the most money were the first to choose their prizes.
Some were aware of a friendly competition between Arnold and his daughter, Priscilla, who were working hard to exceed one another's funds raised.
Altogether the funds raised that day came to more than $4000. More funds came into the office in the days that followed, bringing the total to $5,394.58.
Unfortunately, that is not quite enough to continue our mailing blitz of the Hope booklet this fall. We need $7000 more to be able to reach Yorkton and Regina.
Ultimately, we would like to continue our mailing to all the small towns and rural areas of Saskatchewan too. But this goal has to go on hold until sufficient funds are available, as the Board of Western Tract Mission does not want to go into debt.
We are very grateful for all the volunteers who make such a walkathon an enjoyable experience, so at the end of each summer we like to invite all our friends and members and volunteers to come together for an Appreciation Tea.
This is planned for August 24, and will likely have happened by the time you read this page, but we hope that you will make an effort to come to this, and other events planned by Western Tract Mission so you can get more acquainted with the mission and our goals, needs, and people, and we can get to know you better too. We like to see our WTM family grow - if we can!
Why not resolve to send up a pray for Western Tract Mission whenever you go for a walk?
Remember in prayer Barb Jenkins, who has had a minor heart attack just recently.
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