"Giving Back to His Community"

Olympic marathoner Wilson Kipsang says running is a talent God has given him, and he has taken years to develop it. As he trained to run marathons, he learned patience.

He waited four years before he ran his first race outside his country of Kenya. “That gives you a lot of training,” he says, "not only gaining physical strength but getting past the fear.”

Even though his training took a long time, Wilson experienced fame quickly once he started running international races. When he won marathons in major cities like London, Berlin, and New York, he received six-figure prizes.

Immediately, he felt the pressure to spend his winnings. He thought about buying a big house. Then he wondered how he might be able to help his family and neighbors. The patience he learned while training helped him slow down and think carefully about the best way to offer help.

He chose to build a resort then hire family members and people from the community to staff it while he continues to train. “It’s a long-term plan because I know that running is short-term,” Wilson says. “When I retire, and anything can happen, I will have something that can sustain me, my family, and my relatives.”

Very aware of his humble beginnings, he freely gives back to the community that supports him and his career. “So that has been my prayer to God, ‘Please bless me to have it because I have the heart to share with others.’”

Question: How are you using your talents to help others?

Prayer: Thank you, Jesus, for the gifts and talents you have given me. Allow me to take advantage of the opportunities you give me to help other people.