Run for Missions this year on November 8th was nothing short of incredible. It was a beautiful
picture of God’s people coming together, shoulder to shoulder, to help keep the story of Jesus
moving all around the world. Every mile, every handoff, every tired step pointed back to one
thing: we are better together when we’re serving Christ.
We kicked things off at 2 a.m. in front of the Ross Ellis Center at Barclay College, where the first
baton handoff was given to Mark Rucas, Jeff Conner, and Luke Macy. From there, the 100-mile
relay broke into ten-mile segments.
People of all ages showed up from age 3 all the way to 82. Pastors from different Friends
churches, college students, high-school runners from Kiowa County, members of Friends
Women, youth from Northridge Friends Church, students from Friends University, and so many
others from all over the area took part.
Rose Hill Friends Church showed up strong too with over 20 participants! This is the home
church of Mark Rucas, who pours his heart into this event each year, and his wife Cathy Rucas is
right there beside him through all of it.
We wrapped up around 9 p.m. at the Ministry Conference Center in Wichita, Kansas, tired but
full of joy and gratitude.
The Morning After — Hearts Full and Lessons Learned
The next morning at Rose Hill Friends Church, the emotions were real. You could feel the
gratitude and the ways God had been working in people’s hearts.
Many shared emotional moments where they wanted to give up saying how their bodies hurt, and
the miles and hills felt endless, but God kept strengthening them. It reminded all of us of the
perseverance and sacrifice of Jesus. It was a powerful reminder that God meets us right in the
middle of our weakness and carries us through.
We Want YOU With Us Next Year!
The next Run for Missions Relay in 2026 is November 14 th . We want even more people to join
us!
We need:
- Drivers
- Runners
- Walkers
- Anyone else who wants to participate in anyway they can!
There truly is a place for everyone. Get those running or walking shoes on and start practicing
now. This mission is so rewarding, and you’ll be part of something that makes a real impact.
Thank you to everyone who participated this year. We appreciate you more than you know, and
we can’t wait to see even more of you at the Run for Missions Relay in 2026!
What We’re Supporting This Year
This year’s Run for Missions is raising money for Great Lakes leadership training in Burundi,
Congo, and Rwanda. Each of these areas has a powerful story:
Burundi
Students are gathering meals to donate to Kibimba Hospital. They’re praying for the ability to
expand their facilities so they can serve more people in need.
Congo
EFC Congo hopes to expand their ministry buildings so they can plant more churches throughout
the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Rwanda
EFC Rwanda is praying for the chance to send more missionaries to South Sudan, where
government pressure and church closures have made ministry extremely difficult.
How You Can Give
You can give through the end of the year by:
- Giving online or
- Sending a check made out to:
EFC-MAYM Friends Ministry Center
20218 Maple
Wichita, KS
Your generosity truly makes a difference. It strengthens leaders, churches, and communities who
are faithfully sharing Jesus where the need is great.
Thank you again for every mile, every prayer, and every act of support.
We can’t wait to run alongside you in 2026!
Follow Us!