Jeph Abara, a member of St. Alban’s, worshiping in Theatre Arlington, is featured in a February 17, 2015, story in the Fort Worth Star-Telegram: Man’s love of running may be saving his life.
The story begins,”Running is Jeph Abara’s life. It’s also one of the reasons the 70-year-old Arlington man is alive and doing so well today, his doctor says.”
The story continues. “’Every day is a gift from God. Tomorrow may never arrive, whether you are healthy or not,” Abara said.
“Abara said he has drawn strength from his fellow runners, his friends and family, and his faith. His mantra for his journey has been “prayer and power, fathomless faith, the miracle of medicine, and God’s grace and goodness.”
“’I believe no matter what the outcome of this whole thing is, through the love of God all is well,’ Abara said. ‘[You have to have a positive mental attitude and have to believe the one who made us is around and will watch over us. You have to have that faith and positive mental thinking.’ ”
At. St. Alban’s, Abara chairs the Outreach Committee and, said senior warden Sue Stevens Durbac, “is very committed. He never misses a Sunday and he is always there at the front greeting people; if a visitor comes in he welcomes them and makes sure the church leaders know. Outreach is his passion. He does not hesitate to come to vestry to defend the outreach budget!
Teri Klebba Brown from Lousiana knows him from running, and posted a comment on the Fort Worth Star-Telegram’s online version of the story:
“I am so proud to call this man my friend. He was organizing a team for Relay for Life way before he was diagnosed with cancer. I have been a member of his team for nearly 20 years. As a cancer survivor myself, he inspires me to be the best I can and to do the best I can. He’s always about the other guy, always there to help someone else. When he asks you to help out his cause, because he is so passionate, you know there is no way you can refuse!”