We just received these pictures from Dr. Stanley, who's currently in Kenya. These are the first looks at the land that Tumaini is helping Muia's family to acquire.
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Tuesday, April 29, 2014
Saturday, March 8, 2014
24 Hours
In 24 hours, Peggy, Cindy and Marites will be starting their 26.2 mile journey. In reality, that journey started months ago. A marathon, we've learned, is so much more than just the 26.2 miles. Running requires life adjustments and sacrifices. These ladies have given so much and are now so close to finishing their task.
Because of so many people's generosity, this run will now be celebratory run. They are now blessed to know that their efforts have not been for naught...Muia and his family will have a new home.
Please pray for them:
Because of so many people's generosity, this run will now be celebratory run. They are now blessed to know that their efforts have not been for naught...Muia and his family will have a new home.
Please pray for them:
- Strength and stamina to complete the race
- Protection from any injuries
- Peace in their hearts
- Joy in knowing that they've been using by God for His greater purpose
- Port-a-potties that are clean and have short lines
Wednesday, March 5, 2014
YOU Did It!!!
You have all reached the goal!!! In fact, you blew right past it. We currently sit at $9,047 raised, which doesn't count money that had been pledged but not yet paid.
If you sense a lack of emotion in this post, it's because I'm still dumbstruck. We actually reached the goal on Sunday but I'd held off on posting so that we could, 1) Confirm the totals, and 2) Notify Dr. Stanley and Rose in person, which we were able to do last night.
Now, Tumaini has the "good problem" of determining how best to use the additional funds. As Dr. Stanley shared with us last night, one of Tumaini's preferences is to invest in more sustainable solutions. In this case, that may mean helping the family to start a crop or with some livestock. Or, perhaps the mother and/or older children will receive vocational training. The staff in Tumaini will assess the family's situation and determine the best course of action.
Now, Tumaini has the "good problem" of determining how best to use the additional funds. As Dr. Stanley shared with us last night, one of Tumaini's preferences is to invest in more sustainable solutions. In this case, that may mean helping the family to start a crop or with some livestock. Or, perhaps the mother and/or older children will receive vocational training. The staff in Tumaini will assess the family's situation and determine the best course of action.
Please continue to check back here (blog or Facebook) for further updates. This has never been just about raising funds. Through this money, a family will be saved and their lives transformed forever. We plan to provide updates at least until the family is settled in their new home. For all of your contributions and prayers, that's the least you should expect and what we hope to provide.
This coming Sunday is the Marathon. Please pray for Cindy and Peggy as they complete this task!
Saturday, February 22, 2014
Fundraising Progress
As I'd reported here (http://milesformuia.blogspot.com/2014/02/valley-christian-church-overflowing.html), we had an amazing outpouring of support for Muia's family at church last Sunday. And now....the numbers are in.
[Cue drumroll....]
We have now $5,629 toward the goal of $8,500. Even as I look at the tally and check each of the names and amounts, I have a hard time believing the total. Much of that total was from members of Valley Christian Church but there we also received surprise contributions from San Diego, Palos Verdes, Sierra Madre and even from as far as away as Virginia. I say surprise, but, to be honest, every single donation comes as a surprise. I wish I could fully convey how encouraging and inspiring it is to witness such an outpouring of faith we've seen in the people's responses.
In my study time this morning, I read:
Thank you all for your support and continued prayers. May God be glorified "in many acts of thanksgiving"! We're 2/3 of the way there....please pass the word so the blessings may continue to abound.
[Cue drumroll....]
We have now $5,629 toward the goal of $8,500. Even as I look at the tally and check each of the names and amounts, I have a hard time believing the total. Much of that total was from members of Valley Christian Church but there we also received surprise contributions from San Diego, Palos Verdes, Sierra Madre and even from as far as away as Virginia. I say surprise, but, to be honest, every single donation comes as a surprise. I wish I could fully convey how encouraging and inspiring it is to witness such an outpouring of faith we've seen in the people's responses.
In my study time this morning, I read:
The person who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the person who sows generously will also reap generously. Each person should do as he has decided in his heart—not reluctantly or out of necessity, for God loves a cheerful giver....For the ministry of this service is not only supplying the needs of the saints, but is also overflowing in many acts of thanksgiving to God.
2 Co 9:6–7,12
Thank you all for your support and continued prayers. May God be glorified "in many acts of thanksgiving"! We're 2/3 of the way there....please pass the word so the blessings may continue to abound.
Miles for Muia Video
Here's a video that we shared with our church last Sunday, Feb. 16th. Please feel free to pass it along.
