Braden (BraveHart) Hartman Fund
Donation protected
Last June, Braden Hartman lost his battle with cancer; however, he didn't lose the most important battle. He won more people to Christ than most people that I know. He fought the good fight until he took his last breath. Braden certainly left a LEGACY and inspired all of us!
Fast forward 8 months to today....He is still a shining example of who Christ is and the importance of following Him. And although Braden's living, physical body is missing on Earth, we all can still feel his presence and lasting impact.
A few months ago, I asked a few friends to join me in continuing Braden's legacy by participating in the Steelhead Half Ironman in August of 2017 to raise funds for cancer research. A few people committed and are actively training as I type. I am still in, too.
But....a couple of weeks ago, God interrupted my plan. As I put in a few miles at the Kroc Center, God asked, "Why are you waiting to do this in August?" As I gave Him my reasons(I had many), He continued to push me to consider doing this sooner. And, while I didn't know why this was so urgent, I wanted to be faithful and explore.
I reached out to Matthew for his thoughts and how we should use the funds for which we raise. My thinking was more which cancer research would be best. His reply was the lightbulb moment. "He(Braden) would say that their(students) relationship with God is more important than curing cancer."
Wait....what? This is why God was pushing me to do this NOW. If I waited until August, most faith-based summer camps(which is where many kids give their lives to Christ) would be over.
So, on March 18th starting at 9a at the Kroc Center, I will put myself through about 6 hours of pain and suffering, which is nothing compared to the 18 months Braden fought this terrible disease, to help raise funds for kids and students to have an opportunity to start and build a relationship with God. All of the funds will be used to help fund children who can't afford these opportunities on their own.
I am grateful for Braden and for a God that allows me to have the strength and mental fortitude to do this. Braden's LEGACY lives in, through and beyond me. This isn't about John Meiser. This is about keeping this young man's life of faith, inspiration and commitment to Christ in front of all of us.
While I have no idea why Braden was called home at the age of 14, I truly believe in what Paul writes in Romans 8:28 "And we KNOW that in all things God works for the good for those who love him..."
I think Braden would loudly say, "AMEN!" and follow it with his own quote, "See, it's not just that God is good, it's that all good is God."
Thanks for considering to help fund this mission. If everyone on my friend list gave $5 dollars, we would far exceed the $10,000 goal. What if everyone gave a dollar per mile(70.3 miles)? Yep, that's a lot more! Think of the Kingdom impact that will occur because of your generosity! #letsDOthis #chooseJOY #BraveHart
Fast forward 8 months to today....He is still a shining example of who Christ is and the importance of following Him. And although Braden's living, physical body is missing on Earth, we all can still feel his presence and lasting impact.
A few months ago, I asked a few friends to join me in continuing Braden's legacy by participating in the Steelhead Half Ironman in August of 2017 to raise funds for cancer research. A few people committed and are actively training as I type. I am still in, too.
But....a couple of weeks ago, God interrupted my plan. As I put in a few miles at the Kroc Center, God asked, "Why are you waiting to do this in August?" As I gave Him my reasons(I had many), He continued to push me to consider doing this sooner. And, while I didn't know why this was so urgent, I wanted to be faithful and explore.
I reached out to Matthew for his thoughts and how we should use the funds for which we raise. My thinking was more which cancer research would be best. His reply was the lightbulb moment. "He(Braden) would say that their(students) relationship with God is more important than curing cancer."
Wait....what? This is why God was pushing me to do this NOW. If I waited until August, most faith-based summer camps(which is where many kids give their lives to Christ) would be over.
So, on March 18th starting at 9a at the Kroc Center, I will put myself through about 6 hours of pain and suffering, which is nothing compared to the 18 months Braden fought this terrible disease, to help raise funds for kids and students to have an opportunity to start and build a relationship with God. All of the funds will be used to help fund children who can't afford these opportunities on their own.
I am grateful for Braden and for a God that allows me to have the strength and mental fortitude to do this. Braden's LEGACY lives in, through and beyond me. This isn't about John Meiser. This is about keeping this young man's life of faith, inspiration and commitment to Christ in front of all of us.
While I have no idea why Braden was called home at the age of 14, I truly believe in what Paul writes in Romans 8:28 "And we KNOW that in all things God works for the good for those who love him..."
I think Braden would loudly say, "AMEN!" and follow it with his own quote, "See, it's not just that God is good, it's that all good is God."
Thanks for considering to help fund this mission. If everyone on my friend list gave $5 dollars, we would far exceed the $10,000 goal. What if everyone gave a dollar per mile(70.3 miles)? Yep, that's a lot more! Think of the Kingdom impact that will occur because of your generosity! #letsDOthis #chooseJOY #BraveHart
Organizer
John Meiser
Organizer
South Bend, IN
