Fundraising hero Dominic Monney with CMS's Hannah Caroe at the Brighton marathon
(Photo: CMS)
Congratulations to Dominic Monney, who ran the Brighton marathon to raise money for CMS mission work – despite contracting a serious injury and having to stop for medical attention.
Even with these problems, Dominic crossed the finish line on Sunday 15 April in a time of 5h 53m. It was as if he was determined to prove the text from Philippians that was written on his running shirt: "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."
CMS sponsored challenges coordinator Hannah Caroe met up with Dominic on the eve of the race. Dominic asked her to write the bible text on his shirt and admitted to feeling "scared, but with this shirt and this inscription, I believe I’m going to finish."
Hannah asked Dominic a few more questions about why he was running the race.
What inspires you about CMS?
"I'm Christian and I wanted to support the work of the Kingdom. The work you do...touching people's lives and seeing lives changed for Jesus – is the most important work there is. I believe every Child of God is mandated to do what is described in Matthew 28, 'Go and make disciples of all nations.'
"I’ve been on mission trips with my church to Bogota, Mali, Israel and Benin Republic. Going on mission helps your growth as a Christian. You face situations that challenge your faith. That’s when you can either give up and run or hope in God and help him to come through for you."
What thoughts are you going to keep in your head to keep you going during the race?
"It’s all about love. If you respond to God’s love, he will always respond. I’ve been privileged. God has never given up on me even though I’ve been less than perfect, so I can’t give up. I’m an imitator of the Father."
Is there one motto above all by which you try to live your life?
"I’m a child of the kingdom. Everything I do – my money, my life, my family, has to be about the kingdom. We are ambassadors in this place. We need to go about the work of our Father in everything we do."
And Dominic’s thoughts after crossing the finishing line? "Glory be to God!"
If you, like Dominic, want to step out in faith by taking on a sponsored challenge, contact Hannah.caroe@cms-uk.org or 01865 787521.