There’s No Stoppin’ ‘Em Now…
Our 2009 Boston Marathon Runners!!

Thanks to John Hancock Financial Services, Starlight Ministries has received two invitational entries into the 2009 Boston Marathon, for two daring runners to run and raise funds for Starlight! Each of the dedicated runners below has committed to raising at least $3,000 to support our work with individuals who are homeless…will you join them in this heroic effort?

STEPHEN COMER

Who he is: A new friend of Starlight, Steve is a successful Boston business owner and a senior executive with a global consulting firm based in New York City. He splits his time working weekdays in NYC and returning home to Boston for weekends to have quality time with his 2 wonderful children. As a relatively new runner, Steve welcomes your prayers and encouragement for a successful race!

Why he’s running: “Who knows what April 20th (Marathon day) will bring in terms of pain for me, but one thing I do know, is that it will bring some help for those in need. Many people are going through some very challenging times. Many have lost their homes and been forced out onto the street or into shelters. My 26-mile run will be an effort to provide some help for those in need without homes. I am running for Starlight’s work to help individuals who are homeless find solutions.”

How you can help Steve achieve his marathon goal:

• Donate online now by going to Steve’s Starlight Marathon Fundraising page here.
• Attend Steve’s marathon fundraising event to benefit Starlight, on Friday March 6th, featuring great food, raffles and more for your $50 entry. For more details or to RSVP, click here.
• Donate via check (made out to EGC, with “Steve Comer – Marathon” in memo line) or cash by sending your contribution via mail to Emmanuel Gospel Center, c/o Steve Comer – Marathon Fund, 2 San Juan St, PO Box 180245, Boston, MA 02118

ALEX GRANT

Who he is: Driven by his passion for young people and community, Alex Grant is the Youth Outreach Coordinator for Starlight Ministries, leading the weekly youth outreach and Sanctuary Arts Community. Besides the work he does with homeless and at-risk youth, he is a weekly volunteer with Outreach Boston, Youth Leader at Tremont Temple Baptist Church and a student at CUME (Gordon-Conwell Seminary’s Boston campus).

Why he’s running: ”The Lord has really blessed me through the years and continues to do so. Growing up with asthma as a child made me cautious about how long I ran and at what effort. However, having an opportunity to participate in the Boston Marathon continues to reveal how far the Lord has brought me. And to be able to run for a ministry I am passionate about is more than "icing on the cake"; it’s a daily example of how the Lord places His servants in opportunities to do His good work. So I will run for those in need, for the homeless and at-risk, for the Community of Christ. And I will run knowing He will be running too.”

How you can help Alex achieve his marathon goal:

• Donate online now to Alex’s Starlight Marathon Fund: click here and select “Starlight Ministries – Marathon Fund – Alex Grant” from the list.
• Donate via check (made out to EGC, with “Alex Grant – marathon” in memo line) or cash by sending your contribution via mail to Emmanuel Gospel Center, c/o Alex Grant – Marathon Fund, 2 San Juan St, PO Box 180245, Boston, MA 02118