Group is ‘On Track’ to minister in Jesus’ name

Posted: Thursday, March 15, 2012 4:33 pm

The Messenger, March 15, 2012
By TIM SPAIN
Special to The Messenger
“What is a problem in the world that we can do something about?”  
This was the question that we asked our On Track kids this fall. They each wrote down an issue, whether it is in the community or international. They came up with about 30 concerns.
On Track is an after- school program for fourth-eighth grade that Troy Church of Christ hosts every Wednesday. Each week we host around 50 kids. We have fun together, there is some tutoring time and some small group time where they can talk about what is going on in their lives. Our goal is to let each child know he or she is loved by God and by others and that they can make a positive difference in the world.  
This year we wanted to do a project that would make that positive difference, and we wanted our kids to decide what it would be. The On Track staff looked at all the ideas submitted and narrowed it down to four ideas. We had our children vote on them, and overwhelmingly they decided they wanted to build a well somewhere in the world for people that do not have access to clean drinking water.
On Track is partnering with Healing Hands International to build a well. We are hosting a Walk 4 Water March 28 at Trojan Park in Troy.  Our children are asking for sponsors as they walk four miles around the track to raise money for the well. We are walking four miles because that is the average distance a person must walk every day to find water, and that water is often polluted. Healing Hands has trucks on the ground in Haiti, Ethiopia and South Sudan ready to drill wells as soon as they are financed.
Our goal is to give 2,880 people clean water for their lifetime. That’s how many people are helped by one well, which costs $4,800 to build.  
That means every $5 gives three people clean water for their lifetime. Our goal is one well, but we would be thrilled to go beyond that. The well(s) we raise money for will be built in the country of South Sudan.
This is not just for On Track. Anyone from our community that would like to participate in the walk may register at www.walk4water.org. You can walk individually or create your own team. The walk will take place at Trojan Park March 28 from 3:30-5:30 p.m.  Afterwards, everyone who is part of the walk is welcome to stay for a hot dog grill out. (In case of inclement weather, we will walk at an indoor location yet to be determined).
If you would like anymore information, or if you are part of a business that would like to sponsor the walk, please call Tim Spain at 514-8454 or email timspain@gmail.com.
———
Editor’s’ note: Tim Spain is youth and family minister at Troy Church of Christ.