By Verghese Joseph –
On a warm Saturday morning, Christians from all denominations came together to take part in Salvation Run, a sports module conceptualized in accordance to the Word of God, for Christian believers to empower their lives with healthy lifestyle and living through the sport of running.
At the crack of dawn on April 13, Christians came in droves at St Francis Xavier Cathedral, Frazer Town, Bengaluru at 5.30 am and actively participated in the event. It began with a praise and worship session by Bread of Life team, led by Donn D’Souza.
The run was divided into two categories — 3-km walk and a 5-km run. The start and finish was at the cathedral.
Bengaluru Archbishop Dr Peter Machado, Archbishop Emeritus Dr Bernard Moras, Bishop PK Samuel of the Holy Trinity Church and Rev. Dr. Vincent Vinod Kumar, Presbyter In-Charge of St. Mark’s Cathedral were special guests at the event. H.T. Sangliana, retired IPS Officer and former member of the 14th Lok Sabha gave away certificates to the winners.
The run was flagged off by archbishops Dr Peter Machado, Dr Bernard Moras, PK Samuel and Rev. Dr. Vincent Vinod Kumar, and others.
The run is the brainchild of Elvis Joseph, a former state athlete and sports management professional, who initiated the first Christian run bringing leaders from across all churches and denominations. The initiative found resonance to endorse and engage in a faith-motivated sports and healthy lifestyle, creating a thrill of competition, a sense of community and fellowship that comes from participation.
According to Joseph said, “There were nearly 1000 participants and this unique initiative marks the Holy Week leading towards Crucifixion, Death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ, thereby bringing salvation to the world. Salvation Run has turned out to be an inter-church sporting initiative empowering lives through the sport of running, disciplining oneself with a strong gospel foundation, healthy lifestyle and a purposeful living.”
Elvis firmly believes that, “This is the need of the hour for Christian believers to learn how to achieve their highest potential in all areas of life with consistency of practice in faith and obedience through mentoring by the Word of God. The purpose of Salvation Run focuses on promoting and educating to endure good health, and to “Run the Race Set before us”. I also believe there is a purpose behind everything, and the creation of the human body is no different. Thus regular exercise, proper diet, getting enough rest and appropriate social activities will benefit physically mentally and spiritually.”