Bishop Steve’s big run for Bishopdale is only days away! Along with Rev Matt Watts, this Saturday he’ll embark on a mammoth 100km jog and slog as part of the South Island Ultra.
Going from Greymouth to Hokitika, the run follows the West Coast Wilderness Trail – passing lakes, reservoirs, rivers, streams, water races, swing bridges, forestry, wetlands, mountains and the sea – it’s been described as one of the most scenic ultramarathons in the world. But all that scenery won’t make it easy. It’s the biggest physical undertaking he’s taken on in his life.
Last weekend the bishop had one last training run at the Nelson parkrun – a weekly 5km at Neale Park – where he’s a regular, because “it’s the perfect blend of doing what I love and staying connected with the community”. But this time he ran in full clerical gear: shirt, collar and pectoral cross, letting his fellow runners know about Bishopdale College and the mission behind the marathon. Then he manned the barcode scanner afterwards. People were full of encouragement and fascination about what he was doing.
“While volunteering on barcode scanning afterwards, one runner even dropped to his knees and asked for prayer right there at the finish line. So I prayed for him – possibly the first time the barcode scanner doubled as a prayer station.”
The run is part of Bishop Steve’s special focus this year to help support the future of Bishopdale College. 20 years ago our diocese committed to seeing Bishopdale begin to train leaders in its current location, and since then hundreds of our leaders have been formed there. The Go the Distance campaign is about taking our turn to contribute to the mission. Steve is showing us how it’s done.
“Over the years all of our parishes have benefited hugely from the work of Bishopdale in one way or another. Many of our current leaders are a product of the vital work the college has done and continues to do. People from beyond our diocese often comment to me about the exceptional quality of our leaders… and this has not happened by accident!”
In the lead up to the run, Bishop Steve is now attending to his final preparations, both physically and spiritually. Yesterday, over lunch, I offered him a sandwich. He pulled it apart so he could eat the right parts. “No fat. No fibre. At this point I’m just eating the right carbs, and loads of protein.”
There are two ways you can support Steve and Matt as they run this weekend.
One is to give financially at the Givealittle page here.
And the other is to pray. The race starts this Saturday from 5am, and will take around 10-12 hours. So throughout Saturday we’re inviting people to pray for the bishop and Matt using this prayer.
—
God of endurance, be with Bishop Steve and Reverend Matt as they run for you today.
As they move forward, mile by mile, may they find strength when they feel weak, hope when the road feels long, and joy in every step that carries them closer to the finish.
May they sense the wider community of faith cheering him on, and your Spirit as their backs.
Protect their bodies, give them energy, and make them sure footed as they run the race for you.
We also thank you for the gift of Bishopdale College, and ask that you would bless it with the resources and students it needs to serve your church.
In Jesus' name we pray.
Amen.
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We have invited these writers to share their experiences, ideas and opinions in the hope that these will provoke thought, challenge you to go deeper and inspire you to put your faith into action. These articles should not be taken as the official view of the Nelson Diocese on any particular matter.
Bishop Steve’s big run for Bishopdale is only days away! Along with Rev Matt Watts, this Saturday he’ll embark on a mammoth 100km jog and slog as part of the South Island Ultra.
Going from Greymouth to Hokitika, the run follows the West Coast Wilderness Trail – passing lakes, reservoirs, rivers, streams, water races, swing bridges, forestry, wetlands, mountains and the sea – it’s been described as one of the most scenic ultramarathons in the world. But all that scenery won’t make it easy. It’s the biggest physical undertaking he’s taken on in his life.
Last weekend the bishop had one last training run at the Nelson parkrun – a weekly 5km at Neale Park – where he’s a regular, because “it’s the perfect blend of doing what I love and staying connected with the community”. But this time he ran in full clerical gear: shirt, collar and pectoral cross, letting his fellow runners know about Bishopdale College and the mission behind the marathon. Then he manned the barcode scanner afterwards. People were full of encouragement and fascination about what he was doing.
“While volunteering on barcode scanning afterwards, one runner even dropped to his knees and asked for prayer right there at the finish line. So I prayed for him – possibly the first time the barcode scanner doubled as a prayer station.”
The run is part of Bishop Steve’s special focus this year to help support the future of Bishopdale College. 20 years ago our diocese committed to seeing Bishopdale begin to train leaders in its current location, and since then hundreds of our leaders have been formed there. The Go the Distance campaign is about taking our turn to contribute to the mission. Steve is showing us how it’s done.
“Over the years all of our parishes have benefited hugely from the work of Bishopdale in one way or another. Many of our current leaders are a product of the vital work the college has done and continues to do. People from beyond our diocese often comment to me about the exceptional quality of our leaders… and this has not happened by accident!”
In the lead up to the run, Bishop Steve is now attending to his final preparations, both physically and spiritually. Yesterday, over lunch, I offered him a sandwich. He pulled it apart so he could eat the right parts. “No fat. No fibre. At this point I’m just eating the right carbs, and loads of protein.”
There are two ways you can support Steve and Matt as they run this weekend.
One is to give financially at the Givealittle page here.
And the other is to pray. The race starts this Saturday from 5am, and will take around 10-12 hours. So throughout Saturday we’re inviting people to pray for the bishop and Matt using this prayer.
—
God of endurance, be with Bishop Steve and Reverend Matt as they run for you today.
As they move forward, mile by mile, may they find strength when they feel weak, hope when the road feels long, and joy in every step that carries them closer to the finish.
May they sense the wider community of faith cheering him on, and your Spirit as their backs.
Protect their bodies, give them energy, and make them sure footed as they run the race for you.
We also thank you for the gift of Bishopdale College, and ask that you would bless it with the resources and students it needs to serve your church.
In Jesus' name we pray.
Amen.
Check out other articles in the
series below.
More articles in the
series are to come.
