Scout running to raise funds for church

Dillon Forsythe, right, is raising funds to remodel the youth group room at Bay United Methodist Church as part of his Eagle Scout project. He is pictured here with his brother, Logan, selling popcorn for the Boy Scouts.

You may remember me from saving an abandoned little black poodle named Peanut last year from Porter Creek in Bay Village. You may also remember me from selling you popcorn at your door or in front of the Bay True Value store. I am now on a new crusade to raise donations for the Bay United Methodist Church!

I am 15 years old and have always had a goal to become an Eagle Scout by the age of 16. I knew I wanted to combine my Christianity with my Eagle Scout project. Last month, I spoke to the youth council coordinator from the church who told me of the problems within the youth group room. Ever since, I felt committed to helping remodel the youth group room.

I chose my project, but asked myself how would I raise the money in order to help my church? The moment of inspiration happened in the middle of one recent night. I woke up remembering God telling me to run. At first I thought that meant to coordinate a run, but I soon figured out that God was leading me a different route. 

I emailed the director of the Fourth of July Bay Days five-mile run. He told me that I could run the race and earn sponsorships. It sounded like I had heard from Angels. Running the race is now a priority of faith and determination for me.
 
I will have a booth at the Bay Days carnival accepting sponsorships for the run. You may also donate on my secure online fundraising page at www.active.com/donate/DillonsRunForGod. All donations will go to Bay United Methodist Church to help with remodeling the youth group room. I want to bring other teens to this newly remodeled room so they can learn about Jesus Christ and know that there is always hope for their future.