Pastor's effort at self-improvement becomes race for life for congregant
BY SUZANNE LOUDAMY Staff writer

Pastors are generally thought of as people who give of themselves to others. For one Whitehouse man of God, this began with the pastor thinking of himself.

He thought that getting in shape and starting to run each day would improve his fitness as well as clear his thoughts. He soon saw God had bigger plans for him.

Pastor Michael Fleming of the First Assembly of God Church picked up the sport of marathon running. He started slowly, building up his stamina running the back roads of Whitehouse. He has been training for seven weeks.

Fleming commented that the hilly country roads around here are just beautiful this time of year and are a real challenge for training.

His personal goal of improving his fitness led him to register for the Tyler Half Marathon, a 13.1-mile race being held to benefit the UT Tyler cross country and track teams. Fleming says he ran a 10K race in college, but, in his words, "that was a long time ago."

Fleming's goal has been piggybacked with something much more personal and meaningful than just to improve his fitness. Shortly after his training began, Fleming found out that one of his church members needed a kidney transplant.

Billie Parks is on dialysis three days a week, four hours a day. Parks was in good health until a heart attack and stroke in 2006 took him downhill fast.

Parks is in real need of a kidney.

With that health need came the need for the funds to pay for it.

Fleming learned of Parks' need and realized he could play a roll. Someone was now counting on him to run a race for a life.

Through the help of the National Transplant Assistance Fund, the local effort began to help Parks raise the money he needs.

"NTAF has provided us with sign up sheets, bracelets and ever ything else we've needed to get this under way," Fleming said. "Our members have pledged so much per mile or just a flat donation to pay for me to run."

NTAF provides fund-raising guidance and expertise to families and communities throughout the country.

Parks said he is very grateful to Fleming as well as his fellow congregation members who are supporting him along the way. Fleming said the challenge has such a higher meaning for him now.

"Mr. Parks is counting on me," Fleming said. "And I'll do my best not to let him down."

To sponsor Fleming in this race and help with the expenses for Parks' kidney transplant, contact the First Assembly of God Church at 903-839-2356 or email Fleming at mdfleming@prodigy.net.