To support Muia and his Family: http://grouprev.com/milesformuia
To find out more about Tumaini: http://www.tumainiinternational.org/
To support Muia and his Family: http://grouprev.com/milesformuia
To find out more about Tumaini: http://www.tumainiinternational.org/
Thursday, February 20, 2014
20 Mile Training
Last Friday, we watched Spirit of the Marathon, which is a documentary that followed runners preparing for the Chicago marathon. I think Peggy and Cindy found comfort in knowing that they're not alone in our struggles, doubts and feelings. Several people interviewed remarked that the marathon is the ultimate test of the human will and and of our bodies. Whether you're a record holder or a novice, there comes a point when you hit wall and at which you must push through.
Yesterday, Cindy and Peggy ran 20 miles. Each had a number of reasons why they shouldn't have run or shouldn't have finished. They pushed through and they did finish. It certainly wasn't easy. It wasn't by sheer will, rather it is by faith. By faith they responded to a need; and by faith, they have been equipped.
Please continue to pray for these two awesome ladies as the marathon nears (2.5 weeks!).
If you are interested in donating to support Muia and his family, for whom they're running, please click here.
Yesterday, Cindy and Peggy ran 20 miles. Each had a number of reasons why they shouldn't have run or shouldn't have finished. They pushed through and they did finish. It certainly wasn't easy. It wasn't by sheer will, rather it is by faith. By faith they responded to a need; and by faith, they have been equipped.
Please continue to pray for these two awesome ladies as the marathon nears (2.5 weeks!).
If you are interested in donating to support Muia and his family, for whom they're running, please click here.
Monday, February 17, 2014
Valley Christian Church: Overflowing Blessings
Yesterday, during our Sunday services, we "spotlighted" Miles for Muia, which included an 8-minute video (which will be shared shortly) and invited people to find out more after each service.
The response was overwhelming. After each service, the tables were crowded with people wanting to know how they can help. By the end of the day, more than 45 people/families (that we know of) had signed up to help, many of whom gave us money on the spot. Many others just handed us cash as they walked by. (For those who aren't familiar, Valley isn't a large church. On a typical Sunday, we may have 300 people between the two services.)
The Valley family has, again and again, proven their faithfulness to His calling and been generous with His gifts. But it would have been unfair to expect too much of them. Had I dared to form an expectation, I'm sure it wouldn't have been this great. Once again, I underestimated God's and His people's faithfulness.
Each response was special and touching but, I couldn't help but to be affected by some more than others. There's the girl who donated $2.60 - she will not be denied the opportunity to help this family across the world. Then there's the man who handed over a crisp $100 bill and asked for no acknowledgement. I was told of a woman who left the service in tears and felt compelled to give $400, in faith. Or maybe it was the couple who had just made a large donation to support the youth at our church and committed to donate another large donation for Muia's family.
In the end, each name on the list of contributors meant something special. Each person responded in love to God for this family they've never met. In the end, it wasn't the number of dollars that overwhelmed me. What humbled me was the realization that we put out a call for help and the church responded so resoundingly, "Here we are!"
The response was overwhelming. After each service, the tables were crowded with people wanting to know how they can help. By the end of the day, more than 45 people/families (that we know of) had signed up to help, many of whom gave us money on the spot. Many others just handed us cash as they walked by. (For those who aren't familiar, Valley isn't a large church. On a typical Sunday, we may have 300 people between the two services.)
The Valley family has, again and again, proven their faithfulness to His calling and been generous with His gifts. But it would have been unfair to expect too much of them. Had I dared to form an expectation, I'm sure it wouldn't have been this great. Once again, I underestimated God's and His people's faithfulness.
Each response was special and touching but, I couldn't help but to be affected by some more than others. There's the girl who donated $2.60 - she will not be denied the opportunity to help this family across the world. Then there's the man who handed over a crisp $100 bill and asked for no acknowledgement. I was told of a woman who left the service in tears and felt compelled to give $400, in faith. Or maybe it was the couple who had just made a large donation to support the youth at our church and committed to donate another large donation for Muia's family.
In the end, each name on the list of contributors meant something special. Each person responded in love to God for this family they've never met. In the end, it wasn't the number of dollars that overwhelmed me. What humbled me was the realization that we put out a call for help and the church responded so resoundingly, "Here we are!"
Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?”NOTE: We are confirming the contributions collected and committed (some pledged and will provide the money at a later date). Based on the contributions we in hand, we may already have enough to look into purchasing the land.
