To run 50 kilometers for the next 50 days at age 50!
Who in the world would think of doing that?
There’s no insane person who’d even consider.
Ferdie Cabiling just did.
Starting September 5, 2015 at 3am, he will run from the southernmost tip of Mindanao, Maasim of Saranggani province to the northernmost tip of the Philippines in Aparri of Cagayan.
When people hear about his plans, their first question is “why?”
This actually was my first question too.
But when I heard about his reasons, they moved me to support why he is doing what he is doing. I met Ferdie in 1993. He has become a teacher, discipler, leader, coach, mentor, tormenter (!) and friend. He’s taught me a lot and this run has become one of his greatest lessons he has downloaded. This one is not through a sermon nor a teaching, but through his life.
Two reasons why he is running: national and personal.
National because he is on an all out war against poverty. This he endeavors to do not by himself but by creating awareness in his little (maybe big in this case) way raise at least 2 million pesos by asking people to sponsor 1000 pesos per kilometer he runs.
As Richard Stearns, the US President of World Vision said in an interview about poverty, “Education has been given as a major tool to change the game.” Studies show that it is not dole outs nor freebies that help poverty stricken families but education.
The number 2 reason why Ferdie is running is rather personal.
His battlecry is, “I run for those who can’t.”
He mentions in his interview on TV Patrol recently that his son, John Philip, who suffers from Sturge-Weber syndrome has difficulty running because of his delayed motor skills.
“Without realizing it, he has become my inspiration to run.”
This he said at a recent blogger’s event days before the start of his run.
The first reason is overwhelmingly moving.
But his second is inordinately stirring.
A father running for his son who can’t.
I say, this is what this nation needs. A dad who will run for, run with and run alongside the next generation to somehow alleviate their suffering, vicariously fulfill what they can’t achieve and somewhat see them fulfill their destinies.
Salute to Ferdie Cabiling. We’re cheering for you!
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For more information about #Run50 and #RunAcrossthePH, visit www.ferdiecabiling.com.ph.
Also read “A Pastor’s Race For The Next Generation” featured on Rappler.