Running the Race

Arctic Circle Race

   Our town, Sisimiut, just hosted their 16th annual Arctic Circle Race. It is said to be the hardest cross country skiing race in the world. We had about 140 skiers from several different countries come here to compete. Our town hosted folks from a total of 15 countries. They came from Greenland, Denmark, New Zealand, America, Russia, Germany, and other countries. The racers were of a diverse age group also, the youngest being 14 and the eldest being 67 years old.

Click to enlarge

   They left the starting line on Friday at 10:00 AM. They had to travel a total of 100 miles in 3 days, arriving back in our town throughout the day on Sunday. We were able to go out Friday and watch them leave, cheering them on for this harsh competition. There was a big turnout and beautiful weather as they began their trek. Masey and I agreed that we would have died of exhaustion before the race ever got underway! They were doing something that we couldn't physically do and it was impressive.

   The racers started arriving back before noon and we were there to watch them arrive by about 1:30 PM. Some came back all alone and others in groups of two, three, or four. We got to see the only American in the race, Leslie Hale, arrive back. I was able to speak with her for a few minutes before she went to rest and warm up. The race was an utterly exhausting experience.

Flag wavin' Maryanna!

   There were a few upsets during the race. One of the main male contenders hurt himself shortly into the race and was out per doctors orders. Some others couldn't handle the race and quit. A few didn't even show up for whatever reason and were disqualified.

   You can view the professional pictures and articles at: www.acr.gl. Click "read more" to see some of the pics of the departure and arrival of the racers. Also below the pictures I have some thoughts from my observance of the race and how it relates to missions.

And they're off!

Beautiful weather for a race!

Some of the skiers passing by

The American, Leslie Hale, on the left front

Hinnarik, a Greenlandic comedian

Cheering fans

Moving skiers gear out to the campsite

   After the racers left I got to thinking how that is a good picture of sending out missionaries. At a sending service there is a great celebration and cheering. We expect wonderful things and hope for the best! We think of how great it is for them to be involved in what they are doing. They are involved in something that most others cannot or will not do. Then the missionaries are off into the field of service like the races sent off into the cold wilderness.

   It didn't take long for the racers to pass out of our vision and out of most people's minds. I'm afraid that happens with missionaries too. They head off to their field of service, pass out of the minds of those they left cheering them on, and soon are forgotten. Those of us that stayed behind don't see the trying conditions, the pains, the hunger, the strain that the racers went through. And most don't see or know of what their missionaries might be going through. Some missionaries face greater dangers than others but they do face danger, hardships, exhaustion, and hunger for the familiar things of "back home".

   At the finish line we waited to greet those who had completed the race, but not everyone finished. Some had been disqualified, some had quit, and some had been injured too bad to continue on. This happens with missionaries too. Some become disqualified, some quit for the world or other things, or some suffer injuries to great for them to continue on the field.

   There was nothing that I could do to help those in the Arctic Circle Race who were like this but the racers were not alone during their race. Folks assisted them with food, shelter, drying their clothes, rest for their weary bodies, and friendship. Missionaries need assistance also. They get beat up by language, culture, loneliness, lack of supplies, and many other differences from what they are used to. But there is something that can be done for missionaries. I can pray for them: the man, his faithful wife, and his dear children. I can check in on them: letters, cards, email, Face Book, etc. I may even get to go assist them one day: see their hardships, difficulties, problems, and also the blessings, miracles, and provision of our mighty God and Saviour! There is more ways than these for those of you that are more creative than me, but I challenge you not to forget your missionaries.

   I'm not writing this for just the Arnold family only but for all of those missionaries out there who may feel frustrated, alone, forgotten, and helpless at times. I am sure there is a missionary family or two that your church supports who could use a note of encouragement. I am sure you could find a missionary who would love to hear that someone REALLY IS praying for them, not just hoping someone is. I am sure that you could find a missionary wife that would love to have an encouraging conversation with an English speaking Christian who believes like she does. I am sure you could find some missionary kids who would love to get cards on their birthdays, a letter from America, or get a dollar bill to show off.

   Check out the prayer letters that your missionaries send in. If they email the prayer letters, sign up to get them.  Read them, pray for them, and correspond with them! Of course if you aren't in church, then you will have great difficulty find a Bible believing, Gospel preaching missionary to do this with. OR if you are in a church that doesn't support missionaries, my advice is to ditch that thing and find a church that believes and preaches the Bible and supports missionaries. A church justifies it's existence based upon it's missionary works. If it isn't involved in missions, there is NO reason for that church to exist! If you need help in finding a missionary to correspond with or a good church, let me know and I'll try to help.

   Just like the Arctic Circle skiers ran a rough and rugged race, and so do missionaries. Not everyone could be involved in the Arctic Circle Race, but everyone can be involved in missions! What are you doing??

In the background skiers are completing their race