Amanda Wesolowski is running in the Chicago Marathon in October as part of Team AFA.
ASHLAND, Ky. – Amanda “Mandi” Wesolowski has a heart for God and a heart of gold for Amy For Africa.
She is one of the original members of the organization as the older sister of co-founder Amy Compston.
Mandi’s work with the group has included donating her money, time and talents. She is also a vocal supporter in every way.
Mostly, she wants to make a difference in people’s lives and she’s doing just that by being a part of the runners on Team AFA.
Mandi, who is 35 and the mother of Reagan Evans, works jobs at Southern Ohio Medical Center and Big Sandy Superstore to make ends meet. But she felt compelled to take on another challenge: Running in the Chicago Marathon.
“I’m excited to be a part of God’s work,” she said. “Running is a way to raise support to make it happen. I left running this marathon up to Him. He allowed my entry to be chosen. Now I run for God!”
Like many others, Mandi has inspired by her sister’s devotion to the children in Moyo, Uganda, and the United Christian Expedition (UCE) ministry.
She sat under Dr. Floyd Paris (along with Amy and her husband Chris and Samantha Caudill) in a MasterLife class at Unity Baptist Church that was life-changing for all of them. Paris is the president of UCE.
“The Bible teaches that we should ‘Train up a child in the way they should go and when they are old they will not turn from it.’ (Proverbs 22:6). Giving the children in this village an opportunity to know God, His word and His love is so very important. AFA is a way to spread God’s word.”
Mandi has been on board with AFA since the beginning as an encourager, financial supporter and cheerleader. Amy has no better fan than her older sister.
Amy’s running has always been an inspiration to Mandi, even before she set her sights on running for God.
Mandi has run multiple 5Ks, one 10K and a half-marathon in 2012. She understands the challenges that await while preparing to run her first marathon.
“I know God will train me,” she said. “I want to be obedient to whatever He wants me to do. If that’s run a marathon, then I’ll run a marathon.”
Mandi is asking friends to support AFA financially in her name as she prepares for the Chicago Marathon. Donations can be made on the amyforafrica.com website. Put #mandichicago in the message so it can be counted toward her. All the money goes to the mission.