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Dream Small And Run With A Big Vision Update

Nearly 30,000 runners hit the streets of downtown Detroit last Sunday to run in numerous races, including the 2018 Detroit Free Press Chemical Bank Marathon. Among these enthusiastic and courageous participants were two amazing St. Matthew staff members!

"Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of Mine, you did for Me" Matthew 25:40

If your eyes require corrective lenses, chances are you know the frustration of occasionally misplacing your glasses. Frequently, I joke with friends my age and in the "reading glasses" stage of life, that I probably own five pairs of readers and still have trouble locating at least one pair when I need them. However, last Monday, our 8th grade class experienced a perplexing Sherlock Holmes style mystery regarding "The Case of the Missing Glasses".
 
In the gym, there is a specific counter where all valuable items are placed, such as Mrs. Kendall's, our PE teacher, binders, bags, important pieces of equipment, etc. This same counter also serves as the designated area for student jewelry and eyeglasses. Following the typical routine that he has done for many years, one 8th grade boy came into the gym that day to volunteer being a character in a Peace Coaching skit and set his glasses on this designated spot at the beginning of this particular assembly. However,

"Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the Heavenly Lights." - James 1:17

What is some of the most exciting news that you have ever received? For former teacher and recently diagnosed cancer patient, Mr. John Carlton, I can only imagine the joy he experienced learning that his brother was a 100% bone marrow match! As a result, John has the ability to participate in a bone marrow transplant that has the potential to cure his recent leukemia diagnosis. It has been said that the bond of brotherhood runs deep, and for these two brothers, this bond only continues to intensify!
 
Mr. John Carlton served on staff at St. Matthew from 1987 until 1990. His wife, Ruth, also served as a PE teacher for over ten years at St. Matthew, while their four children attended our school for their kindergarten through eighth grade years.
 
Last spring, life changed dramatically for John when he received the diagnosis of leukemia. Beginning in August, John has spent many days as a patient at the University of Michigan Hospital, receiving the bone marrow transplant, chemotherapy, and numerous other medications that assisted in these processes or have assisted in alleviating some of the painful side effects.

"We love because He first loved us." 1 John 4:19

Did you know that nearly 1,000 children under age 5 die every day from illnesses caused by contaminated water, poor sanitation, and improper hygiene? Even though this is such an overwhelming and staggering statistic, Mr. Czinder is "dreaming small" in regards to helping reduce this tragedy by running in the Detroit Marathon as a member of the World Vision "Clean Water" Team.

On October 20, 2018, Mr. Czinder will join over 100 World Vision teammates to run 26.2 miles through the streets of Detroit. Every dollar that Mr. Czinder raises will help children in remote parts of Africa gain access to clean water.