Karen Thomas is an energetic fourth grade teacher at Linn Elementary in Dodge City, Kansas. She loves kids and sports, teaches Sunday school and summer school, and recently started running marathons to help people in need.

Karen ran her first marathon last year in San Diego to raise money for cancer research, and she enjoyed the challenge. While she was training for the recent Rock-n-Roll Seattle Marathon, Karen received a mailing that introduced her to Team Samaritan’s Purse. Through Team Samaritan’s Purse, athletes like Karen are competing in various sports events to support of Samaritan’s Purse projects.

“Getting the brochure was a sign that God wanted me to run for Samaritan’s Purse,” Karen said. “It has given me an opportunity to share with others about the great things that Samaritan’s Purse does around the world.”

Karen devoted her marathon to Turn on the Tap, a Samaritan's Purse global initiative that provides clean water for people in the developing world. She raised nearly $1,000 in pledges from family and friends.

“I targeted clean water because during my training I consumed a lot of water. There are people around the world who struggle each day to find water, even if it isn't clean,” she said. “It was the least I could do, since I have clean water at my finger tips.”

Karen downplays her efforts, saying she just did something she felt the Lord wanted her to do.

“I am not a superstar at running,” Karen said. “My goal when I run is to reach the goal set out before me—the finish line. That is just like my life motto found in Acts 20:24: ‘However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the Gospel of God’s grace.’”

During the race, Karen drew strength from listening to Christian music, and from reading Scripture.

“Along the course they had live bands playing, but I like to listen to my MP3 player that is stocked full of good Christian music,” Karen said.

The music was uplifting, but when the race really got tough, Karen turned to Scripture.

“I had Acts 20:24, Philippians 3:13-14, Philippians 4:13, and Colossians 3:17 written on little cards stuck in my pocket,” Karen said.

Along the way, she pulled different cards out and read the verses.

“There is no way I could have finished without the power and strength of God,” she said. “He was with me the whole time. It was a good run and a great time to run, not for myself, but for God.”

Get Involved

Samaritan's Purse , United States , Ways to Help , At the Finish Line