“People were bringing little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” And he took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them and blessed them.” – Mark 10:13-16

On February 13, 2017, Grace Klein Community volunteers gathered behind the runners in the Mercedes Marathon to collect clothing being dropped by the runners to be donated to those in need. Grace Klein Community has served at the Mercedes Marathon for many years, 7 to be exact, but this year was quite unique.

During most years, the weather for the marathon would be chilly, if not freezing. This year it was a comfortable 70 degrees, and a beautiful day to walk a half marathon. Most years we would get 10 bags or more, this year we picked up 2 and
a half bags. However, one thing remained unchanged in this Mercedes Marathon from every year before it. Every year God has used this serving opportunity not only to bless families in Birmingham with clothing, but also bless volunteers with wisdom and deeper friendships with their Christ family. This year was no different, but God did that this year in a very special and encouraging way. You see, this year the core of our volunteers was formed by a group of extraordinary kids.

Now first, these kids were incredibly hard workers. Each of them ran swiftly from clothing item to clothing item on the course returning to the adults to put them in the bags we carried. They asked questions if they had any, and were obedient in giving runners that passed them a clear lane to run.

However, that’s not what made them extraordinary, hard work can be found in many groups of kids. What made them an all-star group was that their work was filled with the Holy Spirit. They did their work with joy, with love, and with encouragement for everyone around them. They made each runner feel like a winner, looking at the name on their jersey, then clapping and cheering them on by name. They made their work into an adventure, avoiding runners by hopping over cones, and making the menial task of putting clothes into bags into a slam dunk contest! They walked with each other, and the adult volunteers, reminiscing over past marathons and sharing about their weeks. They even challenged themselves to keep walking without resting on the truck until they got to the gummy bears, which were about 5 or 6 miles in! They did it all with enthusiasm and joy, making what most adults would consider an ordinary serve day into an adventure for all who served with them.

We are so thankful for all of the volunteers who served with us for the Mercedes Marathon, both the kids and the parents. The Lord used this time not only to bring clothing to those in need, but also to show us how much of an encouraging experience and exciting adventure serving with children filled with the Spirit can be.

May God continue to show us how to receive His kingdom like a child, with serving experiences such as these.

– Michael Kline, Community Volunteer

“People were bringing little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” And he took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them and blessed them.” – Mark 10:13-16

On February 13, 2017, Grace Klein Community volunteers gathered behind the runners in the Mercedes Marathon to collect clothing being dropped by the runners to be donated to those in need. Grace Klein Community has served at the Mercedes Marathon for many years, 7 to be exact, but this year was quite unique.

During most years, the weather for the marathon would be chilly, if not freezing. This year it was a comfortable 70 degrees, and a beautiful day to walk a half marathon. Most years we would get 10 bags or more, this year we picked up 2 and
a half bags. However, one thing remained unchanged in this Mercedes Marathon from every year before it. Every year God has used this serving opportunity not only to bless families in Birmingham with clothing, but also bless volunteers with wisdom and deeper friendships with their Christ family. This year was no different, but God did that this year in a very special and encouraging way. You see, this year the core of our volunteers was formed by a group of extraordinary kids.

Now first, these kids were incredibly hard workers. Each of them ran swiftly from clothing item to clothing item on the course returning to the adults to put them in the bags we carried. They asked questions if they had any, and were obedient in giving runners that passed them a clear lane to run.

However, that’s not what made them extraordinary, hard work can be found in many groups of kids. What made them an all-star group was that their work was filled with the Holy Spirit. They did their work with joy, with love, and with encouragement for everyone around them. They made each runner feel like a winner, looking at the name on their jersey, then clapping and cheering them on by name. They made their work into an adventure, avoiding runners by hopping over cones, and making the menial task of putting clothes into bags into a slam dunk contest! They walked with each other, and the adult volunteers, reminiscing over past marathons and sharing about their weeks. They even challenged themselves to keep walking without resting on the truck until they got to the gummy bears, which were about 5 or 6 miles in! They did it all with enthusiasm and joy, making what most adults would consider an ordinary serve day into an adventure for all who served with them.

We are so thankful for all of the volunteers who served with us for the Mercedes Marathon, both the kids and the parents. The Lord used this time not only to bring clothing to those in need, but also to show us how much of an encouraging experience and exciting adventure serving with children filled with the Spirit can be.

May God continue to show us how to receive His kingdom like a child, with serving experiences such as these.

– Michael Kline, Community Volunteer