UPDATE, May 26, 2005

The Rev. Clint Schnekloth, pastor of East Koshkonong Lutheran Church in Cambridge, Wis., clocked in at 3 hours and 8 minutes in Wisconsin’s annual 20-mile Syttende Mai race, held May 14. But the measure of his success was not limited to his impressive time. Schnekloth ran for a much more meaningful purpose: to increase awareness of immigrant and refugee issues and raise pledges for the work of both Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service and local affiliate Lutheran Social Services of Wisconsin and Upper Michigan.

Grabbing both local and national attention for his run, Schnekloth was profiled in multiple newspaper articles and raised over $1,900. In a message to LIRS Schnekloth said of the experience, “The past two or three weeks have been incredibly uplifting and inspiring. I hope that my run and fund-raising will inspire you to continue strong in your work, for it is the Lord’s work, and worth doing.”

Syttende Mai, translated 17th of May, commemorates the day in 1814 when the Norwegian Constitution was signed, giving Norway independence from its 500-year union with Denmark. Schnekloth chose the event honoring his congregation’s immigrant heritage as an appropriate time to support the work of agencies that welcome today’s immigrants to America.