b'DAYTODAYFULL PLATEPaul RatkovichUp and Running AgainPairing nutrition with exerciseR escue missions do incredible work restor-Photos courtesy of Paul Ratkoviching those who experience homelessness. They feed them Gods Word for their spirit, and they feed them meals for their bodies. While both are essential to restoration, providing meals can create an issue that is not often addressed. When you take individuals from the street, where many times they have gone hungry or only eaten what they can find that day, and you welcome them into a rescue mission that provides three abundant meals a day, they are bound to gain weight. Sometimes, a lot of weight.Exercise and nutrition is not something that many rescue missions address with their residents. In 2009, four Southern Californian accountants wanted to make a difference in the lives of those experiencing homelessness. They created the Up and Running Again ministry with the purpose of training rescue mission residents to run a halfto the finish line of the race, but they also begin the marathon (13.1 miles), at no cost to the missions.starting line of a new life filled with confidence, The ministry provides each mission with a coach.dignity, and hope. They provide each resident with a pair of profes- Since its inception, Up and Running Again sional running shoes and running gear. They alsohas had more than 900 rescue mission residents provide them with nutritional guidance and ideascomplete a half marathon. Many of them have on how to set personal goals. gone on to get jobs and move out of the shelters. As a result of getting the residents physicallySeveral past participants have gone on to college. Chef Paul served as the CEOready for a marathon, Up and Running Again dis- Many continue on to run full marathons and and founder of the Maui Dessertcovered something unexpected. Residents beganbecome lifelong runners. and Catering Company. He hasto develop confidence in their abilities to achieveUp and Running Again currently has programs been in the culinary industry for over 25 years. For 10 years hegoals and realized that if they could accomplishin 10 locations across the country. They are served as the head volunteercompeting in a half marathon, there was nothingcontinually wanting to spread their impact to chef for the Orange Countythat could stop them from getting a job or recon- more ministries. Rescue Mission. He recentlyciling with their families. For more information, contact Greg Clarke retired to southern Oregon where he is currently theThrough hard work, discipline, and teamworkat greg@upandrunningagain.org or visitvolunteer chef at the Medfordin a gospel-driven environment, the residents getwww.upandrunningagain.org. \x03Gospel Mission.60 WWW.CITYGATENETWORK.ORG JULY/AUGUST 2023'