A few weeks ago, 14 men from our Double R Ranch campus in Warner Springs participated in the Spartan Race, an intense obstacle course race about 10 miles in length, with 24-29 obstacles along the way.
What once started as a creative way to stay in shape and have some fun has now evolved into a part of the Double R Ranch program. It is instrumental in the journey to self-sufficiency for many of the men that live at the Ranch. I was able to speak with two of the men that participated in the Race, Cameron and Jason, and hear what the Spartan Race means to them.
They have passion for the Spartan Race. “Just like the Double R Ranch, [the Spartan Race] is a way of working hard and is a matter of endurance.” And they learned to endure together, gaining a new appreciation and passion for the power of team work.
Cameron shares that for many of the men that compete, their spirit is changed after. “It’s something they thought they couldn’t do, but then realized they could,” he says. “For guys that don’t have much, that is huge.”
This type of achievement is a major morale boost for the men at the Double R Ranch. As Jason says, “If you’re here, you’re broken.” Pushing themselves physically, mentally, and spiritually through this Race shows them that they have the endurance and ability to complete an incredibly difficult task. It is an also an opportunity to set goals and achieve them, again something many of these men have never successfully done.
“It is an accomplishment much like the program itself. It’s not fun, it’s not easy, it’s not convenient. But it pays off,” Cameron says.
Jason sums it up so well, “Much like the Orange County Rescue Mission philosophy and like faith, it is an ‘all in’ thing. The same principles apply to the Race.” Walking with God and transforming your life are not half-hearted processes, and neither is the Spartan Race.
“It is a blessing from the donors,” Jason says. Thanks to your support, men like Jason and Cameron are able to participate in a life-changing experience and accomplish something they never thought they could.
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that Day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.” – 2 Timothy 4:7-8
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