February 15, 2026
‘Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith.’ ~ Hebrews 12:1-2 (NKJV) ~
THE FINISH LINE WAITS
I know that we are in the middle of the Winter Olympics right now but it brought back a great story to mind from a past Summer Olympics Games. (And if the truth be told, I can relate to running far better than I can to skiing!)
In the ‘68 Summer Olympics, held in Mexico City, the most notable runner in the Men’s Marathon was not the one taking home the gold. It was the one finishing dead last.
His name is John Stephen Akhwari. He’s from Tanzania.
He was just short of the half-way point in the 26 mile race when he and another runner collided. Akhwari took a bad fall, dislocating his knee and separating his shoulder.
Everyone expected him to quit. Instead, he bandaged his leg and hobbled back to the track, resuming his run at the proverbial snail’s pace.
More than an hour after the winner had taken the prize,Akhwari finally entered the stadium, limping but still moving forward. Only a small crowd remained in the stands to see him cross the finish line. And, of course, they cheered.
Later, when reporters asked him why he didn’t quit, his answer made headlines:
“My country did not send me 5,000 miles to start the race; they sent me 5,000 miles to finish the race.”
This is the message we hear throughout the New Testament. God didn’t call you to a life of discipleship so that you could quit when life gets hard. He called you keep on course to the very end. Even after you stumble. Even when you look like a straggler. Even if there’s no one around to notice you’re still in the race. Just keep running.
Also notable about that day.According to the books, John Akhwari came in 57th place. Last place.
That is, he was last to finish.
Seventy-five runners started the race that day. Eighteen of them, for whatever reason, chose not to go the distance. They quit somewhere along the way. Does anyone wonder what their story is? Probably not.
But John Stephen’s story can inspire us all.
As for you and me, today is just one more day in the marathon we’re called to run. More than a few of us might feel a little fragile and somewhat fatigued, but let’s not turn back.
Somewhere in the distance the finish line waits.
Blessings on you as we all continue our individual races. I look forward to seeing you on Sunday as we continue with IMMERSE. We are in the POETS of the Old Testament. This Sunday we will look at ACrash Course on God’s Plan forYour Life.
Pastor Terrell
P.S. Thank you for all of the well wishes you gave me on my birthday. What a great church family God has given to Barbara and me. You continue to overwhelm us with your love.
ScheduleforSunday,February15,2026:
The Saints Class @ 9:00 AM Room #201
Ruth Class @ 9:00 AM Room #202
Preschool Worship opens @ 10:15 AM KID CITY
Sunday Morning Worship @ 10:30 AM in Worship Center
Kidz4Christ (K-6th) dismissed during Morning Worship
Schedulefortherestoftheweek:
Tuesday- IMMERSE: Poets @ 10:00 AM Men in Room #202
Tuesday- IMMERSE: Poets @ 10:00 AM Women in Fellowship Hall
Tuesday- Good News Club @ 3:15 PM @ Granville Elementary
Wednesday- Choir Rehearsal @ 6:20 PM in Room #203
Youth Group @ 6:30 PM in Cabin
Thursday- IMMERSE: Poets @ 6:00 PM in Fellowship Hall with our activities.
VISIT THIS WEBSITE: www.immersebible.com/poets/ Click on your current week to watch the video, see the reading plan and even listen to it read to you! Monday, February 16th
Deacon of the Week:
Granville Elementary Tuesdays 3:15 PM - 4:30 PM Wednesdays @ 6:20 PM in Room #203
