The Mineola Nature Preserve is the perfect venue for the New Hope Baptist Church’s upcoming 5K youth program fundraiser, according to Youth Minister Brennan Margos.

“The natural beauty of the preserve speaks for itself,” Margos said. “It is a quiet place to get away and enjoy nature, right in the heart of the Piney Woods of East Texas. It’s a great place for family and friends to go on a walk or run, all while supporting their local youth group.”

The race will be held Saturday, March 28, starting at 8 a.m. at the Mineola Nature Preserve, 1860 CR 2724.

Hosting a 5K fundraiser was inspired by the cultural shift toward better health, Margos said.

“People are living longer than they have in the past, in part due to being more health conscious,” Margos said. “We wanted to put together a good fundraiser for our community that allows us to get outside in nature while making our bodies healthier. A 5K is a great way to involve the community while spreading the good news of Jesus and His saving grace.”

Kona Ice will also attend the race, offering refreshments during and afterward.

Proceeds from the fundraiser will support the church’s youth group and their upcoming summer trip to Branson, Mo.

“We want the kids to go see the Sight and Sound Theatre, and see the King David show,” Margos said. “Sight and Sound is a great way to present how good our God is, and how He is in control over every situation in our life. We will also take the kids to see the Great Passion Play in Eureka Springs, Ark. This is a detailed showing of the last week of Jesus’ life. We want the students to know what Jesus went through. This shows us His humanity to all and how He sacrificed Himself on the cross for our sins. In short, this trip will teach our students to know who Jesus is, and be better able to tell His story to our community.”

Margos said he hopes participating youth remember the trip for the rest of their lives.

“Our students will learn to rely on each other, to build community with one another, and to share what they have learned in a safe and controlled environment,” Margos said. “They can then take what they have learned back to their schools, with the ultimate goal of working on their personal evangelism with each other and sharing with those that are not Christians.”

There are about 13 to 15 families who participate in the youth group program. The church typically hosts around 25 students on Wednesday nights.

For more information on the race, to sign up, or to support the youth program directly, visit www.nhbcmineola.com. 

“Every dollar that is raised will support these kids in their mission to know and make Jesus’ name known,” Margos said. “Another way to get involved is to attend our services. This is going to be the best way to put your eyes on how we do things. We provide church vans for rides if anyone is unable to drive for any reason.”

New Hope Baptist Church is located at 3855 FM 1801 in Mineola. Sunday services include an early service at 8:30 a.m., Sunday School at 9:45 a.m., morning service at 10:50 a.m., and evening service at 6 p.m. A nursery is available for Sunday School and the 10:50 a.m. service. For more information, Margos can be reached directly at 903-850-3821.