And I said, “Here am I. Send me!” (Isa 6:8)
Wednesday, February 12, 2014
Status Update (26 Days to go)
With 25 days to go until the marathon, here's the current status:
- 283 miles run in training
- 20 financial donors
- $3,021 donated (36% of Goal)
- 146 "likes" in Facebook
- One broken bone
- Countless prayers
Monday, February 10, 2014
Course Route
Yesterday, we drove the marathon route. Starting from Dodger Stadium, we then headed through Chinatown, by Olvera Street, passed Little Tokyo, connected to Sunset through Hollywood, through Beverly Hills (via Rodeo Drive), passed the VA Hospital in Westwood, then finished down San Vicente to Ocean Avenue in Santa Monica. Here's the course map if you're interested:http://www.lamarathon.com/event/course-map/
Driving the route was helpful to Peggy and Cindy even if some of the hills seemed overwhelming. But knowing that they have the final stretch, which is mostly downhill over the last three miles should help to get them over the humps.
Mike and Rick now have a better idea of where we can plan to meet up with the ladies to encourage and exchange supplies. Less than 4 weeks until the race!
It's a looooooooong distance no matter how you look at it. But by God's grace and strength, Cindy and Peggy are going to do it!
Driving the route was helpful to Peggy and Cindy even if some of the hills seemed overwhelming. But knowing that they have the final stretch, which is mostly downhill over the last three miles should help to get them over the humps.
Mike and Rick now have a better idea of where we can plan to meet up with the ladies to encourage and exchange supplies. Less than 4 weeks until the race!
It's a looooooooong distance no matter how you look at it. But by God's grace and strength, Cindy and Peggy are going to do it!
Sunday, February 2, 2014
16 Miles!
Yesterday, 2/1/14, Cindy and Peggy ran 16 miles. We had used a handy site (www.mapmyride.com) to pick out a route based on distance (16 miles) and elevation (minimal, in this case, ~119 feet). It wasn't until we drove out to the starting point for the route that we realized just how far 16 miles is. Thankfully, the weather was beautiful (60 F with a slight breeze) and the route along the Santa Ana river was almost perfect.
Aside from some discomfort in their legs (I mean, who wouldn't have discomfort!?!), they did marvelously. Now, a day later, they feel great. We're all greatly encouraged as they get closer to the marathon in both time and distance.
Here are a couple of pictures:
To get an idea of the route in 3D (thanks to Google Earth!)
Aside from some discomfort in their legs (I mean, who wouldn't have discomfort!?!), they did marvelously. Now, a day later, they feel great. We're all greatly encouraged as they get closer to the marathon in both time and distance.
Here are a couple of pictures:
To get an idea of the route in 3D (thanks to Google Earth!)
Monday, January 27, 2014
Faithful Love
My Marvelous Wife
Over the 12 years we've been married, I've had many reasons to marvel at my wife, Peggy. However, never before have I been more touched and inspired. Ever since she made the decision to run the L.A. Marathon to raise awareness and funds to acquire land and build a home for a family in Kenya, she has steadfastly and selflessly dedicated her life to that single cause.
Over the 12 years we've been married, I've had many reasons to marvel at my wife, Peggy. However, never before have I been more touched and inspired. Ever since she made the decision to run the L.A. Marathon to raise awareness and funds to acquire land and build a home for a family in Kenya, she has steadfastly and selflessly dedicated her life to that single cause.
(The remainder of this post can be found at: http://www.raceandtask.com/2014/01/faithful-love.html)
Wednesday, January 22, 2014
Luke's Advice
Luke asked me to post this on his behalf:
how can i help muia
please get people to know about this site
tell neighbors, family, and friends
please this is for a good cause
we are trying to get 8,500 dollars
so far we have 2,017 so we need your help
this is also on youtube (http://youtu.be/pSkrQ0PwzHY)
as you see we need to get him money to build a house when he is old enough he will build a house and take care of his family
so after he builds he would need to buy chickens,cows, and others. ETC.
so plz only you can make a difference for muia
Tuesday, January 21, 2014
Thank you Mr. Allen!
Luke came home proudly holding a five dollar bill. By his excitement, I knew something special had happened. Not a moment after I got off the phone, he exclaimed, "Mr. Allen [our neighbor] wants to give this to Muia!" Earlier in the day, Luke had decided to donate $26 of his own money toward Muia. But that wasn't enough. He wanted to everyone he came in contact with to know Muia's needs. He went on a couple of games he plays and posted to his "clan" encouraging them to "google miles for muia." Back in the real (as opposed to virtual) world, he made flyers that he wanted to post around the neighborhood. It was while putting up flyers that he got to share Muia's story with "Mr. Allen."
He caused me to be proud and humbled at the same time. As a father, few things bring me greater joy than knowing that he's grown into such a selfless and generous boy. For myself, I'm humbled knowing that I lack his boldness in sharing this opportunity with people.
He caused me to be proud and humbled at the same time. As a father, few things bring me greater joy than knowing that he's grown into such a selfless and generous boy. For myself, I'm humbled knowing that I lack his boldness in sharing this opportunity with people.
