In memory of Jake Moeller, his father Farron Moeller hosts an annual No Turning Back Mud Run fundraiser every August. This year’s event will be held Saturday.
Jake Moeller was a diligent follower of Jesus Christ, serving at numerous churches and was a tremendous musician and a youth minister, his father said. But, on his way home from church July 15, 2014, a drunk driver hit Jake Moeller’s vehicle head on, which is when “Jake left Earth and entered through heaven’s gates,” Farron Moeller said.
“Jake loved seeking God’s will. His big thing was youth mission trips. He loved to go on those missionary trips and urged everyone he could to tag along,” Farron Moeller said.
After his son’s passing, Farron Moeller said he found a card taped above Jake’s bed, that read, “I have decided to follow Jesus, NO turning back,” a popular hymn from “Christ is Enough.”
To honor his son and his passion of Christ, Farron Moeller and his family started the No Turning Back non-profit ministry to help college students live a life closer to the Lord and afford missionary trips.
In previous years, the 5K NTB Mud Run has been a challenging course for fitness enthusiasts. However, this year, Farron Moeller said the course is even tougher.
Tire challenges, mud pits and a 16-foot climbing net fill the rugged farm terrain course this year, with the addition of a new element, the polar plunge.
To create the polar plunge, the Moeller family added a large refrigerated truck that produces large amounts of ice that will fill a large pond. The plan is simple, fill the pond with ice cold water as one of the obstacles in the course.
“This year is going to be fun,” Farron Moeller said.
During the 2016 NTB Mud Run event, 550 people participated, a number he believes will increase during this year’s race on Saturday.
The proceeds of the event will fund NTB cash scholarships for multiple college students. Also, a number of youth mission scholarships will be awarded to help children attend mission trips like Jake Moeller would have wanted, his father said.
The cost to enter a competitive heat is $45 per runner while open heats will cost $40. To register, visit the NTB Mud Run Facebook page. The 5K mud run will begin at 5 p.m. and take place on the Moeller’s farm, located at 98 Moeller Road in Picayune. As of Wednesday, the forecast for Saturday afternoon is 88 degrees.