November 15, 2017
Literacy Connexus is part of the Texas Baptist Christian Life Commission 

Pam Moore here, reporting from Waco, TX, with an exclusive interview with The Run for Robin's Masked Runner.

PM: Who are you?
 
TMR: I'm The Masked Runner.
 
PM: What is The Run for Robin? Who is Robin?
 
TMR: The Run for Robin is a way to raise awareness of the need for classes in English for refugees, immigrants, and internationals living in Texas, and to highlight existing ESL ministries in churches. I'll be participating in the Baton Rouge Beach Half Marathon. 
 
Robin Feistel is the person who developed TEX (Teaching English with Excellence) over a period of about 10 years. It was her magnum opus of a life dedicated to helping persons learn English as a ministry of the church. She developed effective ways to train volunteers, and then equipped other trainers to continue her legacy. We currently have a team of 10 who train approximately 300 volunteer teachers each year.
 
Robin was a wife and mother and grandmother, and she directed ESL Ministry in FBC Richardson and FBC Nacogdoches.
 
Robin ended her fight with cancer almost three years ago.
PM: Why go all the way to Louisiana to run a half marathon?
     
TMR: There are several factors that are appealing to this old masked runner--a flat course, mild weather, beautiful scenery, and my parents live in Baton Rouge. And, it all culminates with Cajun cuisine.
 
PM: Will you listen to zydeco on the run?
 
TMR: No.
 
PM: What kind of shoes will you wear?  
 
TMR: I don't pay attention to the shoes as long as they stay tied.
 
PM: Tell me about your pre-race meal plans.
 
TMR: Baked potato the night before. The old standby: peanut butter toast and coffee for breakfast.
 
PM: Will that be enough?
 
TMR: Yes--with the reservoir I carry with me. 
PM: Why a Half Marathon? Why not a read-a-thon or a spelling bee?
 
TMR: Those are good ideas. Can we use them next year?
 
PM: The early bird catches the worm. What will be your reward in the Run for Robin?
 
TMR: It's a race for Robin and her legacy. Robin fought the good fight, and some of our current trainers are cancer survivors. I'll think about and pray for the trainers and those teaching ESL across the state. It's relatively easy to run a race around a lake. But the real race is run by those who show up every week. The reward is knowing funds generated will support ESL ministry all over Texas in 2018.  
 
PM: Thank you, Masked Runner. Break a leg! 
 
River Ministry's Vanessa Lerma is already
cheering for our Masked Runner! Join her! 
Your donation to The Run for Robin will
help support ESL ministries all over Texas.
Thank you!
Lester Meriwether, Executive Director
Mailing/shipping address:
3020 S. Cherry Lane, #123168
Fort Worth, TX  76121
817-696-9898 www.literacyconnexus.org 
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Pam Moore, Editor