HAITI (WordNews.org) Oct. 8, 2012 – For the past three summers, Matt McCarty has traveled to Haiti on short-term mission trips, working in orphanages and providing education to mothers in an effort to keep families together.

“Each time I have gone to Haiti, God has really stretched me spiritually,” McCarty said.

In a few weeks he’ll be stretched physically as he participates in a fundraiser for a Haiti-based ministry—his first marathon. And he’ll be dribbling a basketball.

The 23-year-old, who teaches history and Bible at Mekeel Christian Academy in Scotia, New York, is in pretty good shape. He is the head coach of the modified boys soccer team and assistant coach of the varsity boys basketball team.

Word News: Tell us about this fundraiser, what are you doing? Where will the money go?

I am partnering with an organization called Dribble the World to raise support and awareness for a great, gospel-centered organization called Second Mile Haiti in Cap Haitien, Haiti.  I will raise support by asking for donations and on October 21 in Syracuse, New York, I will run the entire Empire State Marathon while dribbling a basketball all 26.2 miles.  The idea is for people to donate to this “dribble fundraiser.”  100 percent of all donations go directly to Second Mile Haiti and their continued construction of their facility to help Haitian families stay together.  The facility will focus primarily on educating mothers to take care of their sick children and learn small business skills.

How did you get involved in the work going on in Haiti?

I have been to Haiti each of the last 3 summers.  The first two summers I volunteered at God’s Littlest Angels, an orphanage just outside the capital city of Port-au-Prince.  This summer I had the opportunity to go to the northern city of Cap-Haitien to visit and explore this new ministry called Second Mile Haiti.  They focus on educating moms and keeping families together.  Each time I have gone to Haiti, God has really stretched me spiritually.  Especially with this most recent trip, I have seen firsthand that the best way to help the people of Haiti (both physically and spiritually) is to work alongside the people and get to know them personally, while empowering them physically and economically AND sharing the good news of Jesus Christ once those relationships have been established.  Second Mile Haiti does this very well.

How much are you seeking to raise?

I am seeking to raise $5,000.  I understand this is a large amount, but I believe if it is God’s will, it will happen.  The remaining costs for the Second Mile Haiti facility are around $30,000, so if my fundraiser is successful, it could put a sizable dent in the remaining cost.  To find out more about Second Mile Haiti and my fundraiser, you can go to the following links:

My fundraiser:  http://dribbletheworld.com/2169/from-262-lbs-to-26-2-miles/
What’s new at Second Mile:  http://secondmilehaiti.com/projects
Second Mile Haiti donation page:  https://p2p.paperlesstrans.com/default.aspx?i=smm

If people would like to donate to this fundraiser, they can follow the simple steps located at this link,  and simply put “dribble” in the comments section so they know you are donating to the dribble fundraiser.

You mentioned you didn’t want to do just a half marathon but a full marathon? Why? (Are you crazy?)

I have never ran 26.2 miles, especially in an official race while dribbling a basketball.  I have run a half marathon distance of 13.1 miles, but am by no means an avid (or skilled) runner.  However, I wanted to challenge myself by doing a complete full marathon.  I know it will take hard work and dedication, but I know the difficulty of dribbling 26.2 miles will bring more attention to this fundraiser and give me a platform to share the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ.  That is why I am dribbling the full marathon distance.

What is God putting on your heart these days?

Lately in my quiet time with God, I have been focusing on the reality of hell.  I believe we can’t fully grasp the saving power of the gospel of Jesus Christ unless we really understand exactly what we are being saved from.  If we can understand the seriousness of the conscious eternal torment we deserve, how amazing is the accomplished work of Christ over death!  I am being reminded that Christ has conquered death, so I better act like it.