GuideStone wellness walk/run slated for SBC in Nashville
DALLAS (BP)--GuideStone Financial Resources (Annuity Board) will sponsor the third annual Living@YourBest Wellness Walk/Run during the Southern Baptist Convention’s annual meeting in Nashville, Tenn.
SBC messengers and their families and Nashville-area Southern Baptist churches and denominational employees are invited to join GuideStone staff and local volunteers at 6:15 a.m. on Tuesday, June 21, at Hilton Park across from the Country Music Hall of Fame.
“With the participation of local churches and Southern Baptist organizations, we’re expecting a record turnout this year,” GuideStone President O.S. Hawkins said. “We want Southern Baptists across the country to see this walk as an outward demonstration of GuideStone’s ongoing commitment to wellness.
“The body is a temple of the Holy Spirit,” Hawkins continued, “and we must be good stewards of the physical gifts of God. We hope this event will encourage Southern Baptists to make a commitment to living more healthful lifestyles.”
As a provider of life and healthcare coverage for Southern Baptist employees, GuideStone has made a commitment to promote healthy lifestyles and physical fitness. In addition to feeling better and having more energy, living a healthier lifestyle can yield healthcare savings.
“God is really blessing our wellness efforts,” Hawkins said. “Since our first walk in Phoenix in 2003, we’ve received letters and met face to face with individuals who have been inspired to make a commitment to good health as a result of GuideStone’s encouragement. We’re hearing from medical plan participants who tell us they’re getting off medications and requiring less medical care than before.
“When a participant tells you that he’s 70 pounds lighter this year and training for his second marathon, you know the message is getting across and the commitment is paying off,” Hawkins said.
In support for the wellness initiative, LifeWay Christian Resources and many of the companies that provide services for GuideStone’s life and health products are providing financial support for the walk. LifeWay also will be providing volunteers to help during the event.
Warm-up for the walk/run will begin at 6:15 a.m. for the one-mile and 5K course for both runners and walkers. Start times will begin at 6:30 a.m. and will be staggered for runners and walkers.
The 5K course will take participants over the Cumberland River, around the Coliseum, home of the NFL’s Tennessee Titans, and back to Hilton Park. Healthful refreshments will be served to all participants at the end of the walk.
Interested individuals can register online at www.GuideStone.org or by calling 1-800-262-0511. Registered walkers can pick up their bib numbers at the SBC annual meeting site, the Gaylord Entertainment Center, on Sunday, June 19, or Monday, June 20. The first 750 registered walkers (age 10 and older) to pick up their bib numbers will receive a free T-shirt.
