The Manna 5k brought all ages of people from Searcy to raise money for the Manna Christian School in the Dominican Republic.

“A lot of the teens just have bad home lives and they need a place where they can learn about God and have a great education and just be surrounded by love; I think that is why they started the school there like Manna Gold Ministries,” said O’Niel.

The Cloverdale Church of Christ has been ministering for the Dominican Republic for 15 years now. The run is a new type of fundraiser for them.

“It seems like races really bring people together in ways you have never expected because like your all sweaty and stinky and you just ran a good ways and you’re cheering each other on and motivating each other, so it just really brings you together,” said O’Niel.

This race was not the first time Naomi got sweaty for a cause, last summer she traveled with a team for her church.

“At first, before I went to the Dominican Republic, I was thinking I’m willing to go there so I can be a light and show Christ to these people, but it’s really ironic because I really saw Christ in them and they showed Christ to me,” said O’Niel.

Naomi couldn’t stop talking about the amazing kids and teens, like Ranger and Ana, who opened her eyes to things we all take for granted.

“She lives in the dumps and you wouldn’t expect her to have a lot. She got her anklet and then reached down and put it on my ankle. I was like wow; I was so humbled and I learned; it was life changing, I’m not gonna lie, it was a big deal,” said O’Neil.

The new school will help kids get out of the abusive homes slums, or other realities they face every day at home.

“It’s not like you can totally separate them from their world, just like teaching them life skills and to know how to cope with that source. I can’t imagine having to deal with that, but just give them a good place,” said O’Neil.

Even though these people have it rough, they have some things that anyone would envy.

“It’s easy to think they don’t have as much as we do, but in some ways they’re so much richer. I want to be like that, so its life changing to be able to see God working in that way,” said O’Neil. “It’s incredible; I wish everybody could be able to experience that.”

Inspired by the people she met, Naomi O’Neil continues to take strides to help her friends wherever she is.