Running For Hope

🌍 Our Vision

To empower the disabled and disadvantaged—mind, body, and spirit—to rise above limitations and live with dignity, purpose, and hope.

💙 Our Mission
1. Spiritual Transformation
2. Physical Care
3. Mental Health Support

Discover how we bring healing, help, and hope to those in need.
👉 www.runningforhope.org

As an association committed to defending the rights of people with disabilities and the most vulnerable, while proclaiming the Good News of Jesus Christ, Running for Hope expresses its deep sorrow over the recent tragedy in Lyon, France.

Ashur Sarnaya, a courageous Christian who fled persecution in Iraq, had found a new home in Lyon. Though confined to a wheelchair, he lived with strength and faith, boldly sharing the message of Christ. On September 10, 2025, while returning to his building, he was attacked and stabbed in the neck. In his final moments, he was doing what he loved most — proclaiming the hope of the Gospel on TikTok. His testimony lives on, even in death.

This painful event reminds us that so many of the weakest in society—those living with disability, fragility, or isolation—face daily injustice and violence. Yet in the eyes of our Savior, they are infinitely precious. Jesus said:
“Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” (Matthew 25:40, NIV)

We believe that the cross of Christ gives meaning even in the darkest of times. Where the world sees despair, we see the promise of resurrection. Where hatred seeks to destroy, we proclaim the victorious love of God.

The Lord has already spoken to His people about this reality. In Revelation 6:9–10, we read of the souls of those slain for the Word of God:
“They called out in a loud voice, ‘How long, Sovereign Lord, holy and true, until you judge the inhabitants of the earth and avenge our blood?’”
The blood of martyrs has a voice before God, crying out for justice. The Lord does not forget blood shed for His name—He remembers and responds in His perfect time.

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Christ Himself Is Their Defender

Jesus said:
“There is a judge for the one who rejects me and does not accept my words; the very words I have spoken will condemn them at the last day.” (John 12:48, NIV)

He does not abandon His children who are martyred for His sake. Even if justice is delayed, He will reveal His righteousness at the appointed time. As Jesus promised in Luke 18:7–8:
“Will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? … I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly.”

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Biblical Witnesses
• Abel’s blood: God said to Cain, “Your brother’s blood cries out to me from the ground” (Genesis 4:10). If the blood of one righteous man cries out, how much more the blood of those who died for Christ!
• Stephen: the first martyr of the New Testament (Acts 7:54–60). As he forgave his killers, Christ stood at the right hand of the Father to receive him. His death bore fruit in the salvation of Saul of Tarsus, later known as Paul.
• Revelation 12:11: “They triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death.”

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How Christ Defends the Shed Blood
1. Justice and judgment: Christ will return as the Righteous Judge, bringing judgment on those who shed innocent blood (Revelation 19:11–16).
2. Eternal reward: Those martyred for His name will receive the crown of life (Revelation 2:10) and a place of honor around the throne (Revelation 7:9–17).
3. Spiritual victory now: Time and again, the blood of martyrs fuels the spread of the Gospel. As Tertullian declared: “The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the Church.”

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Christ does not promise that our earthly lives will always be preserved. But He does promise that no life given for His sake is wasted. Every drop of blood shed for Him will bear fruit, serve as a witness against evil, and glorify His name. As Scripture declares:
“It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. (Romans 12:19, NIV)

The blood of the martyrs will never be forgotten. It is remembered before the throne of God as a testimony of faithfulness, a crown of glory for Christ, and a blessing for His Church.

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In faith and hope,
Running for Hope