Contact: Craig McDonald, Christian Freedom International, 906-253-2336

SAULT STE. MARIE, Mich., Sept. 14 /Christian Newswire/ -- Ian Wright, an avid supporter of the humanitarian organization Christian Freedom International (CFI), will head up a run for the ministry's benefit in the famous New York City Marathon on November 7, 2010.

The goal of Wright's race, which has been titled "Run for the Persecuted," is to raise at least $17,000 to help complete construction of CFI's Bible School in Mae Hon Son, Thailand. CFI, a Michigan-based organization with a mission to assist persecuted Christians around the world, has worked actively among ethnic Christians in Burma and Thailand for over 10 years. The ministry provides food, medical care, educational opportunities, and emergency relief aid for displaced Karen and Karenni Christians who have suffered for decades under the genocidal wrath of Burma's military regime. Although the Mae Hon Son Bible School has become a popular training ground for persecuted Karenni youth who are seeking a strong Christian education, a lack of funding has prevented the complete construction of the school's facilities.

Wright is seeking 2,000 sponsors to support him in the 26-mile race on November 7, claiming that if each contributor donates $1 for every mile of the race, the funds would far exceed the total amount needed to complete the Bible School's construction. "With the current financial climate, asking people for $1...a mile is not a big ask," says Wright. "By running every mile of the marathon, we know we are making a big difference in kids' lives. This is an opportunity for people to get behind this marathon and partner with us in running it. I feel that we need to stand up, stand out, and help these kids with no voice."

Wright is a financial and PR assistant to Bluetree, an Irish Christian rock band most known for their popular hit song, "God of This City." The band has also become an outspoken supporter of CFI and the persecuted church in recent months, after visiting CFI's "Crisis in Burma" tent exhibition at the Big Ticket Festival in Michigan last summer.

The New York City Marathon attracts over 100,000 professional and amateur athletes from around the world each year. For more information about the race, visit www.nycmarathon.org.  

To pledge a donation for the "Run for the Persecuted," or to learn more about CFI's work in Burma and Thailand, visit www.christianfreedom.org.