Rich's Bet


My friends Rich and Kristi hesitated to take this trip—you know, it costs money to travel. Both are hardworking and they've raised three terrific kids, along with a few others that they helped along the way. They’ve made good investments in life—the best kind, investments in people. 


Rich and Kristi have taken hundreds of teens on youth group adventures, they work to help others in their community, and Rich drives hundreds of miles a year refereeing games—but those things don’t make you wealthy.


But then a sweet friend offered tickets to the Kentucky Derby. They mulled it over. Should they go? Their travel money could be used in other ways. Their friend was so kind to offer. They said yes.



Arriving at Churchill Downs, they could feel excitement in the air. At the very last minute, a famous thoroughbred withdrew from the race, and Rich Strike was added. Typically, racehorses cost millions, but Rich Strike was purchased for $30,000.00 and had 80-1 odds that he could win. 


Never having been to an elite horse race, Rich didn’t know which one to bet on—but with a horse named Rich, he couldn't help but place a small bet on the horse no one thought could win.


Rich and Kristi sat in the crowd of 175,000 spectators—thunderous shouting ensued during the historic race. No one could even hear the announcers. 



Kristi kept track of the race through her binoculars. Rich asked her how his horse was doing. Rich Strike was almost in last place. Then, all of the sudden, the shouting grew louder. No one knew what was happening. Minutes later, they did. Against all the odds, a horse sharing Rich's name had won. Later they would hear what the announcer had screamed, “Rich Strike is coming up on the inside…Oh my goodness! The longest shot has won the Kentucky Derby!”




A trip Rich and Kristy hesitated to take, became a memory for a lifetime. Rich made a small bet on a long shot—but it paid for their trip. What a blessing. I couldn’t be happier for them.


And that’s how these two do life—they love sharing their love, their faith, and their helping hands. For them, life isn't about the money. And it never will be. I just consider myself blessed to be inspired by their investments that make the world a better place for so many more than just themselves. Rich Strike just happened to bless them too.



photos courtesy of Kristi and Rich.




 

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