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Date: 11/3/2022
WILBRAHAM – Bethlehem Church Lead Pastor Darrin Ray and ultra-runner Bill Wells are teaming to spread the Gospel throughout Massachusetts from Nov. 14 to 19.
They are calling this mission Crossing Massachusetts; while Ray connects with people, Wells will run six marathons in six days, starting at Fenway Park and finishing at the New York state border.
“As I get older, the more I realize how important it is to move forward and that’s really what running does for me figuratively and literally. It moves me forward,” said Wells.
Each day, a 15-minute service of Bible study, devotion and prayer will take place at 11 a.m. before Wells runs a marathon. At the end of the 26.2-mile run, another gathering will take place at 5 p.m. A coat and winter attire drive will be included at every site. Items can be dropped off on site prior to each service.
“There is no money or obligation tied to this whatsoever,” Wells pointed out. “We are simply trying to spread the Gospel throughout the state and encouraging people to attend one of the services. We want people to feel comfortable and enjoy some fellowship.”
Ray and Wells are both Wilbraham residents. Wells had been attending Bethlehem Church for a short period of time and became a follower of Jesus. Soon after, while Ray was in a message series sharing one of the primary reasons for moving from Kansas City to Massachusetts, Wells began to question what he could do to begin making an impact in the least reached state with the Gospel. Wells took what Ray said and, with his passion for running, came up with the idea for Crossing Massachusetts.
One of the first few Sundays Wells was there, he and Ray met and started a friendship. Wells approached him with this idea early in the fall, and they started working on it together. Since then, not only have they worked on the project together, but have built a really good friendship as well.
“Through these efforts, we want to make an impact for Christ, to the degree where Massachusetts is no longer ranked as last in the 50 states,” Ray said. “Our mission is that the Gospel message will go to as many as possible across the state and as people hear of God’s love for them, with the ultimate hope of their surrendering their lives to Jesus.”
He went on to say, “There’s a heart to share the gospel and our stories of surrender to Jesus, knowing a relationship with God is possible for all because of His sacrifice for us. The gospel in eight words: God is love, we have sinned, Jesus saves. Our mission is sharing the love of Christ that all would know Him.”
For more information, visit the Facebook page for Crossing Massachusetts.
The schedule is as follows: