Mercy Ironman Raises Big Bucks for Mercy Ministries in Canada

So many people told John Burns (pictured right), Pastor of Relate Church in Canada, that it could not be done, but he would have none of it! Not too many people would train for a solid year and commit to do 100 holes of golf in one single day, which also means running over 27 miles between holes since no golf cart or caddy was used. The truth is, this would be a feat for a professional athlete in his prime, yet John Burns, a man in his early 50’s, accomplished this on Monday.

You can see John in action in the pictures! Driven by a deep passion to see young women set free of eating disorders, addictions, and the like (which began years ago with his own daughter who struggled for years and successfully overcame an eating disorder), John put his own body on the line to raise money for a cause he so deeply believes in. John’s vision was to get people to pledge the money toward each of the 100 holes with all contributions going to the establishment of Mercy Ministries in Canada. I have to say that I was so moved by John’s commitment that I pledged $2000 myself ($20 for each hole). If I was a wealthy person, I would have given him $200 per hole because he would have earned every bit of it.

Years ago I had the privilege of meeting John and Helen Burns, who are no doubt some of the most wonderful people that have ever hit the face of the earth. I am so in awe of this amazing couple and their entire family, and it is my joy to partner with them to bring Mercy Ministries to Canada. We are days away from taking in the young girls who have patiently waited on a waiting list and are desperately in need. Seven years ago John, Helen and myself, began this journey together, and today we are coming together to celebrate the hard work of many people who have joined forces to make this possible. I want to give John a huge shoutout today for a job well done!

By the way, for those of you who are reading this and are in awe yourself, it is not too late for you to make a pledge after the fact. You can do so by giving online at http://familyvictory.com/relate/giving. You simply need to designate your donation to “Golf-A-Thon.” This is the best way you can thank John Burns for a job well done.

Sometimes I feel like I’m the most blessed person in the world that God has put such great people in my life!

John had many people who showed up to cheer him on!