Perseverance and faith often work wonders. Many of the supporters of the Maine Family Policy Council have labored long in the fields of the Lord, and more than a few have grown weary doing good works. Theirs is a life of commitment and sacrifice.

Many of them find encouragement in the words of the Apostle Paul, who wrote "Let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God." (Hebrews 12:1,2)

Early this week our office received the unexpected good news that Mike Hein, the Administrator for the Maine Family Policy Council, had made an excellent showing in a grueling half marathon race.

The race started off in cool, overcast weather - perfect for running - with the boom of a cannon at Old Fort Western in Augusta. The runners then raced along a tree lined-course that slopes gently downward, through Hallowell and Farmingdale, then on to Gardiner, for a total of 13.1 miles.

Mike placed tenth in a field of seventy-five runners, which included the mayor of Gardiner, Andrew McClean; and placed second in his age category.

But this is only part of the story. Mike's fine showing was all the more remarkable because he runs for a pastime, and has never trained for a race. His final time was 1 hour, 36 minutes, 33 seconds (1:36:33).

Mike Heath, the Executive Director of the Maine Family Policy Council, is also an avid runner, and sets a good example for his staff by walking several miles each day. The practice of walking for exercise was recommended by Ben Bubar, Sr., a Maine State Senator, and father of Ben Bubar, Jr. who was for many years the director of the Christian Civic League of Maine.

Ben Bubar, Sr. was a pupil of the diet and exercise expert, Bernard MacFadden, and was one of the first people in Maine to advocate regular exercise and a wholesome diet based on whole grains, fruits and vegetables, and lean meat. Ben Bubar, Sr. stayed in good health well into his later years, dying at the age of 96 as the result of injuries received in an auto accident.

In the photo above are Mike Hein (center) along with Mike Heath's mom and dad.