Missionaries Uruguay Neil and Mandi Morgan Go10 Adventure
On April 12, 2010, the first leg of the Go10 Walk day seven came to a dramatic finish with Jonathan and Joe Postlewaite jogging into a BiLo parking lot. There Seth and Michelle Morgan (no relation), Cathy Springs (Mandi’s mother), and we were eagerly waiting to start our portion of the walk.
Before we began, Joe Wilson, coordinator of the Go10 Walk, told us that walkers had been and would continue to carry a baton and a Tamil Bible, the type Laura Belle Barnard would have used in India, for the 2500-mile journey. He led us in a beautiful baton and Bible passing ceremony, we said a prayer of thanksgiving and safety, and we took the first steps of ten miles.
We walked down two-notch road out of Columbia, SC, and ended our walk in Elgin at an IGA parking lot. We completed our section in a little over three hours crossing some very busy streets, walking on uneven and un-mowed shoulders, and traversing some “rolling” hills. (Somehow the hills seem more rolling when you are in a car.)
Yet, those three hours were completely unforgettable. We had the privilege of talking about Miss Laura Belle Barnard, Miss Voleena Wilson, “Uncle” Carlisle Hanna, and so many others, past and present, who faithfully serve(d) International Mission and the Great Commission of our Lord. We also had a chance to stop and think about the journey we have taken so far for our Savior.
In many ways we feel the walk we took symbolizes the road we are now on. There have been setbacks to our plans to leave for Uruguay, just as we came to intersections on our walk where we were forced to wait before proceeding. There have been times when we have been discouraged that felt like wading through knee-high grass on an uneven shoulder. There have even been times we have become weary much like the sun that wearied us and blistered Mandi’s neck. However, there are times like now. Times, when we know that our leaving for the field will be soon and that brings great joy just like seeing the one-mile to go sign.
The Go10 Walk was an incredibly amazing experience. It was an emotional experience—to carry the baton, hold the Bible, and remember from whence we came. We are thankful to International Missions, Joe Wilson and his support staff, and the anonymous donor in Georgia who have collectively made this experience possible for Free Will Baptists. We encourage every Free Will Baptist to participate in Go10! To participate, give, or find out more about the Go10 Walk for the World, click here.
P.S. We had a friendly competition to see who could raise the most financial support for the Go10 Walk. Since we are both South Carolina fans, the "loser" had to wear a Clemson hat for the entire ten miles. Obvious by the pictures, Neil lost. Together, however, we raised over $12,227.66!! Praise God and thanks to all who gave.
P.P.S. You can watch a video of highlights from day seven by clicking here.
Pictures:
1. Postlewaite's finishing section one
2. Neil in his Clemson hat
3. Baton and Bible passing ceremony
4. Finishing the walk
5. Neil, Mandi, and Cathy after finishing 10 miles
6. Cathy passing the Bible to the next group of walkers