A Successful 2016 Running the Race!

Hebrews 12:1-2

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.”
 

 

History

We are very excited to update you concerning Life’s Journey’s fifth year as a 501c (3) non-profit! The foundation was started after my own near-death experience with a plane crash, reminding me how short life can be, and how we must make the most of the time given to us.    
 
My daughter Alison later gave me a CD about the life of “Pistol” Pete Maravich, who holds the all-time NCAA men’s scoring title.  He became a Christian at age 40 and began using his gifts to help young kids develop their own talent and Christ-like character.  This inspired the Life’s Journey ministry. Our focus remains in sponsoring children of military, law enforcement, and firefighter families who may need financial help to participate in athletic camps and other activities.
 
 
The Julie Martin Fishing Scholarship - In April, we hosted our fifth annual Julie Martin Fishing Event which raised $500 for the local Chadwick Fire Department.  The event was a great success and allowed young kids to fish for small mouth bass on Swan Creek, located in the Mark Twain National Forest. Levi Matthews wins little heroes fishing tournament.

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The Jackie Stiles Basketball Scholarship- Jackie is the all-time leading scorer in women’s college basketball history, playing for Missouri State University in Springfield, Missouri.  She led Missouri State to the 2001 Women’s Final Four.
 
In June, we hosted our fourth annual Jackie Stiles camp for military Little Heroes at Waynesville High school near Fort Leonard Wood Army base with over 30 Little Heroes attending.  In total, over 200 kids have attended the past four years at the Jackie Stiles Basketball camp.

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The Roberto Clemente Humanitarian Scholarship – As a young kid, Roberto Clemente was my favorite baseball player.  I remember when he tallied his 3,000th hit during his final season in 1972 while playing for the Pittsburg Pirates.  During his retirement, Clemente dedicated his time to charitable work, and Roberto chartered a plane to transport supplies to earthquake stricken Nicaragua. His plane crashed just after take-off on New Year’s Eve, and Clemente was killed in the accident. We met our goal and raised the the $10,000 needed for a new concrete soccer court for children in the country of El Salvador. 

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Here is an updated photo of the current construction of the concrete soccer court:

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Other Sponsorship- A three-person team sponsored by Life’s Journey and a Branson Dental team took top honors in their respective divisions of the Betty & Bobby Allison’s Junior Pro-Am in August at Rivercut Golf Course, where 13-year-old Adam Floyd also scored an ace on No. 6.It was all part of a pro-am tied to the PGA Web.com Tour’s Price Cutter Charity Championship presented by Dr Pepper, in which events such as Friday’s help raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for Ozarks children’s charities.
Life’s Journey, which fired a 128, featured Jacob Shackelford, Samuel Shackelford and Evan Veinhage. All three golfers are sons of police officers.

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Our non-profit is dedicated to giving 100% of the scholarship money raised directly to
Little Heroes for these initiatives, so please designate which scholarship or initiative you would like to support. Donations not designated for scholarships will assist with foundation operations.

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Thank you so much for your support!  All of us at Life’s Journey want to wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
 
Wishing you an amazing journey in life,
 
 
                                 

Roger A. Rekate                                         
Founder

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