Race for Refuge 2014

Not sure what is more foolish - signing up for 20K (12.4 miles) race without training or thinking you can actually could do something about the global exploitation and enslavement of young girls and women.

The older you get, the wiser you supposedly become. But what does "wiser" actually mean?

I've been asking myself that a lot more these days. My fear is that as I get closer to receiving all that AARP paraphernalia, my life will increasingly become one risk-management activity after another. 

I would argue that "wiser" actually means knowing what are the really important things in life and focusing your time and energy and days like a laser beam pursuing them.  Perhaps counting the cost but knowing some things are worth the risk and effort. First things first. 

I would say the exploitation of young Filipina women and girls would rank up there as one of those things that are worth our audacious efforts.  I can recall our decision in 2008 to jump off the proverbial deep end to join International Justice Mission and eventually My Refuge House.   Some people thought we had gone off the deep end.  Our family (three kids at the time) saw this as in invitation to Life.  Looking back, we have absolutely no regrets and instead have a long track record of God's faithfulness to boast about. 

Team Bermejo is lacing up the Kayano 13s and to run/walk/crawl 20K on March 15, 2014.  As part of the Race for Refuge and the larger Missions Race event Team Bermejo along with several other freedom runners will attempt to raise $13,000 for My Refuge House, which is a rescue shelter for young women and girls rescued from sex slavery in the Philippines.  For the last five years, MRH has stood in the aftercare gap in Cebu, providing hope and healing when the journey of freedom remained dark and uncertain.  Team Bermejo's goal is to raise $1000 which would translate into lots of hope. 

My oldest daughter, Hana Grace, was nine years old when we were in Cebu.  I remember taking her to My Refuge House and her questions about why the girls were there.  At the time, I told her that we were taking care of them while they were away from their families so they could go back to school, where all kids should be.  At age 14, she now understands the real reasons of their situation.  She is the same age of some of the girls we have cared for. 

My youngest daughter, Sora Hope, age 3, has agreed to join her papa by riding in a jogger stroller for 12 miles.  She was supposed to join two years ago (22 months at the time), but backed out at the last minute.  She and her papa are now a few pounds heavier.   Our last race was the 2012 OC Marathon.  We didn't train for that one either yet was able to raise over $1300 anyways.  Remember where the magic happens.

We welcome your financial support and prayers.  To donate, please visit our fundraising page, where you can make a direct donation to MRH.  God bless.