Gene's website (raafj.com) "I love running. I was a runner in high school, before I lost my legs. Since I became a Christian, I accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as my savior -- I'm running for Him. The main reason for running is -- every time I put on my legs to run -- is to be a witness for the one who is the only answer to life and death, the Lord Jesus Christ," said Roberts.
Donations: Running Across America For Jesus
1498 Reisterstown Road #208
Pikesville, MD 21208-3842
One land mine took both his legs, but not his heart. Eugene Roberts is running across America for the poor, the disabled, the homeless and for his Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
**Credits correction: My sincerest apology for spelling error. End of movie credits should say George Samek, not Semek.
Eugene's Story: (raafj.com)
When I graduated from high school I had to make a decision about my future. Even though I could have run track in college, I knew I wasn't the college type, so I decided to enlist in the Marines. My sister's friend told me that it was not a good idea to go in the Marines because they were fighting in Vietnam. I had never heard of the place before and decided to join despite his warning. I took the necessary test and was sent to Paris Island in the fall of 1965. I went to Camp LeJuene, N.C., then to Camp Pendleton in San Diego, CA. and finally I was deployed to Vietnam. I carried two Bibles to Viet Nam with me. I recall the Viet Cong shooting at my platoon, suddenly hitting the ground, and the noise from a bullet passing my right ear, so close I could its sound; this was my very first day in Vietnam.
One day the Viet Cong hit one of our Companies really hard. The next day we were sent on a search and destroy mission. We came to a gate and I warned the guys not to bother the gate because it might be booby trapped. We walked through some trees, there were maybe four or five guys ahead of me, and there was an explosion; I was down. A helicopter arrived to transport me to the field hospital. When I awoke, I was at Clark's Air Force Base in the Philippines, and was shocked to learn that both of my feet and part of both legs were gone. One of the guys from the mission apologized to me for getting me hurt and I responded, "Don't worry about it that is war." I was flown to Philadelphia naval Hospital where I spent 7 months recovering.
In 2001, I finished the Baltimore Marathon, 26.2 miles, in 8 hours 41 seconds. It completely drained me, spiritually, mentally and physically, but thanks to my Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, I was able to finish. I have run 5ks, 10ks, and 2 half marathons and in 2004 I ran across Maryland, 300 miles running 10 miles a day. The Maryland run was really difficult, but extremely rewarding. As I ran, the word of God was my strength. When I went up those Western Maryland Mountains, I said, "The power of Christ will get me over this mountain". Running on prosthetic legs has been most difficult, but a most rewarding experience. Every time I run, it is to be a witness (Acts 1:8) for the one who is the answer to life and death, the Lord Jesus Christ. Even when I am not running physically, the race always continues spiritually.
July 2007, I plan to run across America for Jesus. The God of energy, space, and time has saved me by His wonderful Grace and put me in this Holy race and one day I will see Jesus' face! I John 3:2
I want to run well for Jesus, so I will hear him say well done good and faithful servant (runner). Matthew 25:21 Are you running for Jesus? If not, run to Jesus by faith for salvation from sin, death, and hell.(1Tim.1:15, John 3:16, Romans 6:23, and Mark 9:45-46). Then you can run for the Lord Jesus by faith in holy and righteous living, (John 14:15, Romans 6:11-23, Hebrews 12:1-2) and when you die you will run into heaven (Phil. 1:21-25).
Just Do It! In Jesus' Name
Tags: Vietnam Vet Eugene Gene Roberts running across America for Jesus prosthetics wheelchair Lifesong Casting Crowns
