Tom Madden, Chad Madden and Gary Lewis show off their New York City marathon medals.
Church of God Youth and Discipleship Director Tom Madden, and Assistant Director Gary Lewis, recently completed the New York City Marathon, running the 26.2 mile course through all five boroughs of New York City on November 7.
Raising money from sponsors, Madden and Lewis stated over $75,000 was pledged for the establishment of an Urban Ministry Center that will assist more than 100 local churches of greater New York to more effectively minister in their community.
Tom Madden stated: “It was a highlight of my life not only to participate and finish the premier marathon in the world but to be involved in the establishment of such a vital ministry. It made the 26.2 mile journey worth the effort.”
“Because of our sponsors we will implement Phase I this spring which will train local churches in various aspects of benevolence to those in their community who are in need,” Madden stated.
Madden went on to say that the effort was so successful that plans are in the works to involve more people in fund raising for the center through the marathon.
“This was a great experience with thousands upon thousands of people cheering the participants along the way,” Madden said. “We would like to invite anyone wanting to run with us next year and raise funds for the “Hope Center” in New York to contact the International Department of Youth and Discipleship at 423-478-7225.”
When asked if he had plans to participate in the marathon again, Madden said, “I thought and said I would never do it again but for this cause – I gotta do it one more time!”