Promoting physical, spiritual health in youths

Tobacco addiction, poor diets, physical inactivity ... the Rev. Cecil Thomas Jr. sees no end to the list of unhealthy choices facing today's youths.

That's what prompted Thomas, pastor at Second Missionary Baptist Church in Cape Girardeau, to organize a walk-a-thon to promote physical health and spiritual fitness in young people.

The event will be held at 5 a.m. May 13 at the Osage trail.

Thomas and other members of his congregation will walk a 9-mile stretch of the trail as part of the first Outreach Mission's Youth Activity Fellowship Walk.

Thomas said the event promotes adopting healthy behavior habits among youth at an early age, hopefully preventing illnesses such as cancer and heart disease in later life.

The church is soliciting $10 donations for the walk-a-thon. The money raised will go toward summer activities, after-school programs and prevention programs for local youth.

"I have a lot of young people who really need this help," Thomas said.

The walk-a-thon fund-raiser is just part of the church's plan to expand interest into the community, said Thomas. Eventually, he said, he hopes to see the congregation involved in a public housing project and the construction of a community center on 8.8 acres of land owned by the church.

Thomas served as interim pastor at Second Missionary until February, when he was officially installed as the pastor.

The community is invited to attend the walk-a-thon. For more information, call the church at 335-1915. The church is at 835 Beaudean Lane in Cape Girardeau.

cmiller@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 128