The FORTYMAN triathlon was a great time, enduring with purpose. Watch below and DONATE to NGM!

It takes enduring courage and generosity to learn about an injustice and remain committed to seeking the best solutions for people over the long-haul. Our friends with Next Generation Ministries are part of changing Uganda one person at a time. What does NGM do? They commit to caring for people like Juliet:

Juliet's Story 

On the occasion of my 40th birthday I'm doing a triathlon as a fundraiser for Next Generation Ministries (NGM), aka the FortyMan 40.3. (Actually racing on Tuesday, August 28th, my father's birthday. My birthday was June 17th, also Father's Day this year, and due to an accident I was not in good health to race on that day. August 28th it shall be! In honor of my father, Dan Patterson, who is now in glory, and hear on earth was a kind, patient, generous man who would wholeheartedly get behind this cause, as a so-and-father I shall endure with joy.) 

In forty words, here's my WHY:

How you can join in:

• Give $40 above to support the ongoing work of NGM

• Tell me how I can intentional and creatively pray for you. Choose a mile and tell me how I can pray for you as I endure with joy. (I'll send you a note requesting this.) 

• A triathlon is swimming–biking-running, and I’ll cover 40.3 miles between Oregon City and many “villages” en route to Colton. (Schedule & course TBA.)

Note: due to a recent cycling accident I've had to postpone this endurance event, and have needed to reschedule based on progress recovering: Tuesday, August 28th looks to be the day for the Loneliman 40.3 aka FORTYMAN.

My friend Paul Hunter captured some of the joy of endurance in last year's Loneliman 39.3: 

You don't have to swim, bike or run at all. As you give, I'll go faster. I envision one hundred people each giving $40, or more. Again, I'm not asking for a birthday gift, for all my needs are met. All donations go to fund NGM, so in lieu of presents, please give hope.

Our friends, Paul & Pam Hunter lead and guide the people and projects of NGM, for the sake of the next generation in Uganda, Africa, and here in the States. Their courage, generosity, and wisdom is uncommon. We get to stand with them, for leadership is lonely. As they give their time, talents, and treasure into making disciples of Jesus in every sphere of life, we get to partner with them as they Encourage … Equip … Empower … Release the next generation of leaders in Uganda, world changers.

THEY are why we're in this endurance race with Next Generation!

Why the loneliman? 

Leadership is life-giving ... and lonely. Leaders give HOPE.

Yet giving one's life, giving HOPE, tends to deplete one's resources. Many of long for the persevering joy and wisdom the Hunters have. We can prolong their impact in Uganda in a personal way: give toward their practical needs while they give hope. This way they are not alone in making God's abundance in our lives into a river of resources in together changing Uganda one person at a time. We're partners with NGM.

—Jeff (& Kari) Patterson

Why 40.3? 

That's the number of miles I'll cover — corresponding to my 40 years — in three parts:

1.0 mile Swim » Starting with the most dangerous sport, the Clackamas Cove will be a reminder of the scenic wonder of Lake Victoria and the majestic power of the headwaters of the Nile River. The people of the Pearl of Africa will be on my mind.

+ 33.1 mile Bike ride » The longest part of the race, I'll do this in one spot. Yep, since I was hit by a pickup on my bike on June 6th I haven't ridden outside. Training resumed indoors on a bike trainer, and I'll be doing that, outside this time. You're welcome to join me at the Revival Building (813 7th St, Oregon City), I'll be spinning away in the parking lot along Jefferson St. starting about 7:45 AM. Virtually, you could "watch" (or ride with me) from anywhere as I'll use a fun training app called Zwift, which will send hills my way as a I ride a course called "Innsbruck" in Austria. It's really hilly, a welcome challenge. (Using Zwift? Search for J. Patterson.)

+ 6.2 mile Run » The final 10K will be the hardest, even for someone who enjoys running the most. With the onset of fatigue and cramping (oh joy!), enduring the final miles will bring the good kind of pain. At this point I'll want to give up, but the welcome challenge of leaving and returning to the Revival Building for a fast-paced run all over the Original City hills will remind of the grace-driven endurance followers of Jesus get to embrace and embody in Uganda. Nothing comes easy there, and I'm inspired by all the lives touched and changed through the Hunters' influence, happy endurance, and life-giving journey there.

= 40.3 miles as fast as I can (goal: in under three hours)! In fact, going it solo means I'll have to be self-motivated, or better yet, be motivated the hope given and provided for by your donations. Let's raise $4,000 or more for NGM! 

Time estimates:

*Almost all the fundraising for NGM is for a specific project or cause. From One Step to the Maternal Advocacy Program (MAP). This fundraiser is for the overall financial health of NGM, aka the "General Fund." You see BEING there alongside people in need has a cost; the Hunters go the distance with people, so let's go the distance for them. The platform Pure Charity keeps 5%, and all the rest goes to NGM. Both are registered 501c3 charities in the U.S.; thus your donation is tax-deductible, and you'll receive a giving receipt. Thank you!