Out of the Darkness 2006 by Belinda Pauls-Anderson

The Stats--Over 30,000 people in the United States die by suicide every year.
--Every day, approximately 80 Americans take their own life, and 1,500 more attempt to do so.
--Suicide is the fifth leading cause of death among those 5-14 years old.
--Suicide is the third leading cause of death among those 15-24 years old.

The Challenge and the Hope
August 12th – 13, 2006 is the 2006 Out of Darkness Walk. in Chicago thousands of people will walk 20 miles overnight and into the dawn to help shed light on suicide, its impact and its prevention for Suicide Prevention. Each walker agrees to raise at least $1,000. Net proceeds will benefit the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, to fund research, education, survivor and awareness programs - both to prevent suicide and to assist those affected by suicide.

Death by suicide is on an alarming rise in the young adult and senior population. These are the very people we live with, work with and attend church with. Choosing to end one’s life by suicide testifies to a tragic brokenness. Life is God’s good and precious gift, yet for some, it appears to be a living hell and all they feel is pain and no hope.

As Christians it is our obligation to protect and promote life. We should encourage others to seek their hope in God. During those times of despair, we need to provide love and support for our troubled brethren…and for this reason I choose to take the challenge…to walk 20 miles through the night.

God has blessed me by connecting me with a spiritual based, company Spirit Inspired that is selling tee shirts silkscreened with her poem, Born for a Purpose, to help raise money for this event. To learn more about the walk and/or make a monetary donation go to …go to support a walker…Belinda Pauls-Anderson. The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention is sponsoring the walk.


Together we can make a difference! It is about faith and trust in God’s promises. We were all “born for a purpose”.

Born for a Purpose

We were born for a purpose,
To do something right.
To provide inspiration
To show Christ’s life.

We were born for a reason,
To Make changes in this world
To proclaim our Lord and Savior,
To tell people God’s word.

We were born in this time.
Determined by God above.
He wanted our spirits here now,
To tell of Christ love.

We were born for a purpose;
Born for this time
God gave us life!
He had a purpose in mind.

Poem (c)2006 Kay Henley