The Pennsylvania Dutch Council and Wolf Sanctuary of PA are holding the 2021 Running with Wolves Virtual 5K Race and 15K Bike Race.

A virtual race can be started from any location you choose so long as you are following the social distancing guidelines during June 1-15. For the 5K you can run/walk on the road, trail, treadmill, or on a track. The 15K Bike race can be done on the road, trail, or a stationary bike.

The race is $15 per registration and each paid registrant will receive a patch to commemorate the race. Half the proceeds of the race will go to help improve enclosures and provide daily needs and veterinary care for the wolves and wolf-dogs of the sanctuary. Wolf Sanctuary of PA has provided a home for displaced wolves and wolf-dogs since 1980 and they currently have over 50 residents in their care.

To register for the race visit https://padutchforms.tentaroo.com/virtualrace

JOHN SHIRK – In our Relationship-Building Principles, we are examining some of the ways Jesus’ followers can be effective witnesses for the Gospel.

One way is the Invitational approach.

In our enthusiasm of being a follower of Jesus, we are motivated to invite others to experience new life in Christ too.

In John chapter 4 of the Bible, there was a woman at the well, who had an encounter with Jesus. She was living in immorality, but Jesus did not condemn her. Instead, He invited her to taste the living water of His grace.

She, in turn, went back to her Samaritan village to say to her people, “Come, see a man who told me everything I did. Could this be the Christ?” The Bible says they came out of the town and made their way toward him. Many of them became followers of Jesus too.

Jesus extends this invitation: “Come, follow me.” Revelation 22:17 says, “Let the one who is thirsty come; and let the one who wishes take the free gift of the water of life.”

Taking the invitational approach of sharing the Gospel is a vital relationship-building principle to take to heart in the Year of Connection.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com