If anyone's interested in supporting Muia financially, tax-deductible donations can be made here: http://grouprev.com/milesformuia. Thank you, as always, for your continued prayers and support.
Saturday, January 18, 2014
River Run (10 Miles)
Today, Cindy and Peggy reached another milestone. They ran 10 miles! The last time they attempted this milestone was when Peggy broke her ankle, which was 8 weeks ago.
Early in the morning, we piled into our SUV and the Hoversons' van with the kids and our bikes. While Peggy and Cindy ran, Mike and I rode with the kids. We felt the hills in our thighs, so we marveled all the more at these two amazing ladies.
For those of you wondering, they completed the 10 miles in 2 Hours 7 Minutes. Peggy's ankle/foot held up fine.
View Larger Map
Early in the morning, we piled into our SUV and the Hoversons' van with the kids and our bikes. While Peggy and Cindy ran, Mike and I rode with the kids. We felt the hills in our thighs, so we marveled all the more at these two amazing ladies.
For those of you wondering, they completed the 10 miles in 2 Hours 7 Minutes. Peggy's ankle/foot held up fine.
View Larger Map
Tuesday, January 14, 2014
Tough and Determined
Cindy and Peggy walked/jogged 4 miles both yesterday and today. For those who've been following their training, that's not a big deal. What is a big deal is that Cindy has had a stomach flu and a fever. It's amazing to witness these two ladies demonstrate how we're to rely on God's providence to do His will.
Lord, I pray that you will continue to sustain them through this journey on which they've embarked for Your glory. And for those who do not understand what would drive Peggy and Cindy to make such sacrifices, may they come to discover You; May they come to understand the changes you inspire in your disciples. In Your Son's name...
Lord, I pray that you will continue to sustain them through this journey on which they've embarked for Your glory. And for those who do not understand what would drive Peggy and Cindy to make such sacrifices, may they come to discover You; May they come to understand the changes you inspire in your disciples. In Your Son's name...
Sunday, January 12, 2014
Back to Training
Last week, Peggy and Cindy resumed their training. Last Saturday, seven weeks after Peg broke her ankle, they walked/jogged eight miles. Her ankle/foot feels fine. The soreness stems mainly from painting (up and down a step ladder) than any of the training. Peggy continues to wear the brace prescribed by the doctor. In addition, she has been using compression socks, which many runner favor.
Praise God! Cindy and Peggy are more determined than ever to finish the marathon.
We had another surprise donation of $200 last week, raising our total to $1,882, or 22% of our goal. We're not sure how, but we've little doubt that the goal will be reached.
Praise God! Cindy and Peggy are more determined than ever to finish the marathon.
We had another surprise donation of $200 last week, raising our total to $1,882, or 22% of our goal. We're not sure how, but we've little doubt that the goal will be reached.
Wednesday, January 1, 2014
Amazing News x2
Today, at the start of the new year, we have the most amazing news to report.
#1: Dear friends of ours generously donated $1,000. By any standards, that's a lot of money. In their words, they realized how much more that means to a family like Muia's than anything that it represents for us here in America. The money can completely uproot them from their dire circumstances and give them hope for the future. Thank you Jeff and Andrea for the love and compassion you've always shown and are showing now with your generosity!!
#2: Peg is off her boot and had her left shoe on for the first time since the injury. As you can imagine, it felt weird and she's still walking gingerly with a brace. But that didn't stop her from going to the gym and putting in some on the bike and elliptical. She's determined to run (or at least walk) the marathon this year. Soon, she hopes to be able to begin training on the roads again with Cindy. Please keep them in your prayers.
Friends, we're so encouraged. Both of these updates add to our certainty that this will happen. Together, we WILL have enough to acquire a home for Muia's family and completely change their lives for the better.
Praise God and thank you all for your continued support and prayers. Happy New Year, indeed!
#1: Dear friends of ours generously donated $1,000. By any standards, that's a lot of money. In their words, they realized how much more that means to a family like Muia's than anything that it represents for us here in America. The money can completely uproot them from their dire circumstances and give them hope for the future. Thank you Jeff and Andrea for the love and compassion you've always shown and are showing now with your generosity!!
#2: Peg is off her boot and had her left shoe on for the first time since the injury. As you can imagine, it felt weird and she's still walking gingerly with a brace. But that didn't stop her from going to the gym and putting in some on the bike and elliptical. She's determined to run (or at least walk) the marathon this year. Soon, she hopes to be able to begin training on the roads again with Cindy. Please keep them in your prayers.
Friends, we're so encouraged. Both of these updates add to our certainty that this will happen. Together, we WILL have enough to acquire a home for Muia's family and completely change their lives for the better.
Praise God and thank you all for your continued support and prayers. Happy New Year, indeed!
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