6 Arkansas United Methodist November 7, 2008
Jonesboro pastor steps away from
pulpit to swim, bike and run
a73 John Miles II takes part in
112-mile bike ride and a 26.2-mile of my workouts on our church web-
140-mile physical challenge run. Even though I wanted to do the site. On the day of the race, Sept. 20
race, I found the 140-mile distance in Oklahoma City, many people kept
[Editor’s Note: John Miles II, a 53-
daunting, to say the least. I just had up with my progress with a link for
year-old United Methodist pastor from
not been able to get motivated to do our website to the triathlon website.
Jonesboro, recently swam, biked and
ran in a 140-mile Ironman Triathalon
the training it would take to complete The site kept track of my progress
in Oklahoma City. Here, he describes the
the race. electronically.
experience.]
When I moved to Jonesboro and By race day we had collected more
was appointed pastor of First United than $16,000 in cash and pledges for
By JOHN MILES II Methodist, I quickly became City Youth.
impressed with the work of City There were approximately 140
I got interested in triathlons Youth, an interdenominational min- athletes who participated in the
around the year 2000. I had taken up istry that reaches out to low-income Ironman race. We started with a 2.4-
running a few years before, and I had and at-risk children from grade school mile swim at 7:15 a.m. The swim
been a swimmer in college. I felt the to high school. I realized here was my started out in chaos as 140 people all
combination of swimming, biking and perfect motivation. I could collect tried to swim in one small area. For
John Miles II, senior pastor of First United
running might be fun and challenging. money to help pay off the debt for the about 500 yards we swam over each Methodist Church, Jonesboro, prepares for
I competed in my first half City Youth facility as the incentive to other as we struggled to find our own
the cycling leg of the Ironman Triathalon in
Ironman distance race in 2002. We do the training required for the place and pace. I finished the swim in
Oklahoma City.
had just purchased a modular medical Ironman race. an hour and 16 minutes, which was
center for our Christian health facility I began training in March and faster than the average. Getting out so
at Heber Springs First United gradually began to work up my quickly inspired me to go faster on the the dark. I was fifth out of 13 in my
Methodist, where I was pastor. In mileage in both the bike and the run. bike to begin with than I should have. age group and 64th over all. I was
August 2002, my contributors and I Over the next few months I spent By mile 100, I was shot. At that point happy with my time and with the day.
raised nearly $22,000 to pay off the from 15-20 hours a week in training. I quit racing and began surviving. On Sunday, Oct. 12, I presented a
entire debt on the health center. It was The training became difficult when When I got to the transition site at check to Renell Wood, director of
a wonderful day. I was not just racing the temperature rose over 100 degrees 2:45, my family told me I was 38th City Youth, for $20,000 to help low-
for myself but also for the health cen- this summer, and I had to work overall and first in my age group. I income children. I have finished my
ter and all those who had contributed. through back and leg injuries. The calmly told them it would not last Ironman and I am done with training.
I have had a desire to compete in race itself was a relief because it because I was exhausted. Sure enough, It was a great experience that I cannot
an Ironman distance race since then. meant the end of the constant training the five-hour marathon I had hoped imagine doing again.
The Ironman Triathlon is the most I was doing. for turned into a six-hour one. I fin-
[John Miles II is senior pastor of First
difficult. It includes a 2.4-mile swim, a Over the months I kept a narrative ished at 8:45 in the evening running in
UMC, Jonesboro.]
Magnolia church cares for Alzheimer’s patients, families Summer OMP
a73 Ministry concept adapted staffers sought
from successful Hot Springs
church model
Ozark Mission Project is cur-
rently accepting applications for its
2009 summer college staff. OMP
MAGNOLIA — An adult day care
brings together youth and adults for
and respite program serving persons
service in the spirit of Christ to
with Alzheimer’s disease and related
neighbors who are in need of some
dementia and their caregivers has been
handiwork and friendly visiting.
launched by First United Methodist
OMP participants take on clean-up,
Church here.
fix-up and painting jobs. All camps
The Caring Place of Magnolia
take place in Arkansas.
opened last month and is housed at
A job description, expectations
First UMC. The weekly ministry of
and policies, along with an applica-
elder care was patterned after The
tion, can be found online at
Caring Place developed by Hot
www.ozarkmissionproject.org
Springs’ First United Methodist
Volunteers for The Caring Place at First United Methodist Church, Magnolia, exercise with Marie under the download tab. Deadline
Church.
Tosh (left). The adult day care and respite program serves persons with Alzheimer’s disease and
for submitting applications is Dec.
The goal of The Caring Place is to related dementia and their caregivers.
10.
provide a safe and caring environment
Founded in 1986 by United
for respite care. The ministry provides nered with the Area Agency on Aging. mental and social stimulation through
Methodist clergy and laity, OMP is
social interaction and a host of activi- Barbara Lewis, pastor of the conversation and memory exercises. A
affiliated with the Arkansas
ties each Thursday from 10 a.m. to 2 Emerson Charge near Magnolia, is the fitness program includes exercises,
Conference of the United Methodist
p.m. Cost is $30 per day. program coordinator. Volunteers are walks and games. There is also plenty
Church. For more information,
The Magnolia program received a also being recruited and trained to care of music, crafts and special entertain-
contact Carness Vaughan, chairper-
$7,500 grant from the Brookdale for the adult day-care participants. ment. Meals are also provided.
son, Personnel Committee, at (479)
Foundation to assist with staff training Lewis explained that The Caring For more information about The
636-1630, or Nancy Mulhearn, exec-
and the first year’s operating expenses. Place provides participants ways to Caring Place of Magnolia, contact
utive director, at (501) 339-4500.
In addition, The Caring Place has part- reduce their isolation and increase Lewis at (870) 234-4530.
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