TAMPA, Fla. /Florida Newswire/ — Joshuacord, Inc., a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit, Christian, nondenominational organization dedicated to raising awareness and providing support to the oppressed and persecuted Christians in the Middle East and Africa, will be hosting its fourth annual 5K Joshua 1:9 Religious Freedom Run at 8 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 19, 2016 in Tampa, Florida.
The race will start and finish at Al Lopez Park, 4810 N. Himes Ave. Tampa, FL. The registration fee is $25 for participants and $20 for active duty military if completed before November 10, and $30 the day of the event.
Registration can be done online via Active.com — (UPDATED LINK AUG 12) http://www.active.com/tampa-fl/running/distance-running-races/4th-annual-joshua-1-9-freedom-5k-run-walk-and-1-mile-fun-run-event-2016 — or participants may download the registration form to mail from http://www.joshuacord.org/5k. Joshua 1:9 organizers are anticipating approximately 350 runners.
This is a family-friendly event and open to everyone so come join as a runner, walker, stroller, or cheerleader and supporter! You can also sign up to be a virtual participant from anywhere around the world and we’ll mail out a race packet along with a dri-fit t-shirt to you so you can be part of the cause!
“The Joshua 1:9 Freedom Run was created to bring awareness to the ongoing plight of persecuted Christians,” said founder Patrick Carberry. “Our goals are to raise ongoing awareness of the persecution of Christians in the Middle East and Africa, to be an advocate for those being persecuted by Islamic violent extremists, to activate Christians across America to stand united with Christians who are suffering for following Christ, and to give courage, prayers and hope to our brothers and sisters who are suffering.
“Now, the world media is finally reporting on the atrocities of Islamic extremism happening in the Middle East and Africa. Freedom of Religion is a cherished right for all Americans and all those who believe in freedom. More than ever now we need to act and to show solidarity and support those being persecuted for their Christian faith in northern Iraq, Syria, and other parts of the world, which are given a choice of converting to warped form of radical Islam, dying for their faith, or fleeing their homelands.”
“The Joshua 1:9 Freedom Run gives all Christians an opportunity to show their concern and support to fellow believers,” said Carberry. “It’s not just about religious freedom and the fight against terrorists. It’s also a human rights issue, and it requires action and prayer on our part for any chance of change. Someone once said, action does not always bring happiness, but there is no happiness without action.
“Please help us let our Christian brothers and sisters know that even though they may be persecuted for Jesus Christ and their faith, they are not forgotten. All of us who believe in human rights, religious freedom, and freedom of conscience must step up and speak out. We wear the ‘Persecuted but not Forgotten’ ribbon as a symbol to remember and pray for suffering believers.”
The top of the ribbon is marked with the Arabic letter for N, pronounced Nun. ISIL terrorists have been marking Christian homes with this letter “N” to mark them as a Nasrani, the Arabic word for Christian or Nazarene. The ribbons will be available from our website and at the upcoming Joshua 1: 9 Freedom Run/Walk. http://www.joshuacord.org/ribbon/
“To prisoners of conscience throughout the world, take heart; you have not been forgotten. We, your brothers and sisters in God, have made your cause our cause, and we vow never to relent until you have regained the freedom that is your birthright as a child of God.” – Ronald Reagan 16 April 1985.
St. Paul the Apostle instructed us. “As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good to all men, especially to them who are of the household of faith”. (Gal: 6:10).
Please help us by showing your support and join us at the Joshua 1:9 Freedom Run – in person or as a virtual runner. http://www.joshuacord.org/5k/
Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joshuacord1.9
Twitter: https://twitter.com/joshua_cord
Reach out with questions: 5k@joshuacord.org
